Agfa Graphics has announced that it will shut its analogue plate factory in Manerbio, Italy.

The plant produces analogue offset plates and negative CtCP (computer to conventional plate) plates, both product lines for which market demand is in decline.

About 123 jobs are affected by the decision.

Agfa Graphics president Stefaan Vanhooren says the decision is “part of a strategy to improve our operational efficiency, margins and competitive position in the highly competitive prepress market.

“After having considered all options, Agfa Graphics has now informed Manerbio's employees as well as the trade unions that it intends to close down the factory impacting 123 employee positions. A redundancy plan will be developed for the employees that currently work there.”