The US-based manufacturer has set itself the ambitious target of mounting a serious challenge to the dominant plate manufacturing triumvirate of Agfa, Fuji and Kodak, according to chief executive Jeff Jacobson.

Speaking at the recent Print 09 Media Days event, Jacobson said: "Three players control more than 90% of the worldwide digital plate market and customers want more choice – they want a fourth player.

"We currently do less than 0.5% and that means we have a great opportunity to grow our market share. We have already worked on selectively expanding our dealer networks to include 100 worldwide and we will continue to grow that."

Jacobson added that the company had historically had too narrow a focus, with sales efforts concentrated on the US, Canada, UK and Japan, with an emphasis on small print operations.

In order to fulfil its ambitious growth plans, Jacobson envisages the company expanding up-market as well as geographically.

Presstek will exhibit its complete portfolio of CTP systems at Print 09, including its Aurora Pro chemistry-free thermal plate, which Jacobson described as the only "true chemistry-free plate" on the market.

The company will also demonstrate its Compass and Dimension series platesetters, Anthem Pro plates, the Vector FL52 platesetter with Freedom Pro plates and the Digital PlateMaster 34 SC/HSC polyester platesetter.

Presstek will also be showing its range of workflow systems including its PathWay web-to-print software, Latitude PDF/JDF workflow and Momentum Pro integrated RIP and workflow.

Print 09 is due to be held from 11-16 September at McCormick place in Chicago,