EFI’s long-standing digital front-end (DFE) operation Fiery has been split from the company and will now operate as Fiery, while remaining under the ownership of private equity affiliate Siris Capital Group, which acquired EFI in 2019. Following the separation of EFI’s productivity software arm to form eProductivity Software at the end of 2021, this leaves EFI with its range of wide-format printers, including the Vutek high performance and Reggiani textile lines, plus the Nozomi corrugated and Cretaprint ceramic printers and other industrial inkjet machines.

Toby Weiss, chief operating officer and general manager of Fiery, will continue to lead the business as CEO of Fiery, with Jeff Jacobson serving as executive chairman of Fiery in addition to his role as executive chairman of EFI. Frank Pennisi, a veteran of the industrial and technology sectors has been appointed chief executive officer of EFI.

‘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,’ said Mr. Jacobson. ‘I have always believed that digital imaging would not be where it is today without Fiery, and its separation from EFI will allow it to best serve customers in the DFE market.’

‘Fiery solutions have always been about enabling digital print and making print engines better, and this is a milestone in furthering that mission,’ said Mr Weiss. ‘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 coloir 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,’ Mr Weiss continued. ‘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.’

Mr Pennisi comes to EFI from Orora Packaging Solutions, a provider of custom packaging solutions with a focus on corrugated, where he was president and CEO, as well as being a user of EFI’s Nozomi single-pass inkjet press. His experience with EFI solutions includes collaboration and consulting with Orora Packaging’s sister company, Orora Visual, a display graphics provider that is among the largest North American users of Vutek display graphics and EFI Reggiani industrial textile digital printers.

‘As a former customer, I know that EFI’s digital industrial inkjet portfolio is unmatched in the industry,’ said Mr Pennisi. ‘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.’