Gent (Belgium), August 22, 2008 – EskoArtwork today announces it has closed on the acquisition of Mikkelsen GraphicEngineering, Inc. (MGE), the industry reference in vision controlled finishing solutions for cutting tables in the sign-making, screen-printing and digital printing marketplaces. No financial details will be disclosed for the transaction.  

MGE is the developer of the patented i-cut vision system. Its i-script workflow has become the de-facto international standard through its integration into the RIPs of all major digital flatbed presses. MGE also is EskoArtwork's distributor for the Kongsberg i-XL and i-XE digital converting tables into the US sign & display markets since 2004.

"Following close to four years of intense cooperation, EskoArtwork and MGE will now address and serve the sign&display and screen and digital printing markets as one strong entity", declares Carsten Knudsen, President and CEO of EskoArtwork. Our Kongsberg i-XL and & i-XE digital finishing systems, that incorporate MGE's i-cut vision system, are broadly recognized as leading and powerful solutions to all kinds of converting applications driven by the growing installed base of digital printers. Well over 50% of all Kongsberg tables sold during drupa will be delivered with MGE's intelligent vision system included".

"Getting full access to EskoArtwork's innovative hardware and software technology base and being a part of its global distribution network will improve our abilities to provide the best possible solutions for our customers and partners across all market segments and geographies", adds Steen Mikkelsen, Founder of MGE and now Vice President at EskoArtwork. "The team at MGE and I are looking very much forward to join forces with our EskoArtwork colleagues and to take on the new initiatives we have identified together during the planning of this acquisition."

MGE's operations will be organized as a strategic business unit within the EskoArtwork structure under the leadership of Steen Mikkelsen.