ILFORD News
From Ilford Imaging Switzerland GMBH:
November 29th, 2013 – Marly Switzerland – Today ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH announced that the company is again facing liquidity issues and is no longer able to honour its full financial obligations. The Managing Directors have already informed the employees and have sent a letter to the court of Fribourg declaring insolvency.
In June 2013, ILFORD Imaging experienced a liquidity issue after the former shareholder Paradigm Global Partners, a UK based financial investor suddenly withdrew from the business. Since then the management took over the company to secure the business short-term and also to find a new long-term investor.
The new shareholders, Paul Willems and Jean Marc Métrailler, initiated the sale of land owned by the real estate company ILFORD Property and invested these funds in ILFORD Imaging in order to provide sufficient liquidity to bridge the time until a new investor could be found. The ILFORD investment opportunity was presented to more than 20 interested parties from all over the world. Unfortunately, a new investor for ILFORD Imaging has not yet been found and the last potential investor pulled out earlier this week.
After the liquidity issues during the summer, it was challenging to re-start the business, as many existing customers began to buy products from competitors, which resulted in a large negative impact on the company’s revenue. In addition, ILFORD had to operate in a particular difficult market where demand is decreasing and manufacturers compete on low prices due to excess capacity. Furthermore, most suppliers would only deliver raw materials against payment in advance. These circumstances, along with the fact that the company had to replenish its inventories, and after payment of the late salaries of June and July, required additional cash.
The restructuring measures that were taken in August 2013 were necessary to improve the competitiveness of the company medium- to long-term. However these measures have not been fully effective yet and the impact will only be realised in the first quarter 2014.
The management is working closely with the State and the appropriate authorities in order to minimise the negative impact on all parties involved. No further information can be provided until the decision of the court is made and the next steps are understood.
Marly, Switzerland, 16th April, 2013 - ILFORD Group AG, the parent company of ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH has acquired German-based TECCO GmbH. In line with its strategic business plan, ILFORD Group AG, identified the need to further strengthen key elements of its offering as it expands its customer base. Responding to the growing market demand for greater flexibility and improved service levels, the company identified TECCO GmbH as a strategic partner. Its reputation for offering a broad product portfolio, flexible converting capability and unparalleled approach to servicing its global customer base, dovetail with the capabilities of ILFORD Imaging.
ILFORD Imaging Switzerland, a highly specialised R&D and coating facility based in Switzerland provides services to a range of customers on a global basis including Original Equipment Manufacturers, private and neutral label customers, and also owns the world-renowned ILFORD brand. Based in Germany, TECCO has excellent product sourcing capabilities, an extensive converting facility that services a range of complementary customers, a solid product portfolio and the TECCO brand, which has an excellent reputation in the imaging market.
Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Willems, CEO of ILFORD Group AG stated: "ILFORD Imaging Switzerland is known for its state-of-the-art product development and as a manufacturer of high quality products. With the company’s goal of expanding its customer base, it was important to align our business with a company that specialises in offering a total customer service. TECCO adds an important and strategic dimension to our business that will immediately benefit our customer base today and also in the future."
Markus Frings, Joint Managing Director of TECCO added: "TECCO GmbH is an independent company with a long history of consistently delivering a service level that meets the growing demands of our customers. With the added strength of the ILFORD research & development team and its leading edge manufacturing capabilities, we are now in a position to provide our customers an unrivalled offering in the market." Thomas Dyckerhoff, Joint Managing Director concurred: "The entire TECCO team is convinced that our customers will strongly benefit from this new alliance with ILFORD."
In summary Willems concludes: "Given today’s challenging market conditions, it was important to ensure that we put our business in a position of strength and create a customer oriented competitive edge. Both the TECCO and ILFORD brands are very well established in their markets and both will continue to operate individually. Customers will benefit from the strengths the alliance now brings to the market. The combination of the outstanding and complementary capabilities of both companies creates a unique offering in terms of product development, breadth of product portfolio and global customer service levels."
ABOUT ILFORD GROUP AG
ILFORD Group AG, the parent company of ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH, ILFORD Property Switzerland GmbH and TECCO GmbH, is a worldwide leader in the development of coated products for the imaging industry as well as innovative and ground breaking applications outside of this core sector. Utilising proprietary coating technologies, and thanks to its world-class manufacturing, converting, finishing and distribution capabilities, ILFORD Group AG offers a leading product portfolio backed by strong and globally renowned brands. With the Group's dynamic customer service, converting and distribution capabilities, backed by an excellent and customer oriented product development, ILFORD Group AG is ideally positioned as one of the world's premiere providers of coated products.
