As you have heard by now, Polaroid stopped production of their instant film in June, 2008. But do not fear, thanks to The Impossible Project, they are attempting to bring it back, however slightly redesigned. They have bought the old equipment, have acquired a ten year lease on the old factory in the Netherlands, and hired a team of "integral film' experts.
The Impossible Project aims to re-start production of analog Integral Film for vintage Polaroid cameras in 2010. They have acquired Polaroid's old equipment, factory and are seeking your support.
The Mission:
Polaroid is transforming itself from an analog Instant Film Production Company to a global Consumer Electronics and Digital Imaging company.
Production of analog Instant Film stopped in June 2008, closing the factories in Mexico (Instant Packfilm production) and the Netherlands (Instant Integral production).
Here are some fab vintage photos of the old Netherlands Polaroid factory they have now leased:
The Impossible mission is NOT to re-build Polaroid Integral film but (with the help of strategic partners) to develop a new product with new characteristics, consisting of new optimized components, produced with a streamlined modern setup. An innovative and fresh analog material, sold under a new brand name that perfectly will match the global re-positioning of Integral Films.
And some vintage photos of the old equipment they've purchased as well as the 7420 square foot space :
Ranging from simple screwdrivers via special spare parts up to 10 giant Integral Film assembly machines, all machinery and tools needed to develop and produce up to 100 million new Integral Instant films per year are present in Building North. Impossible b.v. has purchased the complete production setup in working order (which produced film up to the middle of the year) from Polaroid. All machines are still fully connected and operational. The original total costs of this unique and highly specialized setup today is approx. 100 million EUR.
The Impossible Project
WHO THEY ARE:
Impossible b.v.
Overcinge 41 7608 AJ Almelo Niederlande
iban: NL73INGB068244139
bic: INGBNL2A bank: ING Bank NV Head Office
FRIENDS:
savepolaroid.com
polanoid.net
polastyle.com
