The first of the road shows was opened in Christchurch this week and will move onto Wellington on October 30, then to Auckland at the Alexander Park Conference Centre from November 6-9.
PS&M's Rhys Daube says the open house events will enable them to effectively introduce Presstek's solutions to the New Zealand market and giver printers a first-hand look at the Presstek 52DI and CtP systems.
Under the new agreement PS&M is to provide sales, servicing and technical support for Presstek's Direct Imaging digital offset product line and chemistry-free computer-to-plate (CtP) systems throughout New Zealand.
Their appointment marks the debut of Presstek solutions in the New Zealand print market and expands the company's efforts to tap into new markets in this region. Earlier this year, Presstek appointed Graphika Links to establish a new distribution channel for its solutions in Australia.
Presstek says PS&M was selected because it is a well-respected graphic arts dealer and has a 17-year track record for delivering a full range of leading edge solutions along with customer-focused service.
Presstek sales director, Stephen Brower says New Zealand is a new market for the manufacturer, "so it was vital for us to choose a distribution partner who is well-established and with a strong network in place. Printing Supplies & Machinery was the clear choice, with solid technical expertise and an excellent approach to sales and customer service."
He says New Zealand is a market of progressive adopters who are eager to increase their printing capabilities and grow their business by investing in the latest technology.
"We see a pent-up demand for Presstek's solutions – in fact, Printing Supplies & Machinery has already sold two Presstek Vector TX52 CtP units to satisfied customers."
One product expected to be particularly well received is Presstek's chemistry-free CtP systems the company believes is an ideal match for New Zealand's environmentally conscious print industry.
Daube says: "New Zealand prides itself on being 'clean and green' and Presstek directly addresses these environmental production concerns with its CtP chemical free products and DI digital offset range of presses and our sales team has already generated very good customer prospects for the Presstek CtP units.
"People are attracted by the ease of operation, low cost and the eco-friendly nature of the product. The Vector TX52 system provides an affordable, small-format (52 cm and under), chemistry-free CtP solution."
PS&M will also distribute the Presstek Dimension Excel CtP Systems. Dimension Excel platesetters are available in two- and four-page formats that can be configured as a standard (Dimension225 and 425) or as a high production (Dimension250 and 450) platemaker. Each has an extremely small footprint and is optimized to work with Presstek chemistry-free Anthem Pro plates.
Rhys Daube also sees a receptive audience for Presstek's DI digital offset presses.