ABOUT ILFORD
Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading player in the development and manufacture of consumables for both inkjet printing and colour photographic processes as well as other coated products. The worldwide businesses include R&D and manufacturing operations in Switzerland, with sales operations in the USA, Belgium and Japan.
ABOUT TECCO
Founded in 1980, TECCO GmbH is a converter and supplier of coated and uncoated media for the proofing, photographic, production & laser markets. With an extensive product range and flexible logistics services for channel and OEM partners, TECCO has been a pioneering force in the industry, winning accolades and setting standards along the way. TECCO is a member of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and holds a variety of international certifications for their papers including: Fogra, SWOP, GraCol, Wilhelm Research Institute as well as environmental certifications, FSC and PEFC. TECCO GmbH is owned by ILFORD Group AG and is based in Germany.
B&H carries Ilford products.
Ilford is sponsoring a free webinar entitled "Choosing a Paper Surface for Your Inkjet Prints" on Dec 6 at 1pm EST.
From Ilford:
The paper you choose for your fine art photography can have a dramatic effect on the appearance and impact of your image. When you carefully select your paper, you will soon find that the art of printmaking becomes an important part of your creative process. Hosted by Joe Brady, this presentation will focus on the properties and considerations that go into selecting a paper that will enhance the presentation of your photography.
The paper’s weight, brightness and surface texture all have an effect on the appearance of color and tone on finished prints. Perhaps not as obvious, the final presentation of the print, be it framed, mounted, laminated, etc. should also play a big part in your paper choices.
Joe will discuss what is available, which qualities to consider when choosing a paper and his own experiences in printing that have renewed his interest in creating finished prints.
Sign up here for the free webinar.
From ILFORD:
ILFORD announced today that it has expanded its award-winning range of GALERIE Prestige inkjet photo papers with the introduction of new media crafted specifically for creating black and white prints. An answer to the call from fine art professionals, these papers feature surfaces that translate vivid artistic vision with the archival-quality image rendition that ILFORD is known for. The new line-up includes:
- GALERIE Prestige Gold Mono Silk : This black and white media achieves the perfect monochrome image reminiscent of prints from the traditional darkroom with its acid-free, lignin-free fibre base.
- GALERIE Prestige Gold Cotton Smooth 330gsm & Gold Cotton Textured 330gsm : These 100% rag products are free of optical brighteners and feature a traditional mould-made base from a fine art paper mill, image stability and a matt surface that fine art printers can rely on.
- GALERIE Prestige double-sided Fine Art Smooth 220gsm & Fine Art Textured 220gsm: These double-sided products come in a smooth or textured surface, offering a bright white base that delivers sharpness, contrast, crisp detail and vivid color.
These new offerings are currently on display at the ILFORD stand at photokina (Stand D.011/E0.10).
ILFORD has announced new IIC profiles for the Canon PIXMA PRO-100, PIXMA PRO-10, and new large format printers.
New GALERIE profiles for the latest CANON printers
ILFORD develops ICC profiles to maximize printing results with the new Canon PIXMA PRO-100, PIXMA PRO-10 and the new Canon large format printers, the iPF6400, iPF6450, iPF8400 and the iPF9400.
Marly, Switzerland, 17 September, 2012 - ILFORD, a leading developer and manufacturer of professional quality media for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes, today announced that it has developed ICC profiles to maximize printing results when using the innovative ILFORD GALERIE range of inkjet papers with the latest Canon printers. The new profiles, available for free at http://www.ilford.com/, ensure breath-taking colors and consistent results when printing on GALERIE with the new Canon products announced today.
The two new premium A3+ PIXMA PRO-100 and PIXMA PRO-10 photo printers from Canon are ideal for semi-professional and serious amateur photographers looking to produce professional-quality photos at home or in the studio. The new models both feature Canon’s stylish EOS-inspired design, individual inks, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The PIXMA PRO-100 replaces the PIXMA Pro9000 MkII and features an 8-ink dye-based system for creating stunning colour and monochrome photographs at home. Outstanding quality prints can be produced quickly, with fast print speeds of approx. 90 seconds for an A3+ bordered colour photo, across a wide range of media.
The PIXMA PRO-10 replaces the PIXMA Pro9500 MkII and features a 10-ink pigment-based system with Chroma Optimizer, making the PRO-10 ideal for semi-professional and serious amateur photographers looking to work with a wide range of media. The PRO-10 boasts print speeds of approx. 3 minutes 35 seconds for A3+ bordered, colour or black and white photo prints.
