Agfa Graphics to Close Offset Printing Plate Factory in Italy, Impacting 120 Employees

MORTSEL, Belgium — October 11, 2016 — Agfa Graphics announced today that it plans to close down its factory in Vallese, Italy, one of its seven printing plate manufacturing sites worldwide. This smaller facility produces lithographic aluminum printing plates for offset presses. For several years, these product lines have been facing a weaker market demand, primarily in Europe.

"This decision is part of our global streamlining plan to reduce our manufacturing capacity and to improve the cost structure of our printing plate business," says Stefaan Vanhooren, president of Agfa Graphics. "This is necessary to remain the leading company in an extremely competitive prepress business amid global economic uncertainty."

After having considered alternative options, management has informed all employees about its intention to close the Vallese facility, impacting 120 employee positions. “We will soon start up the information and consultation process with employee representatives and we are committed to a constructive dialog in order to mitigate the social impact as well as possible," explains Stefaan Vanhooren.

Source: Agfa Graphics.