At the just concluded 17th Annual Sign & Graphic Imaging Middle East (SGI 2014) held at Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE from 7th to 9th January 2014, WHERE To Print caught up with AGFA Team at their stand to know about their offerings specifically for the Nigerian market. We spoke with Mr. Thibault Dejaiffe – Agfa Graphics Regional Business Manager, GS/ Sales Direct Export, Mr. Akin Oduwole – MD/ CEO – Technology Global Services Limited and Mr. and Mrs. Bankole Odukale – Chairman/ CEO and Executive Director – Bancod Limited. Excerpt:
First, why the :Avalon B8 CTP?
It is actually due to the request by our channel partners in Nigeria. It offers you a customized CtP solution that responds to your needs. We are looking at the future by going green. We want to reduce chemical use on our environment. This will have positive effects on the environment, our customers, their operations and the users. We are reducing the effects of chemical on our operation and it’s a great advantage to our customers because they will not only make more money, but will also contribute to saving our environment. Let’s go back a little in history. In digital analogue, we sold over 1.6 million tonnes of film in Nigeria. There is a market but we are looking at the future by going green. We want to reduce chemical use and help our customers meet their needs in terms of cost, operations, and their print effects on the environment.
What about the durability and after sales support for the new B8 machine?
We don’t joke with quality. Agfa only offers quality imaging and proofing systems, consumables, workflow software and digital printing solutions to help our customers achieve their business objectives. Though the B8 CTPs are assembled in China, they go through extensive quality checks and control before they are certified for use. We cherish our reputation and name. We also have formidable dealers in Bancod Limited and Technology Global Services Limited. Bancod will handle consumables while Technology Global will handle services and parts. Importantly, these machines are compact with less components so they don’t break down easily. They also require less space so our customers will save on rent.
What about the cost?
The B8 CTP is very affordable. We will also offer payment plan for customers that are reliable and committed.
When will it be in Nigeria?
We plan to have 15 units in Nigeria in 2014. Already, within the next few months, two will be in Nigeria. One at TTK Press as a demo unit while the second will be exhibited at Propak West Africa 2014 in September this year.
What’s the new development on AGFA operation in Nigeria?
We are reinforcing the Inkjet operation. That is, we are extending the portfolio of Bancod and Technology Global by adding the Inkjet. This is because they have performed well. For example, we take our after sales service very seriously. And with Technology Global having 16 engineers now, eight of which are for prepress and the rest eight dedicated to Inkjet, we have a formidable team we believe can handle our customers in Nigeria.
Last word…
I want our customers in Nigeria to cooperate with Bancod and Technology Global. They should take advantage of our new product offerings and start ordering now. Buy Agfa because we have the best support for Nigeria and our customers can count on us.
KEY BENEFITS OF :AVALON B8
The :Avalon B8 offers new levels of productivity in computer-to-plate imaging. The external-drum engine is combined with a choice of imaging technologies and automation levels to offer you a customized CtP solution that responds to your needs.
- Reliable platesetting allowing you to deliver more projects in less time.
- Exceptional registration accuracy saves time and costs thanks to faster make ready times on press.
- Consistent high-quality imaging results in fewer remakes, saving time and money and increases print buyer satisfaction.
- Automation reduces plate handling errors and reduces the pre-press operator overhead.
- It offers excellent quality- and efficiency-driven plate production.
- It makes for a very easy and smooth transition for those moving from imagesetters to CTP.
- A cheap back up machine for those who already have CTP’s.
- Offers huge savings on chemicals when combined with Agfa Azura Ts plates.
