One of the largest book printers in the world chooses Agfa's chemistry-free CtP solution as part of its long term production strategy.

Agfa Graphics announced today that Hirakawa-Kogyosya (Tokyo, Japan), one of the largest sheed-fed printers operating in Japan, has installed the :Avalon N8 platesetter with :Azura TS chemistry free plates from Agfa Graphics. :Azura TS builds on the :Azura ThermoFuse technology and offers a productivity comparable with conventional thermal plates.

"We are not only proud but also convinced that Hirakawa-Kogyosya has made the right choice with our environment-friendly solution", said Hiroyuki Matsuishi, president of Agfa Japan. "We have had a strong relationship with Hirakawa-Kogyosya for more than 10 years because they are the world's largest Agfa Graphics' Supermaster Plus user. They are known for their high quality standards throughout Japan. This agreement is a confirmation that our technology meets the highest standards."

"We were interested in :Azura already 4 years ago, when we first installed a CtP system. Unfortunately at that time the ThermoFuse plates could not meet our production volumes," said Yushi Wada, Managing Director of Hirakawa-Kogyosya. "Now with :Azura TS we are impressed with the productivity and the efficiency of the whole system. :Avalon N8 is our 4th CtP system. We recently received the 'Clione Mark' that rewards eco-friendly production activities for the printing industry. All that was possible with :Azura TS. And the next step will be the installation of Agfa Graphics' Sublima screening for an even higher quality printing result."

"We all know that the concern about the environmental impact of our industry is an important decision factor," Hiroyuki Matsuishi continuous. ":Azura and :Azura TS sales have doubled every year since its introduction in Japan in 2005. It is now installed with 150 commercial printers and one newspaper company. With this agreement Agfa Graphics strengthens its position in Japan with more than 90% market share for chemistry-free or non-process plates."