Product: Technology and Products for Industrial Digital Printing Developers: Benny Landa, Shai Lior, Dr. Yehuda Niv, Dr. Uri Levy, Dr. Pinni Perlmutter, Alon Gazit, Peretz Ben-Avraham Company: Indigo Start of Development: 1988
The printing industry is one of the most prominent industries in the world, and it has had a tremendous impact on humankind and on history. Printing technology, which began in ancient history, peaked in the 15th century with the offset printing process invented by German Johannes Gutenberg. The method replaced early hand-press technology, setting the written word free for everyone everywhere.
Nevertheless, since the printing industry remained analog over the years, it required a hefty investment in materials and labor, its maneuvering capabilities in small quantities were limited, and it did not offer any option for the printing of individual products.
Indigo Printing, founded by Benny Landa, who came to be known as the father of digital printing, set its sights on transforming the familiar printing industry with advanced digital printing, without compromising on the quality of the final product. The vision was grandiose, considering the traditionalism of the printing industry and the limitations of that period – prior to the PC and Internet Age.
By the end of the development period, which lasted six years, Indigo surprised the printing industry and in 1993, launched the first digital offset color printing press. The technology uses electrical charge and loaded colored ink to transfer ink to paper.
Consequently, target clients, primarily printing houses, enjoyed an innovative possibility to print in smaller quantities, or even in single units.
The state-of-the-art printing method serves both large businesses and individuals, and enables the printing of a large variety of products for personal or commercial use. Indigo has revolutionized the industry that, until that point, was considered dormant, and has created a giant business with headquarters located in Israel, providing employment for thousands of people in Israel and across the globe.
Global HP recognized the great potential in the world of digital printing and in 2002, it acquired Indigo Printing. As part of HP, Indigo continues to grow and is a world leader in the industry.
