Southern Lithoplate Inc. announced a cooperative technology partnership with lithoplate manufacturer Ipagsa Industrial of Barcelona, Spain, which will combine the companies’ existing technologies and by which both companies will work together to develop new lithoplate technology, SLP said. SLP brings to the partnership its negative working and no process computer-to-plate technology, while Ipagsa brings its no-preheat CTP technology.

“We have initiated an unprecedented unification of two of the largest independent lithoplate manufacturers from around the world, said Edward “Trip” Casson III, chairman and chief executive officer of SLP.

“In the past, independent lithoplate manufacturers have held their technology close to their vest. Now we combine our strengths, know-how and technology to deliver our customers their specific product needs for the long term.”

Investing in training

Meantime, SLP recently invested in all of its technical personnel and key alliance partners attending CMYK University’s Pressroom Operator Training Program facilitated by CMYK President Tom Shafer as part of its ongoing training, development and management.

“As our customers strive to improve their printing process, we at Southern Lithoplate will provide the hands-on consulting and support necessary to enable them to make the most successful transition to CTP and/or to continue to maximize their analog lithoplate and film systems,” said Charles L. Pritchard, vice president of sales and technical solutions for SLP.

The end result: a more capable and responsive plate technical solutions team, SLP said.

“No group in our industry is more committed to continuous improvement and doing things right,” Shafer said of SLP.