Openshaw has become a reseller for the HighWater Platinum 2230 platesetter as part of its push into the B2 CTP market.


"B2 is going to be the real battleground in the CTP market this year," said Openshaw business manager electronic imaging Ted Freer. "The rise of violet CTP and dedicated B2 processors has made it more affordable."


Openshaw was looking for a manual B2 platesetter since Agfas Antares machine was stopped last summer.


It is selling the Platinum with HighWaters Q2 Workflow Manager and the Global Graphics SDT650 plate processor for 80,000, or 90,000 including PixelProof software and an Epson 10000 printer.


Its automatic B2 platesetter is the ECRM TigerCat with the Billows Vision optical punch. Both machines will be offered with Agfas Lithostar LAP V plate.


Openshaw is conducting a series of B2 CTP open days starting at its Glasgow branch on 22-23 August, with an event at HighWaters Cheltenham headquarters on 4-5 September.


* Openshaws flexo and letterpress division, Nicoll Graphics, has been appointed the UK distributor for AV Flexologics range of plate processors, mounting and proofing equipment. It has taken on AV Flexologics UK staff, including sales manager Craig McEwen. As a result, AV Flexologic is closing its UK site in Warrington.


"Its a good addition to Nicoll Graphics that allows us to expand into corrugated and wide-web flexo," said Nicoll Graphics national sales manager John Gidman.


"It was an opportunity that was too good to miss."


Story by Barney Cox