Agfa has reported one of its most successful ever Ifra exhibitions, taking orders for 21 Polaris platesetters, including five violet-based Polaris systems.

"It is fair to say that although show numbers were down, it was one of our most successful shows in terms of orders," said Agfas European newspaper manager, Kurt Smits. Orders taken exceeded Agfas pre-show estimates.

Smits said that although both UK and European business was brisk, with a number of major European newspaper groups visiting the stand, the only UK firm to confirm an order was the Derby Telegraph, which is taking a Polaris 100 plus plate and consumables package.

"We were particularly pleased with the response to the launch of the new violet-based Polaris," said Smits, "which immediately resulted in five orders." These systems will be installed during the first quarter of 2002.

The majority of the 16 Polaris systems sold at the Geneva show went to European newspaper groups in France and in Spain, according to Smits.

Also previewed at the show was Sublima, Agfas new screening technology for newspapers, which Smits predicted would be installed "all over Europe" by the end of the year.

As part of its Ifra exhibit, Agfa played host to special stand sections for customer support, covering finance, training, and technical consulting.

Story by Andy Scott