The Brazilian company said that it hoped to create "a network of carefully chosen distributors in each country", with a focus on western Europe and the Balkans.

But it said that it planned to set up a European subsidiary in the future once the brand and network were better established.

Milton Fetter, head of marketing at IBF, said that there were no plans "to sell directly to end users, but rather to support and motivate local distributors".

"These companies will act as true partners as they carry stock and grow in their respective markets," he said. "At the moment, coordination is still centralized at the head office in Brazil."

Fetter explained that investments in Europe had so far been restricted to hiring personnel and marketing activities, including press advertising.

The news comes as the company prepares to unveil its first processless CTP plate at Drupa (PrintWeek, 15 April 2004).

IBF will also demonstrate its Million 2 thermal plate, which is already available, and a 30mW photopolymer violet plate.

Stephen Harris, IBF European sales manager, said that the company would wait for Drupa to see the kind of interest on the European market for the products before fixing a launch date for the photopolymer violet and processless plates.

An international staff of 30 will be manning the company's stand at Drupa.

Story by Josh Brooks