Agfa-Gevaert’s recent acquisition of UK-based Inca Digital Printers signals a decisive step to strengthen its position in high-speed digital printing and bring an additional focus on packaging printing markets.
Inca Digital Printers is the developer and manufacturer of advanced high-speed printing and production technologies for sign and display applications, as well as for the rapidly growing digital printing market for packaging. It brings a complementary portfolio of printing technologies and a solid technological platform to launch single-pass printing presses for the packaging market.
“The Inca acquisition is a major step in Agfa’s transformation. Digital printing is a profitable growth engine for the group with tremendous potential that will be further accelerated by the addition of Inca,” commented Pascal Juéry, president and CEO of the Agfa-Gevaert Group.
The acquisition encompassed the portfolio of existing high-speed, multi-pass printers, including a strong service organisation, a newly designed line of single-pass printers for several packaging applications as well as the joint development of a customised inline print engine in collaboration with leading corrugator manufacturer BHS Corrugated.
Stephen Tunnicliffe-Wilson, CEO and CTO of Inca Digital Printers, said: “The acquisition by Agfa allows us to combine our technological know-how and will enable us to become a leading digital packaging press manufacturer worldwide. Our new parent has shown a long-term commitment to the digital printing market, and we are extremely proud and look forward to becoming part of the Agfa family.”
Vincent Wille, President of Agfa’s Digital Print and Chemicals Division, added: “The combination of Inca Digital’s manufacturing know-how and Agfa’s technical expertise, worldwide presence and excellent service networks will allow us to bring unparalleled printing solutions to our customers and to adapt seamlessly to their needs in this rapidly evolving space. This investment leverages and strengthens our position in the high-end and high-speed wide-format market and specifically in the promising packaging segment.”
