Although Creo director of thermal consumables business Kevin Cazabon was tight lipped on exact figures, he said that its Positive Thermal Plate (PTP) had performed well this year.

"Certainly in the last six to nine months PTP has shown significant growth," said Cazabon. "At Drupa we were able to show the market that we are a serious player, particularly after we bought a second production plant in North America."

Creo UK sales director Nigel Street added that the end of year results would show that Creo was "ahead of the game" on PTP.

"Feedback from the market has been promising and having face-to-face support in the field for users has not been an issue for customers," said Street.

Creo's financial year end is the 30 September (today). Its results for the full year will be released on 17 November. PTP has already bolstered its results through increased sales. Its consumables revenues grew by 57% to 9.8m in the second quarter, which was attributed to the growth of the plate business (PrintWeek, 5 May).

UK companies that have taken on PTP include Trader Media, Gemini Group and Image & Print Group. Last month Trader Media signed up for Creo's biggest-ever pre-press bundle following a multi-million pound deal to take the publisher and web printer CTP (PrintWeek, 19 August).

Meanwhile there has been no word on a proposed restructure at Creo. Street confirmed that it would take place but refused to be drawn on what form it would happen. Earlier this month press reports said that Creo would present its restructuring plans to the board by the end of the month.

Story by Philip Chadwick