In its half-year results to 30 September, the Japanese manufacturer said that at its Graphic Communications wing, printing plates revenues had risen despite sluggish demand for offset printing in some regions “due to a gradual revision of sales prices” around the world. 

Digital printing equipment sales were up as shipments of production printers increased to customers in Europe and the US. 

Fujifilm launched its own-brand Revoria range of toner-based digital presses in certain European markets last year, but not yet in the UK. 

Sales of Fujifilm’s industrial inkjet printheads were described as “strong” due to increased demand in European markets for building material printing and textiles. Ink sales also rose.

“We will further expand the business by providing advanced inkjet technology and high-quality products [and] services, while contributing to the expansion of the industrial-use inkjet market and the creation of a new industry through application of inkjet technology,” Fujifilm stated. 

The group acquired inkjet integrator Unigraphica over the summer, which expands Fujifilm’s capabilities in customised inkjet printing systems.

Sales at the Materials division, which includes Graphic Communications, were up 14.3% to ¥352bn (£2.14bn), while operating profits were effectively static at ¥39.4bn. 

Overall sales at the group increased by 12% to nearly ¥1,350bn, and operating income also rose by 12% to ¥120.8bn.

Fujifilm has revised its forecasts for the full year upwards. 

It's been a significant year for Fujifilm's graphics business, with the ending of its partnership with Inca, the launch of its new own-brand Acuity wide-format printers, and a fresh collaboration with Barberán for single-pass inkjet for display.