Consumables revenue grew by 57% compared to the second quarter last year and were up 30.5% on the first quarter 2004, to reach 9.8m ($17.5m). The company attributed growth to additional revenue from acquisitions and increased sales of its Positive Thermal Plate.

Creo chief executive Amos Michelson commented: "We remain focused on the implementation of our digital media strategy and the increased consumables revenue this quarter is confirmation of our progress."

The firm's second quarter revenue was up 11% to 89m ($157.6m). Net earnings were 1.1m, compared with a loss of 657,000 in 2003. Michelson said Euro exchange rate fluctuations had trimmed some 1.1m revenue from its third quarter forecast and that Drupa had prompted some customers to defer purchasing decisions until after the show.

The results cover the fiscal quarter ending March 31 2004.

Story by Ruth Nicholas