As part of the agreement, TechNova will represent Screen's entire range of thermal CTP systems and workflow solutions, as well as Proteck's second generation thermal processors.

The systems will be marketed under a joint brand name of Screen and TechNova and will be compatible with TechNova's range of thermal plates.

Proteck, which is a distributor of Screen platesetters, will remain as a Screen distributor, selling and servicing Screen-Technova CTPs in India. These CTPs will be backed by TechNova's pre-sales and application support.

Y Goto, managing director of Dainippon Screen Singapore, Asia Pacific, said: "We are very excited by the potential of working with TechNova and Proteck.

"These two companies are recognised leaders in India and have a deep commitment to serve the customers. With their expertise, we promise to extend excellent sales and after-sales service support to new customers and existing users of Screen CTP and CTF devices."

The past 12 months have witnessed several key alliances in the CTP arena. Last year, Proteck Machinery was appointed as a distributor for Dainippon Screen's graphic arts equipment and software in India. Nippon Color, which represented Screen until then, tied up with Luscher AG and DotLine.

Later, TechNova announced its alliance with UK-based FFEI's violet photopolymer platesetters under the brand names VioStar FV4 and VioStar FA8.

The company also announced a tie-up with the UK pre-press firm, HighWater Designs, for its violet photopolymer platesetters, under the brand names, VioStar HC 8 and VioStar HP4.

Rajesh Malhotra, chief operating officer for commercial CTP solutions at Technova, said: "Encouraged by the response to our violet CTP systems, we are responding to the needs of thermally oriented printers for a total solution".