FFEI appoints CGS to distribute packaging design and workflow products

Print and imaging technology specialist FFEI has appointed CGS Publishing Technologies International LLC as a distributor of its suite of high-end 3D packaging design, publishing and workflow products.
 
Both companies said the agreement will build on CGS’ successful ORIS color management line, benefiting the packaging and digital supply chains.
 
FFEI’s RealVue 3D Packager is used in folding carton packaging design, working with DXF, PDF, and Adobe Illustrator (AI) files to allow designers and brand managers to create accurate visual prototypes, including difficult elements like embossing, substrate textures, cut-outs and metallic inks. From an original die-line file, the user can design and test a package, viewing the results of the folding process from any angle. Once complete, the package concept can be viewed at any angle and with a 360-degree preview of the animated folding sequence by the brand manager, in a collaborative process, at a significant saving in time and cost. Annotations and approval can be added to the 3D view file.
 
The company’s RealPro workflow system is an automated workflow solution for digital and conventional presses. With its modular, scalable approach based on Adobe APPE core technology with fully integrated imposition, it links to MIS, Web2Print and digital press controllers (DFE’s) with full JDF compliance. New software options provide comprehensive tools for labeling and packaging print service providers.
 
The CGS ORIS Press Matcher // Web is system for producing accurate, consistent color on any digital printing device. Press Matcher has been embraced by multi-site users of digital presses from HP, Xerox and other manufacturers, as well as wide format systems for multiple applications. For packaging service providers – especially those using Roland printer/cutters – ORIS allows accurate, consistent reproduction of challenging spot colors and metallics, providing physical prototypes in a reduced time.

'Packaging is a complex, fast-growing market, but there are tremendous opportunities for cost savings in the design and prototyping phases’

Nick Gilmore, software business manager for FFEI, said: ‘CGS’ ORIS color management is already established in many of the top printers in North America. This new partnership provides an opportunity for CGS to offer customers the possibility to integrate FFEI’s RealPro workflow system to manage, automate and centralize imposition, trapping, archiving and color across digital devices. It greatly reduces repetitive tasks, speeds up production and improves profitability.’
 
‘The combination of FFEI’s 3D packaging design software, workflow solutions and CGS’ award-winning color management technology gives us a unique product portfolio for the packaging design and digital printing markets,’ said CGS chief executive officer Trevor Haworth (pictured, top).
 
‘Packaging is a complex, fast-growing market, but there are tremendous opportunities for cost savings in the design and prototyping phases,’ Haworth added. ‘Thanks to this alliance, designers, brand managers and service providers will be able to significantly improve their bottom line.’
 
Andy Cook, managing director of FFEI, concluded: ‘CGS has a strong heritage in the graphic arts world with a deep technical knowledge of the packaging and color markets. It is a perfect fit to help grow the customer base of FFEI’s innovative products; we are all very excited about the future potential this partnership offers.’