Agfa to Phase Out CTP Production in Wilmington, Mass.

Agfa Graphics announced that it plans to stop the development and production of computer-to-plate equipment in Wilmington, Mass. “This decision is part of our strategy to substantially improve our operational efficiency and competitive position in the highly competitive market of prepress equipment,” says Stefaan Vanhooren, president of Agfa Graphics.

Agfa Graphics will continue to distribute total solutions to its customers (including a new range of printing plates, equipment, software and service) and has therefore extended its OEM relationship with one of the main manufacturers of commercial computer-to-plate equipment. The new wider range of innovative platesetters, replacing Agfa’s high-end equipment portfolio :Avalon, will be available at the drupa World Exhibition in June.

After having considered all options, Agfa Graphics has informed its employees that it intends to phase out the Wilmington’s factory workload. A redundancy plan has been developed for the approximately 150 employees involved, mainly in R&D, production and related departments. Other Agfa Graphics operations in the U.S. such as service, IT, sales and marketing will continue to operate from the site.