Barco Graphics expects first-half profits to fall by 20% after announcing a 13% dip in sales.


The groups sales fell to 43m (e70m) and orders dropped 4% to 48m.


The firm attributed the problems to a delay shipping the Mondrian, its VLF thermal platesetter. Orders for the PrintStreamer, which is used in Xeikon and its OEMs digital presses, also dried up.


The Mondrian was delayed while Barco improved the calibration of the optical system, resulting in a backlog of 25 machines. Among those is a unit for Clays, St Ives book printing operation, which currently uses four Barco Lithosetter visible light platesetters.


Barco Graphics has begun a restructuring operation to focus on the graphic arts and packaging in particular.


"Our policy is to remove the non-graphics aspect," said managing director Bruno Pairon. "Packaging is dominant we want to be, and are, a leading player in packaging.

Commercial niche is VLF, high throughput and cartography."
Barco Graphics has spun off its PCB product division as part of a joint venture with German firm Mania to form Mania-Barco, of which it holds a 33% stake. Fifty staff from Gent and 82 staff from the former Gerber operation in Connecticut have been transferred.


It centralised sales support in Europe in April, closing call centres in France, Germany and the UK with the loss of 40 jobs.


It is also looking to fill gaps in its product range, particularly an 8pp thermal platesetter for the packaging market.


"Were looking at possible partners in lowest form that would be OEM, but could be a joint venture," said Pairon.


Barco expects to have a product in place by Print 01.


Story by Barney Cox