The latest additions to the Canon Large Format printer range are the iPF6400, the iPF6450 (also available with optional spectrophotometer), the iPF8400, the iPF9400 and the iPF9400S.
All the new models use LUCIA EX inks, making Canon the only company to use a singular ink set across an entire large format range, and ‘hot swap’ technology. The ink set provides a wider color gamut, more expressive blacks, better scratch resistance and a more stable color for optimum image quality to ensure absolute consistency between devices. The ‘hot swap’ technology gives the ability to replace ink while printing, providing uninterrupted production and reduced down time.
The 12-colour, 24” imagePROGRAF iPF6400 and iPF6450 are replacing the iPF6300 and iPF6350 models. The new optional spectrophotometer with the imagePROGRAF iPF6450 enables precise, highly stable and consistent colour that has a switchable UV filter to give users much greater flexibility with their range of media.
Calibration Link allows the spectrophotometer to provide a unified solution to all the 12-color large format printers launched by Canon in 2012. Needing only to be installed on the iPF6450 at one location, users can centrally control the color management of multiple imagePROGRAF units installed in other sites, optimising output and ensuring uniformity of color.
The imagePROGRAF range is further enhanced by the 44” imagePROGRAF iPF8400, a 12-color printer, which replaces the iPF8300 that comes with an increased internal HDD of 250GB and a faster throughput. Also launching are the 60” imagePROGRAF iPF9400 and the iPF9400S models, 12-color and 8-color respectively. Overall image quality is improved by using LUCIA-EX inks which provide approximately 20% wider color gamut and the fast printing speed will appeal to the photographic, fine arts and in-house signage markets.
At http://www.ilford.com/, ICC profiles for printing with the new Canon products will be available free for download to coincide with the worldwide availability of the printers*. This includes profiles for five brand new fine art GALERIE papers to be introduced during photokina 2012, which will be the latest additions to the growing top-of-the-line, award-winning GALERIE Prestige range. The new GALERIE product introductions will be announced on Wednesday 19 September, with full product information to be published at http://www.ilford.com/. ICC profiles for using existing Canon printers with a wide range of GALERIE papers are currently available from the ILFORD website.
Visitors to photokina 2012 will have the opportunity to see all four brand new Canon introductions being demonstrated in the Canon space in Hall 3.2 using ILFORD media. Meanwhile, the ILFORD stand D.011 – E.010 in Hall 6.1 will feature one of the brand new Canon Large Format models, the iPF6450, plus a brand new CANON PIXMA Pro-100 and a Canon PIXMA Pro-1, showcasing the impressive results produced by the printers when using new and existing GALERIE media.
“ILFORD is committed to continually developing our ICC profiles so that photographers using GALERIE papers can achieve outstanding prints with the most innovative printers on the market,” said Jane Dixon, Director of Global Marketing at ILFORD. “By developing ICC profiles for use of the brand new ILFORD GALERIE papers with the latest Canon printers, ILFORD is pleased to demonstrate that we develop all our new products with the photographer in mind.”
ILFORD ICC Profiles are developed by technicians on the ILFORD Research and Development team who specialise in the creation of profiles that accurately reflect a true photographic image. A detailed ReadMe file is available in the profile download section of the ILFORD website, offering easy to use step-by-step instructions. The carefully defined printer settings override standard settings for optimal print results with the entire GALERIE range.
* Worldwide availability of new Canon printers:
- Large Format Printers: The iPF6400, iPF6450 (also available with optional spectrophotometer), iPF8400, iPF9400 and iPF9400S are available worldwide in September 2012.
- Premium A3+ PIXMA PRO-100 and PIXMA PRO-10 photo printers are available in the U.S.A mid-October 2012 and across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in November 2012.
From Canon and Ilford:
ILFORD AND CANON USA, INC. JOIN FORCES TO CREATE STUNNING INKJET PRINTS
Try My Photo program gives consumers an opportunity to obtain a free sample print of their own eligible images on ILFORD GALERIE Prestige professional-quality media using Canon PIXMA Pro printers
Avon, CT – July 17, 2012 – ILFORD (http://www.ilford.com) together with Canon USA Inc., a leader in digital imaging, (www.usa.canon.com) today announced the limited time promotion for the successful Try My Photo program. Exclusive to United States residents, the program allows participants to print one of their favorite eligible images on just-launched ILFORD GALERIE Prestige professional-quality media using select Canon PIXMA Pro series printers. Those interested in taking advantage of the program can visit www.TryMyPhoto.com for program details and restrictions.
