ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 4, 2006) - 3M Commercial Graphics, a leading provider of large-format graphic solutions and Durst Phototechnik , a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers, announce a strategic relationship that will more closely align printer technology, inks and the print media to provide customers with higher performance printing solutions. The alliance will leverage Durst’s experience in making quality UV inkjet printers and 3M’s high performance Premium UV inks and media to provide customers with advanced and unique printing solutions based on emerging UV digital printing technology.

"Durst’s and 3M’s strong reputation for quality and innovation of their respective technologies are a natural fit," said Bob Doughty, 3M Commercial Graphics Division Vice President. "3M and Durst have signed a letter of intent to cooperate on the use of 3M Premium durable UV inks, for use on digital platforms from Durst Company. We are very pleased to be forming a new alliance with Durst. We are confident that Durst’s commitment to UV printer technology combined with 3M high performance UV inks and graphics media will provide our customers more options for fleet, architectural and promotional applications.” Doughty explained.

Richard Piock, CEO of the Durst Phototechnik Group, headquarted in Brixen, Italy, emphasized, “Durst, a leading manufacturer of piezo UV inkjet printers, is pleased to cooperate strategically with 3M as leading manufacturer of inks and media for the high quality imaging industry”. “Innovations”, Dr. Piock, continued, “will happen more and more in the field of applications combining printing technology, inks and media, offering new, better and more economic solutions to the printing market. This alliance is the combination of the benchmark leaders in regard to these three aspects of innovation in inkjet printing.”

“We are in the final stages of Market Plan development and testing related to this strategic alliance,” said Allen Jolley, 3M Commercial Graphics Business Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Jolley adds “3M Commercial Graphics Europe and Durst Phototechnik Group Europe will be prepared to have additional program and product details regarding this alliance partnership at the Grafitalia show in May, 2006”.

Durst Phototechnik manufactures large-format imaging machines utilizing both photo and inkjet technology in two factories, one in Brixen, Italy and the other in Lienz, Austria. The internationally renowned company, which exports to over 120 countries around the globe, has been active in the field of picture reproduction since 1936. It revolutionized the photo-world with the “Lambda” large format laser imaging device and, since 2001, Durst has produced UV inkjet printers. Once again, it became the innovative market leader with several “firsts” including the first company to offer a white ink printing option as a fifth colour and a special effect varnish, to name but two. (www.durst-online.com)

3M Commercial Graphics manufactures a broad range of products for digital printing, including graphic films, inks, toners, overlaminates and clear coats. 3M's graphic brands include Controltac™ Plus, Controltac™ Plus with Comply™ Performance, Scotchcal™ and Scotchlite™. These products are designed, engineered, developed, tested and manufactured for optimal compatibility and performance. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, MCS and Panagraphics are trademarks of 3M.
Scotchprint is a registered trademark of 3M in the United States and many other countries.

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