Interview with Arnaud Calleja, Vice-President of Digital Printing Solutions at AGFA
Nicola Penhallow (NP): “We previously reported on the strategic partnership between AGFA and EFI, which was officially launched earlier in February 2024. Soon after, you introduced new machines at FESPA. Now that these machines have been in the market for a while, could you share how things have evolved? Have existing customers adopted these new solutions?”
Arnaud Calleja (AJ): “When we launched the partnership with EFI, we set clear business objectives for 2024. Thanks to the strength of this collaboration, we’ve already achieved those goals. The partnership is working as planned. There are always areas that require fine tuning but, overall, we’re pleased with the results. The two companies share a pragmatic, result-driven culture.”
NP: “How have customers responded to the partnership? Have any of them started using the new solutions?”
AJ: “We’ve seen significant adoption. Some of our existing customers – who were already using AGFA engines – have added the AGFA-branded Condor 5m roll-to-roll engine to their set-ups, which aligns with our strategy. In addition, EFI customers have also started integrating the EFI-branded Q3h hybrid machines. The goal was always for both companies to expand their offerings and we’re now seeing this vision come to life with positive outcomes.”
NP: “This is certainly encouraging. Do you foresee the partnership extending into other technologies as both companies continue to innovate?”
AJ: “I’d like to emphasise again that this partnership isn’t a merger or acquisition. It’s a collaboration with very specific boundaries focused on providing access to a broader range of engines. While the partnership’s current scope is working effectively, there may be future opportunities for deeper collaboration in certain areas where our expertise aligns.”
NP: “How do you think this collaboration will impact the broader digital-printing industry?”
AJ: “The true value of this partnership lies in two areas. First, its long-term commitment – this isn’t a short-term collaboration. Second, the impact on our customers is significant.
“By expanding our engine offerings, we can focus on what we do best, leveraging EFI’s roll-to-roll engines to provide high-performance solutions. The company’s research and development (R&D) efforts have been invaluable, allowing us to concentrate our own resources on developing differentiated solutions that deliver tangible market benefits.”
NP: “With this focus on differentiation, where are you investing your R&D resources?”
AJ: “We’re concentrating on the sign and display market with new engine launches, showcasing the results of our investment in innovation. Our ink portfolio will also evolve to support these. Additionally, we’re investing heavily in sustainability to reduce customer costs and increase the environmental footprint of our products. We’ll continue to highlight this in our 2025 sustainability strategy.”
NP: “How are you approaching emerging markets, such as India, with your offerings?”
AJ: “AGFA is a global company with a strong presence in emerging markets such as India and other parts of Asia. We work through both our internal teams and local partners to distribute our technology, recognising that price is often a key driver in these regions.”
NP: “Where are you seeing the strongest growth?”
AJ: “We have a solid presence in Europe and North America. We’re also seeing growth in Latin America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Overall, these markets are expanding in line with global trends in digital printing and AGFA is well positioned to benefit.”
NP: “Finally, what message would you like to convey to your customers and the wider market?”
AJ: “AGFA has been a leader in digital printing for many years and our commitment to innovation is unwavering. Last year, we launched three new engines – Tauro, Bronco and Condor – and we plan to introduce even more in the coming year, beginning with FESPA Global Expo in Berlin. Our competitors simply haven’t matched the pace of innovation we’ve shown. We are confident that we will continue to lead the industry with disruptive technology.
“In addition to our focus on sign and display, we’re also pioneering the use of digital printing in the packaging sector. This is a game changer, as digital offers flexibility and customisation that traditional analogue printing simply cannot provide. We’re also excited to bring digital solutions to the décor market, which offers huge opportunities for personalisation.
“The pace of innovation in digital printing is accelerating and AGFA is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting new era.”