Dusseldorf, Germany – Drupa – 18 May 2004 – Agfa and M-real announced today that they have signed an agreement to install :SherpaProof systems in the M-real printing plants and network partner printers across the world. The agreement extends over a period of three years. The systems will ensure consistent colour package printing via :SherpaProof remote proofing across 40 M-real locations. They comprise :Grand Sherpa 50m digital inkjet proofers, Agfa ink, media and software for colour and quality management. In addition, client management service contracts will ensure flawless and uninterrupted performance of the remote proofing application. Four systems have already been installed, two of which are in operation at M-real’s Prepress Competence Centre PPC at Sint Niklaas, Belgium. PPC prepares plate-ready files for use by M-real printing partners around the world. “We chose Agfa for remote proofing because unlike other vendors they have developed a comprehensive solution and can support it with expert service across the globe,” says M-real’s vice president of Design and Brand Protection/IBP Deals, Luc Van Gestel. “:SherpaProof guarantees a perfect match between the proof and the print result. Most consumer goods companies have a global presence, and we now have the tools to provide global uniformity for their branded products.”