AGS and Kodak Host Open House Showcasing Data-Driven Print Communications

ROCHESTER, NY—Dec. 13, 2012—Kodak and Automated Graphic Systems (AGS), a Consolidated Graphics company, welcomed nearly 90 guests for an open house and networking event this Tuesday (Dec. 11) at the AGS facility in White Plains, MD. Throughout the day, attendees learned about the trends that are shaping the print industry and saw the full-color Kodak Prosper 5000XL inkjet press in action producing live print jobs.

“In this market, it’s cutthroat. You have to do whatever you can to separate yourself from the competition. And if speed and personalization is the way to do it, then AGS and the Kodak Prosper 5000XL press is the way to go,” observed attendee Jennifer Andrus, production manager, Gryphon House Publishing.

The day began with tours of the AGS facility and digital printing demonstrations with the Prosper 5000XL Press. Later, Katie Kriemelmeyer, president, AGS, hosted a “Technology-to-Print” session that addressed trends in digital printing and the importance of relevant customer data for personalization of printed material.

An informal evening networking event allowed attendees to interact with both AGS and Kodak representatives, as well as talk with their peers about technology and the current business climate.

“We were thrilled to host an event where we could bring together our clients and technology experts,” said Kriemelmeyer. “Showcasing the power of digital print to help our customers reach their audiences in a rapidly changing marketing and communications environment was powerful.”

The Prosper 5000XL features Stream inkjet technology and offers process-color perfecting with a print width of up to 24.5˝ at speeds up to 650 feet per minute. This robust and high-performance inkjet web press helps customers differentiate themselves and drive profitability by delivering quality, productivity and lower total cost of operations for short-run color books in quantities up to 4,000. It is capable of print quality that rivals offset output up to 175 lpi on uncoated, coated, and glossy papers ranging from 30 to 200 pound (45 to 300 gsm) text weight.

“Working hand in hand with our customers for an event like this is always an exciting opportunity, because visitors get to see our products performing in a live production environment,” said Will Mansfield, Kodak’s director of marketing, Inkjet Printing Solutions. “And the combination of product demos with educational sessions and networking really seemed to meet the needs of the attendees I spoke with. We value the partnerships we have formed with our customers and are committed to helping them promote their capabilities to their clients and prospects.”

With a broad portfolio of publishing solutions that optimize the manufacturing supply chain for short- or long-run book production, Kodak offers prepress and digital print technologies that drive sustainability and cost savings to help publishers and printers thrive in the face of a transforming industry.

As a go-to partner for marketing communications and book publishing, AGS employs the latest technologies, combined with over 37 years of experience, to connect client messages with their audience. AGS delivers end-to-end print production solutions to help customers achieve results.

About AGS
A leader in variable data solutions and book printing, AGS puts the power of technology-driven print and marketing communications to work for corporations, publishers, associations and non-profits. The company’s history of investment in technology and expertise places clients at the forefront of innovation in book publishing, variable data printing, marketing and content distribution. AGS is a member of the Consolidated Graphics, Inc. family of companies.

About Kodak
As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of images, information, and printing to enrich their lives. In the graphic communications industry, Kodak serves customers in the printing, publishing, packaging and enterprise markets with intelligent solutions for competitive advantage and greater return on investment.

Source: Kodak.