The Japanese imaging giant has paid 30m for the Cambridge-based firm which positions it to access new markets including industrial printing and packaging.

"This is a highly strategic investment for us," said Screen chairman and president Akira Ishida. "The impact of digital ink-jet technologies on the conventional print market is accelerating and Inca's technology complements our digital imaging and printing products perfectly."

Screen also highlighted the firm's ink-jet expertise as being important to its semi-conductor and flat panel display products.

"Screen is a great parent for us," said Inca managing director Bill Baxter. "There is a real synergy between us and the acquisition will enable us to develop profitable applications in totally new areas."

Inca will operate as a standalone division of the firm, operating from Cambridge under the existing management team. Its partnerships with Fujifilm Sericol, which sells its flatbed machines, and Sun Chemical, with which it is developing the FastJet corrugated packaging press, will continue.

The move is a further sign of the importance traditional graphic arts companies are placing in ink-jet as the technology for print and comes in the middle of a landmark Fespa dominated by digital ink-jet developments.

Story by Barney Cox