Fujifilm has excluded Japan and three North American markets from a deal under which it has sold its printing plate business to a Chinese manufacturer.

As announced earlier this month, Fujifilm Business Innovation is transferring much of its production, sales and plate materials related business to Huangshan Jinruitai Technology Co, which had previously been its agent for China.

The company says it will “optimise and reorganise” its production and sales structure as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its graphic communications business.

The announcement acknowledges the “significant transformation” of the printing industry, including a shift from offset to digital printing and the need to optimise global production. It will now concentrate on plate production in Japan, the US, Canada and Mexico.

It also plans to accelerate its global growth in digital printing, enhancing development of digital presses centred on its Revoria series. Fujifilm Business Innovation president Naoki Hama says accelerating its transformation toward a solutions-driven business will strengthen its competitiveness. “We will continue striving to be a company of choice for our customers and the market,” he says.

Plate sales and related business should be completed in early 2027.

Huangshan Jinruitai Technology is located in China’s Anhui province (pictured) in eastern China, famous for its scenic Yellow Mountains.