NexPress Solutions Inc., a Kodak company, and Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG), a joint venture of Eastman Kodak Company and Sun Chemical, announced that KPG is collaborating with NexPress in the marketing and distribution of KODAK NEXPRESS 2100 digital production color presses and KODAK DIGIMASTER E150 and E125 digital production systems in the United States. KPG has launched the NEXPRESS 2100 press in the U.S. as of Oct. 1, 2004, and will phase in remaining geographic territories, as well as the DIGIMASTER E125 and E150 presses, during the first quarter of 2005.

The agreement substantially increases NexPress' U.S. sales coverage for the NEXPRESS 2100 and the DIGIMASTER E series presses -- extending NexPress' ability to bring its award-winning digital press solutions to a larger segment of the market.

"We are pleased to add KPG as a distribution partner of NEXPRESS digital solutions. Our partnership with KPG significantly expands NexPress' market reach, complementing our strong direct sales team, existing sales partners, and expert professional and workflow services," said Venkat Purushotham, president and CEO, NexPress Solutions. Under the agreement, NexPress will provide service for installations of NEXPRESS 2100 and DIGIMASTER systems at KPG customer sites.

"By adding NEXPRESS digital presses to its broad line of proofing, plate and CTP equipment and supplies, KPG can now be a single source for customers working in digital workflows - able to take customers from prepress - computer to plate, color proofing, film and paper consumables - to conventional and digital production printing in color and black and white," said Jeff Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer, KPG. "Customers now can go digital with their entire printing systems working with one trusted vendor."

Printers continue to manage the industry's transformation from conventional to digital processes. Kodak's Graphic Communications Group - with the industry's broadest portfolio for high-end digital solution - is positioned as a unique single source for a range of solutions that help the industry take advantage of new opportunities in digital print.

"The real beneficiaries of this agreement are the customers. Leveraging NexPress' market position as best in class high-end digital production solution provider and KPG's broad sales coverage, we can offer more digital printing solutions to more customers than ever before," said James Langley, president, Graphic Communications Group and senior vice president, Eastman Kodak Company. "With this agreement, both companies aim to expand upon their market leading positions in the industry."