We had an opportunity to sit for a minute and speak with the new top management of Presstek in January at Dusseldorf during the Drupa preview. Our basic question to Jeff Jacobson, President and CEO of Presstek, and Mark Levin, President of the Americas Region, were related to what is Presstek planning in India and how it sees that market?

Jacobson emphasised some of the comments from his presentation: “Most people don’t see the vision of Presstek. There is a real challenge and excitement in how we can grow in the mature markets. At this stage we are planting the seeds.”

As far as the Indian context, Mark Levin said, “We’re committed to growing a position in the Indian market. We have our own local person and we see the Indian market as a growth opportunity for our rock solid technology. Jacobson added that Presstek DI press is a good way for many Indian printers to modernise in one leap. “If you are a printer looking to buy a CtP and a new offset press, the Presstek DI is an opportunity to combine your investment in workflow, CtP and a new press.”

What about the consumable for DI Presses, we asked? Jacobson replied, “Prices in North America and Europe tend to be high than in Asia. When you look at Asia it’s a highly competitive market.” In other words he indicated that the Presstek DI press will have to be sold as a system or solution and that the local Indian price competitiveness on CtP plates will be taken into account. The consumables will sold at
market price. “We have come to India, we are making a commitment. Our products are tried and tested and our DI offset presses combine the investment in workflow, CtP and a new offset press,” he added.

We ended by asking about the Presstek CtP offering in our market. Jacobson said, “Yes, in India we will offer our full portfolio of chemistry-free CtP output devices and plates.”

- Naresh Khanna