Following last year's acquisition of Kodak Polychrome Graphics' plates and proofing systems and Creo's CTP platemaking and workflow software, the integration of the new Kodak Graphic Communications Group is on schedule, say company managers. As a progress report, Kodak sponsored a two-day media tour last month in Rochester, NY, for a dozen package-printing trade magazines including Converting.

Antonio M. Perez, chairman and chief executive officer of Eastman Kodak Co., provided his perspective on the company's transition from photo-film manufacturing to imaging/printing technology. Kodak GCG is particularly strong via the Creo acquisition, he says, and wants to help customers handle the switch from an analog to a digital manufacturing environment as it deals with the changeover itself.

Kodak GCG's vision is to be the leading integrator of graphic communication, especially amid the burgeoning package-printing market worldwide, says James Langley, GCG president. He forecasts higher demand in the short term for digital presses, workflow software, proofing and CTP systems. While the market will grow 5 percent this year, GCG sales will rise 6–9 percent in 2006, Langley says.

Vic Stalam, packaging general manager, reviewed Kodak GCG's product portfolio. Among the offerings: Prinergy packaging workflow software for PDF and JDF support with color and job-management capabilities; MatchPrint and Approval proofing; Hyperflex, Maxtone hybrid AM and Staccato FM screening software; Thermoflex CTP platesetter.

The program wrapped up with a tour of Rochester converter Flower City Printing. The maker of cartons, labels and litho-laminations uses two Kodak Approval XP4 digital-halftone proofers, Kodak Sword Excel thermal-printing plates and a Kodak Trendsetter 5067 CTP platesetter. It runs nine offset presses at its 135,000-sq-ft plant.