Press Release: HP and Seiko I Infotech to Develop and Market Large-format Printers for Outdoor Signs and Graphics


Sept. 9, 2005--HP (NYSE:HPQ)(Nasdaq:HPQ) and Seiko I Infotech today announced they have signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement to jointly develop and market low solvent-based large-format printers intended primarily for the outdoor graphics printing market.

The multi-year agreement allows HP to expand its product portfolio for graphics customers who need to produce moderate volumes of high-quality and highly durable outdoor applications such as signs, banners and vehicle graphics.
Seiko I Infotech will develop the new printers exclusively for HP using its extensive expertise and technology. Marketing, sales, distribution and supplies will be handled by HP. First products are expected to become available in 2006.
"We were looking for a partner that could provide the levels of print quality, ease of use and system performance that HP customers have come to expect," said Enrique Lores, vice president and general manager, Large Format Printing, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. "Partnering with Seiko I Infotech enables us to rapidly expand our presence in the durable outdoor signage market."
The new products will complement existing HP large-format product offerings for the outdoor market, including the HP Designjet 5500 UV and the recently acquired Scitex Vision wide- and super-wide format printers.
"HP's distribution channel, worldwide resources and extensive imaging and printing product portfolio make this partnership a win-win for print service providers," said Eiichi Ishihama, president and chief executive officer, Seiko I Infotech. "We are happy to enter into this agreement, bringing the best of the best to our customers and the outdoor signage market."
About Seiko I Infotech
Seiko I Infotech Inc. (SIIT) is a leading company in wide-format printing technology, and is a subsidiary company of Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII), headquartered in Chiba, Japan. SIIT develops and manufactures precision-engineered wide-format printing systems specifically for the sign, graphics, CAD, and GIS markets that provide industry-leading productivity and image quality. SIIT and its worldwide network of authorized distributors and dealers, provide complete printing solutions including wide-format printers, inks, media, software, installation, support, knowledge and training. More information about SIIT and SIIT products is available at www.seiko-i.com.
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended July 31, 2005, HP revenue totaled $85.2 billion. More information about HP is available at www.hp.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they ever materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including the expected development, performance or rankings of products or services; statements of expectation or belief; and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the development, performance and market acceptance of products and services and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to HP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2005, and other reports filed after HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2004. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
(C) 2005 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Posted: Fri - September 9, 2005 at 12:19 PM          

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