To demonstrate the professional-quality printing capabilities of its inkjet printers, Canon has selected two new papers from the ILFORD GALERIE Prestige range including Smooth Gloss 310 gsm and Smooth Pearl 310 gsm, on which to produce the free 8.5”x11” prints. Recently recognized with a 2012 TIPA Award for Best Fine Art Inkjet Paper, the 310 gsm ILFORD GALERIE Prestige Smooth Gloss and Smooth Pearl are now available to the U.S. market.
To take advantage of this promotion, register online at www.TryMyPhoto.com, upload an eligible image and select the option to print your image on ILFORD paper. The free prints will be produced on Canon PIXMA Pro printers including the Canon Pixma PRO-1, Canon Pixma Pro9500 Mark II and Canon Pixma Pro9000 Mark II, and mailed directly to the recipient; offer is limited to one per household during the period 17th July thru 30th September. Each Try My Photo print comes with information explaining exactly how the image was printed so photographers can easily replicate the results using their Canon printer at home. To ensure accurate reproduction of their images in home-printing, photographers can also download the free ICC profiles from the ILFORD web site. http://www.ilford.com/en/support/printer-profiles/.
“We’re excited to once again be working with Canon on this year’s Try My Photo program,” said Tim Maher, President of ILFORD America, Inc. “Canon’s top of the line inkjet printers are a perfect match for our new heavyweight 310 gsm offerings. Photographers can not only expect their submitted image to be returned as a high-quality print but will also be provided with the know-how that will allow them to achieve great results on their own.”
The ILFORD GALERIE Prestige range is a top choice of professional and enthusiast photographers looking for a truly universal inkjet photo paper compatible with all high-end inkjet printers on the market. In addition to the newly launched 310 gsm GALERIE Prestige Smooth Gloss and Smooth Pearl, the range includes Gold Fibre Silk, Smooth High Gloss, and Smooth Lustre Duo media. To learn more about the ILFORD GALERIE line up, please visit http://www.ilford.com/en/products/photo-inkjet/galerie-prestige/.
From ILFORD:
Free Webinar: How to print like an ILFORD Master
Pre register now for the latest ILFORD Webinar.
Thursday, June 21, 2012 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Thursday, June 21, 2012 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
We would like to teach you about our new papers and also give you a chance to ask all the questions you’ve ever had about getting the best prints possible. Joshua M Fischer, ILFORD Product Marketing Manager in the US and an expert on colour management will give a short presentation about the new ILFORD GALERIE Prestige line and delve into the topic of printing like a true ILFORD Master.
Check out our previous ILFORD webinars.
From ILFORD:
ILFORD REDEFINES ITS GALERIE RANGE; ESTABLISHES PRESTIGE TO MEET THE EXACTING STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rebranded as ILFORD GALERIE Prestige, the ILFORD GALERIE Lineup Retains Same High-Quality and Permanence Standards, and Adopts a Star Rating System for Instant Classification
Avon, CT & Marly, Switzerland – 17 January, 2012 – ILFORD (http://www.ilford.com), a leading developer and manufacturer of professional quality media for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes, today announced that it is rebranding its popular ILFORD GALERIE range as ILFORD GALERIE Prestige (5*). While the packaging has changed, the media inside remains the same leading inkjet paper that professional photographers rely on to produce breathtaking prints with superior permanence qualities.
The evolution to GALERIE Prestige (5*) paves the way for a series of new product additions to be introduced in 2012 that combines state-of-the-art inkjet technology with in-demand artistic styles. The additions will compliment the already robust line of best-in-class media developed for professional photographers and creative professionals. In addition, the GALERIE range is now categorized in a star rating system, enabling professionals and consumers to quickly recognize the media that best suits their printing needs.
GALERIE Prestige (5*) is developed for professional photographers and imaging professionals who demand high precision and accuracy. The specialty coating provides superior images and consistent results when used with a wide array of printers. This range includes the Gold Fibre Silk, Smooth Pearl and Smooth Gloss that recently received high print permanence ratings from Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc., the world's leading independent permanence testing laboratory. Smooth Fine Art and Smooth Lustre Duo are also included in the range.
