Features Printing Wide-format Inkjet
Xaar Launches 1002 GS6, as CEO Plans Retirement

Xaar last week launched its new 1002 GS6 print-head, building from the existing 1001 GS6 product, for UV applications, primarily aimed at the production of labels, laminates, direct-to-shape, packaging and other types of product decoration.

Xaar states the 1002 GS6 print-head (featuring 1,000 nozzles) is designed to jet high-opacity white inks, as well as high-viscosity varnishes, which is enabled by Xaar’s patented TF Technology for ink recirculation and the Hybrid Side-Shooter architecture.

TF Technology was first introduced on the 1001 GS6. The Xaar 1002 GS6 is backwards compatible with the Xaar 1001 GS6. The Xaar 1002 GS6 is available with a range of systems components, including the new slimline HPC3, XUSB and Xaar Hydra.

This morning, Xaar of Cambridge, U.K. released its 2013 financial results, as well as news that its Chief Executive Officer, Ian Dinwoodie, plans to retire in 2015 following 12 years at the helm of the company.

“My decision is entirely a personal one and I remain fully committed to continuing the development of the company between now and my planned retirement date,” stated Dinwoodie. “We are beginning the search for my successor now, and I will ensure a smooth transition occurs during 2015.”

For its 2013 fiscal year, Xaar reported increased sales in all markets, with its growth being led by strong Chinese end-user demand in the ceramics segment. The company recorded revenues of £134.1 million for the year, growing 55 percent over the 2012 number.

Xaar is presently mid-way through a £30m investment program to increase production capacity at the Huntingdon manufacturing facility by 75 percent. The company has experienced a 43 percent increase in year-end headcount with nearly 800 employees at 31 December 2013, including over 650 jobs in the U.K.

Investment in R&D doubled to £16.4m (12 percent of revenue) with R&D headcount increasing by 64 percent year on year. Xaar also noted its Thin Film Piezo program (Platform 4) successfully moved from the technology demonstration phase to the product design phase, with first sales still expected in 2016. New product launches for 2014 included the Xaar 1002, Xaar 501 and Xaar XPM, together with the planned market test of a new 200nl technology.