HUDSON, N.H., April 27 -- Presstek, Inc., a leading provider of environmentally responsible digital imaging solutions for the graphic arts and laser imaging markets, today announced the appointment of Mark McElhinney as Interim Chief Operating Officer of Lasertel, Inc., Presstek's Tucson, Arizona subsidiary. Mr. McElhinney replaces Bernard Walik, who will be leaving the company. Mr. McElhinney has over eighteen years experience in the laser industry and holds a Ph.D. in molecular beam epitaxy research from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. Mr. McElhinney has been the Vice President of Engineering at Lasertel since January of 2003. Prior to joining Lasertel, Mr. McElhinney was the Director of Engineering at ADC in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota where he oversaw the development and manufacturing of high power laser products. Prior to that, McElhinney was a founder and technical director of Spectracom in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Mr. McElhinney has also worked for Pirelli Cavi in Milan, Italy; Motorola in East Kilbride, Scotland; as well as IBM UK in Greenock, Scotland. He is the author of numerous publications. "Mark has contributed significantly to Lasertel in the short time he has been with the company, and we expect he will be an asset to the Lasertel team in his role as Interim Chief Operating Officer," said Lasertel's President and Chief Executive Officer Edward J. Marino. Mr. Marino is also President and Chief Executive Officer of Presstek, Inc., the parent company of Lasertel. "Mark's diverse professional background lends a high level of experience to his new position and a broad perspective on the industry as a whole. I believe Mark has the right leadership skills to move Lasertel forward and to enhance the company's opportunities." "I am both honored and excited for the opportunity to lead Lasertel in this time of transition," McElhinney said. "I believe our products and technology are second to none, and am looking forward to proving that in the marketplace." McElhinney also announced today the award of a significant purchase order from a major partner valued at close to $1 million. The products involved are high-power, semi-conductor laser diode bars for industrial applications. Commenting on the new order, McElhinney said, "This is an important new customer for Lasertel and furthers our efforts to expand our customer base into the commercial market. This is precisely the type of customer that we plan to continue to identify and develop."