Will Mansfield, director worldwide sales and marketing for Inkjet Presses at the Kodak stand with the Prosper 6000 heads printing at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2017. Photo PSA
Kodak’s chief executive officer, Jeff Clarke stated, “Following an in-depth management review of business operations and multiple discussions with prospective buyers, we have decided to retain the Prosper inkjet business. This is a pragmatic decision given the offers received during the sale process and the improvements in the business. The Prosper business performed well in 2016 with a 40% increase in annuity sales for the full year and we expect our Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division (EISD) to be profitable this year. We will continue to invest in our next generation Ultrastream technology and develop opportunities to integrate Ultrastream into printing solutions with multiple OEM partners.”
Ultrastream is the new generation of Kodak’s CIJ, a technology demonstration first shown at drupa 2016 last May. According to industry insiders that we met at Hunkeler Innovationdays in Lucerne in February 2017, bringing Ultrastream to market may entail considerable financial outlay and time. Nevertheless, along with the decision to not sell the enterprise inkjet business, there is a change at the top of Kodak’s EISD, with Randy Vandagriff becoming president effective 1 May. Vandagriff replaces current president Philip Cullimore, who is leaving Kodak to take a career sabbatical after leading many successful businesses within the company. Vandagriff has been part of Kodak’s digital print business since 2004.
At Kodak’s India cluster there is no appreciable change or comment on the change in status of the enterprise digital business. It’s ‘business as usual’ since there is no change to any function or work related to the company’s inkjet business in the country and region. The sale of Prosper engines as well as earlier inkjet heads and consumables, which has hitherto been mainly for monochrome applications, will continue as before.
Packaging South Asia — authentic, impactful and influential
An English-language packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, Packaging South Asia is in its 19th year of publication. We do not make any claims about being the best or the most widely read. However, if you are interested in targeting the Indian and South Asian markets to sell equipment, technology, software, and consumables, we can help.
To improve your marketing and grow sales, talk to us. Our research and consulting company IppStar [www.ippstar.org] can assess your potential and addressable markets in light of the competition. We can discuss marketing, communication, and sales strategies for market entry and growth.
Suppliers and service providers with a strategy and budget for targeted marketing can discuss using our hybrid print, web, video, and social media channels to create brand recognition linked to market relevance. Our platform and channels are differentiated by hands-on practice and an understanding of business and financials. Our team, including some of the best technical writers, is ready to meet you and your customers for content.
India and South Asia’s fast-growing packaging industry is continuously expanding capacities with efficiency and appropriate innovative technologies. Get our 2025 media kit and recalibrate your role in this dynamic market. Enhance your visibility and relevance to existing markets and turn potential customers into conversations. Ask for a sample copy of our monthly or two weekly packaging eZines.
