ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Kodak executives, at a pre-Graph Expo preview last month, said the company plans to introduce new products for newspapers that will center on inkjet technology and variable printing. The technology will reportedly let publishers use web offset presses to individualize newspapers, an official told Newspapers & Technology, adding that more details will be forthcoming.

Innovation

Kodak also used the event to show its support of print, showcasing its recently launched www.printambassador.com Web site aimed at promoting the many uses and benefits of ink-on-paper.

Photo: Newspapers & Technology Kodak Graphic Communications Group Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Hayzlett talks about the company’s recently launched Print Ambassador Web site aimed at promoting the many uses and benefits of ink-on-paper, in Rochester, N.Y., last month.

“Kodak wants to highlight for marketers the innovative ways they can use print to reach consumers,” said Jeff Hayzlett, chief marketing officer of Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group, in explaining the role of the site, which was launched late last month.

Meantime, Kodak announced sales of thermal computer-to plate units, consumables and software to eight U.S. newspaper printers. The sales:

•Cannon Valley Printing, a division of Mainstream Publications LLC in Northfield, Minn., added a second Trendsetter News CTP unit, Prinergy Evo and Staccato screening to its lineup.

•Hunter Publishing in Madison, S.D., purchased a Trendsetter News 70, Kodak thermal digital plates, Prinergy Evo and the Plus version of Preps imposition software to handle production of the Madison Daily Leader, 20 weeklies, student and monthly community newspapers, and commercial printing jobs.