Eco3 Partners With Nela on Plate Handling
Eco3 has formed a strategic partnership with Nela to integrate automated plate handling and pre-press logistics into its APOGEE IQ platform.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Manufacturing
Eco3 has formed a strategic partnership with Nela, a provider of automated plate handling and pre-press logistics technology. The partnership extends Eco3's APOGEE IQ connected print production platform into plate handling and logistics.
Why it matters
The integration aims to connect production planning with plate validation, tracking, and delivery within one environment. Printers may gain reduced manual intervention, fewer errors, and greater visibility across the plate lifecycle.
The integration of Nela into APOGEE IQ is planned for Q2 2027, following APOGEE IQ's announcement in September 2026. No revenue, deal value, or operational metrics were disclosed.
The players
Eco3
Eco3 is the company behind APOGEE IQ, its next-generation platform for connected print production.
Nela
Nela is a provider of automated plate handling and pre-press logistics technology that is now a partner of APOGEE IQ.
The details
APOGEE IQ integrates business systems, production equipment, and operational data into one environment and is powered by Adobe Print Services with color management tools from Bodoni. The partnership follows an earlier Eco3 collaboration with PlanProphet, with Nela now a partner of APOGEE IQ.
Timeline
September 2026: APOGEE IQ platform announced.
Q2 2027: Nela integration into APOGEE IQ planned.
Market Landscape
The Nela partnership follows Eco3's earlier collaboration with PlanProphet, extending APOGEE IQ's partner ecosystem into plate handling and pre-press logistics. It reflects a broader push among print equipment and software providers to connect production workflows across previously separate stages.
For printers, the integration may reduce manual plate handling and error correction in day-to-day production. Any practical effect on pricing, availability, or service for customers has not been disclosed.
The takeaway
Printers evaluating connected production systems may find value in tracking how plate handling integrates with planning software. Consider whether your current workflow still relies on manual plate tracking between pre-press and delivery.
What happens next
The Nela integration into APOGEE IQ is planned for Q2 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Manufacturing for context on connected print production.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Labelsandlabeling.
