Durst Phototechnik AG takes over all of the operations of Durst Dice America.

From the 1st August 2003, Durst Phototechnik AG, of Brixen Italy, took control of all activities of DDA – Durst Dice America, including distribution, servicing and manufacturing. DDA was a joint venture between Durst and Dice America, Inc.

The newly formed organisation, Durst Image Technology US LLC, Rochester, has employed all former personnel engaged in the sales and service of Durst branded products, as well as the manufacture of the “Zeta”, high-speed laser photowriter. The “Zeta” is a joint development by Durst and Agfa Laborgeräte, Munich, and is designed for the social and portrait lab market. Formerly a DDA product, it will now be fully integrated into Durst’s product portfolio and will be redesigned according to Durst’s product philosophy.

Initially, the new company will be directed by Chris Howard, the Durst Brand Manager for the US and former Kodak Professional marketing specialist.

“ With this take-over”, said Richard Piock, CEO of the Durst Group. “Durst is represented in all important markets by their own companies thus enabling us to act directly within the markets, in keeping with our company strategy. The formation of Durst Image Technology GmbH, Munich, in July 2003 and our new US company in August 2003, means that all our customers in the large format market can expect the same levels of customer care and service standards.”

Durst Phototechnik AG, Brixen (South Tyrol-Italy) and Durst Digital Image Technology GmbH, Lienz (Eastern Tyrol- Austria) are among the leaders in the manufacture of large format printing devices. Durst revolutionised the photo-market with the “Lambda”, the first large format laser based photowriter, which has more than 900 installations worldwide. And is now well on the way to revolutionise the digital and screenprint market with the “Rho 160”, direct to media inkjet press. Utilising UV ink technology, the Rho has already more than 80 installations worldwide.