Presstek Inc. of Hudson, N.H., a manufacturer of products for direct-to-press and computer-to-press applications in the printing and publishing industries, announced that it has formed a laser subsidiary at its facility in Tucson, Ariz. The new company, Lasertel Inc., will develop and produce high-power laser diodes for Presstek's line of direct digital imaging systems.

President and CEO of Presstek, Robert Hallman, said the move secures a supply of the lasers in a time of increased attention to the telecommunications industry by semiconductor laser manufacturers. Thomas Dearmin, who has 20 years of experience in the field, has assembled a manufacturing team for the venture and will serve as Lasertel's president and CEO.