Jacky's and SMI Group sign distribution pact

With the digital revolution in photography not having reached its maximum potential in major areas of the MEA region, the SMI Group's partnership with Jacky's Gulf enables both companies to introduce digital technology to new territories, while expanding their market presence in the region. Jacky's is the sole distributor of the SMI digital minilab range in the MEA region.

The relationship between the SMI Group and Jacky's Gulf allows the companies to assist minilab owners in the region who are changing their technology from analogue to digital. Jacky's distribution strategy in the MEA region involves the formation of close alliances with local distributors while providing technical training, sales support and spare parts from the UAE.

SMI's range of digital minilabs includes the Master 5 and the Master Plus, which are fully integrated, compact, five-in-one digital minilabs. Both the Master 5 and the Master Plus include a film processor, film scanner, paper processor and workstation. The multi-functional Master 5 and Master Plus are user friendly and can function to meet a variety of individual customer needs.

The fully integrated nature of the Master 5 and Master Plus makes SMI's digital minilabs space efficient, which translates into lower rental costs and overheads for the owner. The SMI range of digital minilabs also have the advantage of being energy efficient, and are equipped with a backup battery to ensure that the film in the minilab remains protected in the event of a power failure.

"SMI's range of digital minilabs offer complete and cost effective digital solutions. Jacky's is looking forward to being part of a digital expansion across the MEA region. We are constantly seeking to diversify and grow as a company and our alliances with international partners allow us to progress towards this goal," said Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer, Jacky's Gulf FZE.

"As a provider of digital solutions, the SMI Group feels that this is the opportune time to be expanding into the MEA market. Through our partnership with Jacky's we hope to venture into new territories and work towards our vision of building the SMI Group into a truly global corporation," said Paolo Pizzocaro, Chief Operating Officer, SMI Group.

Jacky's and the SMI Group hosted an open house on September 7 and 8, 2004 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Dubai to launch and demonstrate SMI's range of digital minilabs. The open house to launch SMI's range of digital minilabs comes ahead of SMI's participation in Photokina, one of the world's largest photographic exhibitions, which is to take place in Cologne, Germany, at the end of the month.