PrintPack 2019: Presstek makes its debut

Ian Pollock, director, UK region, Presstek, said, “Since we are new in the country, we needed local support. Since Presstek is owned by Mark Andy now, our obvious first choice in India was FIG.”

First time at the exhibition, Pollock said the responses were positive. “We are a customer-focused company. FIG’s infrastructure is very strong and they are willing to walk the extra mile for a customer. We have to meet customers, address their pain points and give solutions to their pain points,” he said.

Based on his interactions with the customers, Pollock said run lengths are decreasing and printers want fast and profitable solutions to remain competitive. Thus, Presstek is targeting short- and medium-run length print markets.

“It hardly makes sense to do 3,000 sheets with CTP plates. Some jobs are not cost-effective either in litho or in digital because of the run lengths. We have solutions for that segment,” Pollock said.

The company has launched the LED UV version of the digital offset printing press, Presstek 34DI, which provides instant drying with the possibility of widest range of substrates. “This can be used at any platform without pre-treatment. In the market, when everyone is doing the same thing then how will you be competitive? Cost is one of the major factors. Other factors are productivity and quality,” he said.

The machine can print a job at 300-lpi. “Quality jobs increases margins. In our solution, a file goes directly to the press instead of CTP. We provide basic pre-press which is a RIP. General commercial printers do not need anything special,” he added.

In India, the machine has been installed in Ranchi. Another Presstek is at Repro Scan in Mumbai, but this installation took place before the current partnership.