Fujifilm to close final Tilburg offset plate line
Fujifilm is to close the remaining offset plate production line at its Tilburg manufacturing plant in the Netherlands as a result of lower demand.
Print Monthly Consultant Editor
Thursday, 08 Dec 2022 14:50 GMT
Production of plates will be transferred Japan and Chin
Production of plates currently made at the facility will be transferred to factories in Japan and China, after which the production of offset plates in Tilburg will stop, with the process expected to be complete in late 2023.
Fujifilm says the decision came in response to a continuous decrease in the demand for its offset printing plates, caused by the transition to other forms of communication, particularly digital media, as well as the diversification of printed output due to the growth of digital print.
The manufacturer adds that this trend has been accelerated by the effect of the pandemic and the impact this has had on the way people consume print.
“This situation has been further compounded in Europe by raw material cost increases, the volatility of the energy market, and the impact of higher inflation,” Fujifilm says.
“However, there is no doubt that offset printing will remain a critically important production process for many years to come, thanks to its ability to produce high-quality, cost-effective print in highly productive and automated print businesses.
Fujifilm adds that it remains fully committed to keep supplying its offset printing plates into the EMEA market and will also continue to champion an increasing adoption of its processless plates.
“Fujifilm will strive to serve EMEA customers in the best way under the new business set up and will continue to focus its efforts on ways it can contribute to the future of the offset printing market,” the manufacturer says.
If you have an interesting story or a view on this news, then please e-mail
news@printmonthly.co.uk
Follow Rob on:
