"We are extremely excited to join EFI and look forward to leveraging EFI's Silicon Valley high-tech DNA, inkjet expertise, workflow, and colour management," said Victor Blasco, ceo of Cretaprint. "EFI's global presence will accelerate the adoption of our digital technology across the globe and especially in emerging markets."
EFI says industry analysts continue to project rapid growth in ceramic tile inkjet printing, as noted by Dr Ray Work, Work Associates. "The tile industry is moving towards inkjet," said Dr Work. "The financial incentives are so great that the entire industry is converting rapidly to inkjet.The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) conducts annual membership surveys. Its 2011 Industrial Printing Survey Report indicates that over 75 percent of its members utilise digital printing and also consider ceramic tile printing to be a strong market opportunity.
EFI will use its inkjet technology knowledge to enhance Cretaprint's quality of output, software control and colour management. EFI's digital experience and award winning imaging technology in combination with Cretaprint's leading ceramic tile printing will provide the industry with expanded offerings, superior workflow software and a worldwide support network that will expand Cretaprint's reach worldwide, it says.
EFI plans to strengthen Cretaprint's operations in Spain, to further the company's expertise and innovation within the tile industry and to grow its market presence. "As a pioneer in the digitisation of the print industry, EFI is expanding into lucrative new markets. The ceramic tile industry can greatly benefit from our innovative portfolio of technologies," said Ghilad Dziesietnik, Chief Technology Officer of EFI. "We look forward to sharing our success with Cretaprint's 1,700-plus global customer network and expanding their talented employee base in Castellón."
