The deal is effective from the beginning of September.
“Quite simply it’s in the best interests of our customers. Response times will be so much improved with the resources Marlowe has compared to Presstek – Marlowe is an ‘A’-rated service organisation,” explained Presstek EAMER director Ian Pollock.
Three engineers have transferred from Presstek to Marlowe Digital, which has its head office in Kings Langley.
Pollock said all customers had been contacted and the two companies are in the process of finalising the handover.
“This makes perfect sense for all parties. We will still keep a close relationship with customers through supplying them with consumables.”
PrintWeek understands Presstek has circa 40-50 CTP users in the UK.
Marlowe has 16 engineers spread across the country, and 28 staff in total. It plans to cross-train its team on the Presstek devices. The firm already has a servicing deal with Screen for its CTP customers, and also supplies service cover for Agfa.
“We are proud and happy to help Presstek,” said Marlowe Digital managing director Darren Eliot, who emphasised the firm's focus on SLAs (service level agreements). "Our whole discipline is about service."
Presstek's current CTP system portfolio encompasses inkjet, thermal and violet systems for commercial print and newspaper applications.
However, some Presstek customers are already in the process of finding an alternative CTP solution as the firm has been forced to withdraw its two-up Vector system, because a component required for the unique Freedom Pro processless plate it used is no longer available.
Pollock said Presstek was working to find a solution with the relatively small number of customers affected.
Eliot added that Marlowe could advise on a number of potential alternatives: “We’re rescuers – we’ll find a way to help them.
“We realise it’s a bit of an awkward situation for people who haven’t budgeted for it.”
The main focus for Presstek in the UK will now be its range of new and certified pre-owned DI presses, including its new Eco-UV LED UV option, which it plans to showcase at Ipex.
Pollock said the firm has also built up a substantial market in continental Europe for its Zahara waterless plate, which competes with Toray’s waterless offering, although there is not currently a huge market for this plate here in the UK.
A negative working version of Presstek’s Anthem Elite chemistry-free plate will come to market in the latter part of the year.
Presstek is owned by American Industrial Partners, which also owns Goss International and cutting systems manufacturer Gerber.
