Fiery, a provider of digital front end (DFE) technology for production and industrial printing, has separated from EFI. It will operate independently as a separate company while remaining owned by EFI’s owner, Siris Capital Group.
As separate companies, EFI and Fiery will have distinct areas of strategic focus that will enable them to serve their customers better and grow over the long-term, with EFI as an industrial inkjet specialist and Fiery as one of the leading DFE providers.
Jeff Jacobson, a 35-year veteran of the digital imaging sector who led EFI as CEO following its 2019 take-private by Siris, will remain executive chairman of each business.
Toby Weiss, long-time chief operating officer and general manager of Fiery, will continue to lead the business as CEO of Fiery. EFI has also appointed Frank Pennisi, a veteran of the industrial and technology sectors, as chief executive officer.
“This realignment positions both EFI, now solely focused on digital inkjet for industrial applications, and Fiery, the leading global DFE provider, to win in their independent markets while maintaining the close partnership that has contributed to the success of each business,” Jacobson said.
“Digital imaging would not be where it is today without Fiery. Operating as a standalone company will only further strengthen Fiery’s market-leading position in providing innovative DFE solutions. Similarly, no company in the industry can match the depth and breadth of EFI’s industrial inkjet portfolio and I am looking forward to this next chapter of growth under Frank’s leadership.”
EFI will be solely focused on driving the analogue-to-digital transition across the packaging and corrugated, display graphics, textile, and building materials/décor end-markets for industrial inkjet.
“As a former customer, I know that EFI’s digital industrial inkjet portfolio is unmatched in the industry,” Pennisi said.
“The company’s suite of equipment, inks, and intelligent service positions it to address its customers’ most critical needs. I am thrilled to be joining EFI at this pivotal moment as the industry transitions toward digital inkjet.”
“I am excited that Frank shares our enthusiasm about the possibilities for EFI as an industrial inkjet leader and will bring his leadership and unique customer perspective to the company,” Siris partner Tyler Sipprelle said.
“Jeff’s leadership has been pivotal since Siris’ acquisition of EFI, through the first chapter of transformation and the challenges of the COVID pandemic, and he will continue to play a critical role moving forward as EFI’s executive chairman.
“With Frank, Jeff, and all the passionate and committed EFI team members, I am confident we have the best possible organisation to continue to transform the industrial imaging industry.”
As an independent company, Fiery will continue to provide DFE technology for digital production and industrial printing.
“Fiery solutions have always been about enabling digital print and making print engines better, and this is a milestone in furthering that mission,” Weiss added.
“Fiery OEM partners will benefit knowing that they are working with a company that is completely focused on adding value to their print platforms with world-class colour management, high-performance image processing, and automated workflows.
“Fiery will remain focused on working closely with its OEM partners, including the EFI Inkjet business, to continue developing cutting-edge technology that drives the next generation of automation, accuracy, and profit potential in digital printing.
“Fiery now has a greater ability to serve as a neutral partner to ensure OEMs capture success within digital print. We look forward to accelerating our investment as a standalone company, while driving our expanding product portfolio, incorporating world-class colour algorithms, and developing advanced cloud technology.”
“Fiery is a foundational player in digital imaging. Establishing Fiery as an independent company positions the business to deepen its commercial and strategic partnerships across the industry,” Sipprelle added.
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