Presstek is promising lower priced DI presses and platesetters based on developments at its Lasertel subsidiary.


In the fourth quarter Lasertel, which was formed to ensure Pressteks supply of thermal diodes, made its first non-graphic arts sale. Its expansion into telecommunication, defence and medical imaging promises to reduce prices.


Lasertel is the third leg of the Presstek story, said president and chief executive Bob Hallman. Lasertel was needed to ensure supply, now we find we have an opportunity to expand the market. I think this will bring down the cost of diodes and therefore DI.


He made his comments when Presstek announced its fourth-quarter and year-end results.


It had a net income of 4.1m ($5.9m) on turnover up 59% to 60m compared to a loss of 27m the year before.


For the fourth quarter it produced a net income of 2.3m on revenue of 17.3m.


It expects to benefit in the next year from the start of sales of Xeroxs DocuColor 400 and 233 DI presses and a distribution deal for its Anthem plate with a big player.


* Stan Najmr has joined as director DI marketing. He will be responsible for promoting the firms DI products to press manufacturers. He joins from CreoScitex America.


Story by Barney Cox