Agfa Graphics successor ECO3 has acquired UK prepress automation specialist Direct-to-Plate, which provided support to the UK printing industry.

Previously based in Stoke on Trent, the company still advertises itself as as a supplier of equipment from Krause Biagosch, CRON Europe, Nela, Beil, Heights and G&J, and “working closely” with other prepress suppliers including Kodak, Fuji and ECO3.

DtP team members have been integrated into the ECO3 UK head office in Derbyshire, with customers assured of continued support and access to spare parts.

ECO3 global head of sales and service Frederik Dehing says the acquisition “enforces our organisation” and ensures newspaper, commercial and packaging customers in the UK of the best possible after sales support available.

Terms of the acquisition have not been made public.

Europe sales chief Eddie Williams said the deal would bring on board a team of highly experienced and professional engineers, providing 24/7 services to a broad range of equipment and software solutions. “Their know-how will enable us to expand our reach and continue to provide the best services to our customers“.

DtP’s expertise across more than 25 years had included automation solutions including automated pallet loading of plates, inline bending and/or punching and bending, plate sortation, job and plate tracking.

With a history dating back to 1867 – when synthetic dye maker Aktien-Gesellschaft für Anilin-Fabrikation was founded – Agfa Offset Solutions was acquired by Aurelius in 2023 and relaunched as ECO3.