By: Jim Rosenberg Late Wednesday, Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging Inc. issued a statement saying that owing to the decline in graphic arts film use as customers transition to digital production and the higher cost of silver, its last production of graphic arts finished film products will be in March 2009.
On Tuesday, a company staffer said Konica Minolta would not fill orders for imagesetter film after next March.
In a Wednesday press release, Konica Minolta stated that it "will continue the distribution" of such film products "while inventory is available."
Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., the company said the plan will enable it to focus all research and development on computer-to-plate and digital printing products. Konica Minolta produces analog plates and violet and thermal digital plates.
Konica is believed to have at least half the U.S. market share for imagesetter film. It largest customers include News Corp., whose Dow Jones & Co. plants across the country are beginning a phased transition to computer-to-plate output, bypassing the filmsetting stage, as much or most of the industry already has.
Film and plate manufacturer Southern Lithoplate in Wake Forest, N.C., plans to sell page film indefinitely. "I'll sell it as long as anybody wants film," said Sales and Marketing Vice President Steve Mattingly. "My suppliers have film for decades to come, he added.
Agfa Graphics North American Marketing Director Susan Wittner said the prepress equipment, software and consumables supplier has no cut-off date for supplying film, which is manufactured by Agfa's separate Materials business. "We're continuing to do development in the film area," Wittner added, calling it "a very valuable area for Agfa."
Agfa claims 37% of the world market for graphic arts films. It did not disclose its share of the U.S. market.
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