But the firm indicated that it will not chase the B2 market, where it has only a small market share, despite the level of interest that other vendors place on it.

We dont have a big share in 4pp and I dont see us increasing, said chief executive Amos Michelson (pictured). We would like to focus on where the money is and money isnt in 4pp CTP.

It plans to grow its consumables business, which includes plates, by over 50% this year. Last year consumables revenue was 25.7m ($47.3m) plates are becoming a larger share as ink-jet revenues for its Iris printers decline. These were predicted to pick up on the back of the Veris proofer, which is now shipping.

Other growth markets identified by the firm were packaging, newspapers and digital print, with product announcements for Drupa expected later this month.

At Drupa the first fruits of its partnership with Xerox to develop a mixed digital/offset workflow will be shown. Michelson called the systems ability to prepare jobs without committing to either process until the very last minute agile workflow.

Net earnings rose 720% to 6.69m, which included a one-time gain from selling its stake in Printcafe for 6.6m ($12.3m) on revenues up 9% to 84m.

Creo has delivered our best earnings performance in 14 quarters, even before the one-time gain this quarter, said Michelson. We remain focused on growth and in particular on the execution of our digital media strategy.

It is predicting second quarter revenue of around 85m.

Story by Barney Cox