Xaar Launches US Applications Division

Xaar plc, the UK-based manufacturer of inkjet printheads, has acquired Texas-based Vivid Print Innovations (VPI). VPI was founded in 2001 by a team of digital-printing experts anxious to develop state-of-the-art inkjet printers for a variety of uses in grand and wide-format graphics, packaging, labelling, screen-printing, offset-printing, textiles, flexographic printing, and industrial printing.

Vivid Print Innovations will retain its name, but will operate as “The Applications Division of Xaar.” The division will provide Xaar customers with a 'one-stop-shop' for developing prototype inkjet-printing systems based on Xaar's printheads. VPI staffers will offer customers a complete printing design, integration and build service, providing advice throughout all phases of product development from initial concept to finished product.

Xaar's chief executive office Jan Fineman notes that “Bringing the talents of VPI to Xaar will give us the ability to work with customers directly to develop tailored solutions.” He adds that VPI's experience and breadth of knowledge will help reaffirm Xaar's commitment to the US market.

William Leach, president of VPI, says, “The majority of the solutions developed and brought to market by VPI to date have been based on Xaar technology. The merger of our integration capabilities with Xaar's technological standing will bring a very powerful systems design and integration offering to the market.” (Xaar: www.xaar.co.uk)