“ILFORD has a long tradition of providing the marketplace with media that delivers perfect images for every style, from traditional portraits to contemporary, highly-saturated commercial images,” said Jane Dixon, Director of Global Marketing for ILFORD. “With the introduction of ILFORD GALERIE Prestige, both professional photographers and photo enthusiasts can be sure the choices they make will best deliver the print results they desire. In addition, the advanced coatings on all ILFORD media, and on-going development from our in-house research and development team, ensure that all ILFORD media will continue to be compatible with a wide range of printers currently on the market and new printers that will hit the market in the future.”
To further guarantee photographers exact the finest prints from each sheet of ILFORD GALERIE Prestige, and all ranges, detailed instructions for using ICC profiles are available at the ILFORD website. A ReadMe file is available in the profile download section offering intuitive, step-by-step instructions. The carefully defined printer settings, created by technicians on the ILFORD Research and Development team, ensure optimal print results for the entire range.
About ILFORD
Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading player in the development and manufacture of photo quality media and other consumables for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes. The worldwide digital imaging and color photographic businesses, which include R&D and manufacturing operations in Switzerland, are owned by Paradigm Global Partners LLP. ILFORD hosts its U.S. sales operations from its offices in Avon, CT.
The ILFORD name is well established in the history of imaging and today continues to be associated with cutting edge technology thanks to its strong links to the photo imaging marketplace, research and development, technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities.
For more information on ILFORD, please visit http://www.ilford.com/
From Ilford:
ILFORD INTRODUCES GALERIE SMOOTH HIGH GLOSS TO USA
Metallic media alternative promises exhibition standard prints for a wide range of professional applications
Marly, Switzerland & Avon, CT – December 12, 2011 – ILFORD (http://www.ilford.com), a leading developer and manufacturer of professional quality media for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes, today announced that it is furthering its commitment to developing contemporary inkjet media with the introduction of GALERIE SMOOTH HIGH GLOSS in the USA. The new film-based media promises exhibition standard prints to the growing number of photo professionals choosing to work with inkjet printing, including artists, photographers and museum exhibitors.
Available in the USA beginning January 2012, GALERIE SMOOTH HIGH GLOSS is a metallic media alternative offering enhanced definition and extended tonal range for the highest quality professional photo look. Developed by the team of ILFORD photo experts in Switzerland, the media features an instant dry, universally compatible layer for superior results with both dye and pigment printers. Created for a wide range of professional applications, GALERIE SMOOTH HIGH GLOSS is available in 8.5 x 11”, A4, A3+ and 24” roll formats.
ILFORD introduces GALERIE SMOOTH HIGH GLOSS as the photographic market continues to evolve from chemical photographic processes towards the use of inkjet media. This worldwide trend has brought with it the decline of products such as ILFOCHROME CLASSIC, which is to be discontinued following the deadline for final orders on 19 December 2011. ILFORD is pleased to recommend GALERIE SMOOTH HIGH GLOSS as an inkjet alternative to ILFOCHROME, with the media’s metallic surface offering comparable results.
“ILFORD has long been a technological leader in the print media industry, and with many of our users and labs adopting a purely digital workflow we are proud to possess the technological capabilities necessary to offer customers professional quality inkjet alternatives to traditional photographic media.” Says Jane Dixon, Director of Global Marketing at ILFORD. “Some of our customers may remember the previous incarnation of GALERIE SMOOTH HIGH GLOSS which was very popular with photography professionals, and we are now pleased to introduce it as an alternative to metallic media following modifications by our team of experts in Switzerland.”
GALERIE SMOOTH HIGH GLOSS joins the already diverse array of GALERIE products designed for use in the professional inkjet market place, including the traditional baryta fibre based media GALERIE GOLD FIBRE SILK, also favored amongst photographers wishing to explore inkjet alternatives to traditional media.
About ILFORD GALERIE
GALERIE Professional Inkjet range is designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of today’s professional inkjet marketplace. ILFORD is dedicated to developing products that deliver superior images and with GALERIE combines state-of-the-art inkjet technology with more than a century of experience in the craft of image making.
About ILFORD
Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading player in the development and manufacture of photo quality media and other consumables for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes. The worldwide digital imaging and color photographic businesses, which include R&D and manufacturing operations in Switzerland, are owned by Paradigm Global Partners LLP.
The ILFORD name is well established in the history of imaging and today continues to be associated with cutting edge technology thanks to its strong links to the photo imaging marketplace, research and development, technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities.
For more information on ILFORD, please visit http://www.ilford.com/
B&H carries Ilford products.
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