The platesetters, which include a Kodak Magnus 800 Quantum, a Kodak Trendsetter 800 Square Spot, and a Kodak Magnus 400 MkIII Quantum MCU, have been fully refurbished at Monmouthshire-based IGS’ factory.
The order was placed by Wisdom Printing Technology, a distributor of print consumables, equipment, and services based in Shanghai. It offers the IGS CTP systems to its clients in return for a three-year consumables contract which includes plates, ink, and blankets.
Part of the export process to China is an inspection certification by the Chinese government. If a company wants to export, they need to apply for this certification.
Inspectors from the China Quality Certification Centre then visited IGS to verify the product quality and electrical safety before shipment, with the export subsequently taking place last month.
Peter Flynn, managing director of IGS, said: “This has been a very lucrative channel for our refurbished CTP systems since we meet the Wisdom team at the All in Print China exhibition [in Shanghai in 2019].
“Exporting to China can be daunting at first for small and medium-sized enterprises, especially considering its population of almost 1.5 billion people. However, dealing with Chinese businesses is very much a person-to-person interaction.
“Having dealt with Chinese companies for over twenty years and visits to the country at least twice a year prior to Covid, you quickly understand the etiquette of a business dinner.
“It is likely you will be expected to drink alcohol. The protocol is that the hosts will offer three simple toasts – at the end of the first two, you need to empty your glass, which will be refilled. Only after the three toasts can you, as a guest, offer a toast. The Wisdom guys are very partial to Penderyn, a Welsh whisky, when we visit their offices.”
He added: “I would strongly recommend a visit to China for any UK business looking to export – this can provide great insight into the country’s business climate and its people. Cultural, legal, and even language barriers separating China from the UK can be resolved.
“China is full of opportunities for British SMEs, and I look forward to meeting old and new partners at this year’s All in Print China exhibition.”
