The new plate line, which has been set up in Suzhou, in China’s Jiangsu Province, is one of the final pieces in a £134m investment designed to upgrade Fuji’s global plate production capability. It follows the installation of new lines in the US and The Netherlands.
Fujifilm Graphics UK marketing director Graham Leeson said: “The introduction of the second plate lines in both Tilburg and China will enable Fuji to supply a wider range of plates in different sizes to its various markets globally.”
Fuji revealed that it has set its sights on boosting Asian exports following the opening of the 150,000sqm Suzhou facility, which is its fifth global plate-production plant.
In a statement, the company said: “The new factory is set to be the focal point of production for Fuji’s main graphic arts products, PS and CTP plates, for offset printing in China and will mean Fujifilm can meet domestic demand and leverage its position to increase exports to Asia and other destinations.”
The investment in new plate lines forms part of Fuji’s Vision 75 medium-term management plan, whose goals include achieving an operating income of around £828m (¥200bn) in 2008/09.
PLATE FACTORY FACTFILE
Location Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Size 150,000sqm
Staff 230
Capital investment approx £20m ($39m)
Production PS and CTP plates for offset printing
Announced April 2005
Operational March 2007
Opened May 2007
