Kodak has announced the launch of a hybrid printing press and a new distribution agreement for the machine, in moves demonstrating the company's growing commitment to digital technology.

Kodak and Ryobi have sealed a deal to offer a fully integrated hybrid sheet-fed press, with the Ryobi 750 series offset press integrating with the digital technology of the Kodak Prosper S5 Imprinting Systems.

The hybrid press offers offset printing, ink-jet printing, and an optional in-line varnish station – suitable for direct mail printers – in one step, says Kodak. The Ryobi 750 series can print up to 10,000 sheets per hour.

"Ryobi engineers have created a unique solution – a one-step, dynamic hybrid sheet-fed press that integrates Kodak Prosper Press ink-jet technology with the precision sheet control of a Ryobi press," explains Michael L Marsh, general manager of Inkjet Printing Solutions and vice-president, Kodak.

In addition, a new agreement with Graphic Innovators extends an existing relationship to see it become the first reseller of the Kodak Prosper S-Series Imprinting Systems in the Americas region.