2010 has been a challenging year for the industry. Clearly, the companies that pressed on emerge stronger, and ready to take on 2011. Xingraphics is also going all out to cast its net. Cathy Hu, regional sales manager of Xingraphics APAC, talks to Christel Lee of PPPA, what’s in store.

The industry has seen the waves coming at Xingraphics, occasionally threatening not only its credibility, possibly existence as well. Not only did the company emerged victorious, it has certainly become stronger with partnerships. The one most-notable would be its collaboration with manroland.

Today, with the company’s reliable products and optimum quality, Xingraphics’ has certainly commanded the attention of global players with its wide-network of distributors in Asia. Dainippon Screen in Singapore and Nationwide in Thailand are some of the known long-standing partnerships to date.

“Our vision is to provide an alternative solution, which is reliable, consistent and competitive in all international markets. Our performance in China (alone) for 2010 is a perfect reflection of this vision. With that, our next step is to further strengthen our global position through various international trade events such as Print China, to be held in April 2011.

“Having been in the business, customers are savvy. They can differentiate us from other players, not only through high-quality products, but also the built-in flexibility in business and service from our team of professionals. As one of the ‘Most favourite CtP brands in China’, Xingraphics moved a big step forward to its target as the leading global CtP plate suppliers,” Hu notes.

When quizzed on Xingraphics’ expectations for this exhibition, Hu is confident of the company’s performance. She replies, “As China’s economy grows rapidly, more and more technologies are widely used and forecast shows there will be a fast development over the next few years for CtP technology in the republic. Xingraphics expects to share its values, vision as well as its latest alternative solutions together with its understanding on domestic market in the exhibition with all friends and visitors.”

Hu adds, “Xingraphics will demonstrate its pre-press thermal solution in Print China, the Fit-eCo. It is our latest technology, which eliminates the need for chemistry and or additional equipment removing further energy requirements whilst maintaining optimum printing results to our valued customers worldwide and protecting the environment. This reflects our commitment to care for the environment.

“Additionally, we are also showcasing our pre-press hardware and software, the Dotfine for colour management, which is also widely-promoted now.” China is known republic, and has gained a strong reputation after being named as the second economy, dethroning Japan. The industry is also witnessing fierce global investments pouring into the country. When asked if there is any anticipation of threats, she remains confident.

“It is widely-known that Heidelberg, Dainippon Screen, FUJIFILM, AGFA and Kodak have been shipping the products manufactured in their factories in China since some three years ago. Forecasts show that domestic competition will be fiercer, thanks to the fast-growing market in China and also pouring foreign investment. “This will certainly exert more pressure on all manufacturers. Simultaneously, we think it will also help build a healthier competition to benefit the whole printing industry; as the market always require reliable, consistent and competitive solutions, which FIT is most certainly fits,” she highlights. Our stand in China Print is V007 in Hall 3 and we look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.”