Koenig & Bauer and Durst Group have committed to build further R&D capability in the joint venture company they set up almost five years ago to capitalise on the significant opportunities in folding carton and corrugated segments. The parent companies of Koenig & Bauer Durst GmbH will expand the operations in Radebeul, Germany.
Koenig & Bauer Durst is a global market leader in single-pass digital sheet-fed press systems and software services for the folding carton and corrugated industry. It leverages the capabilities and know-how of its parent companies to offer an unrivalled portfolio of digital printing machinery that includes the CorruJET and Delta SPC 130 systems for corrugated markets, as well as the jointly developed VariJET 106 press for folding carton markets. The presses use water-based food-safe inks and coatings that comply with all regulatory requirements.
Robert Stabler, who has run the joint venture company since its inception, will be succeeded by Daniel Velema, who will join Koenig & Bauer Durst as Managing Director in February 2024. Daniel has extensive domain experience in the printing industry and has held various senior-level management positions. In his last role, Daniel was General Manager Prepress at XSYS Global, a leading supplier of printing plates, sleeves and prepress equipment for the packaging industry.
“Corrugated and folding carton printers/converters continue to digitise their production environment to increase efficiency and flexibility and to provide a better service to brands and retailers,” he said. “In the long term, this leads to significant cost reductions. Koenig & Bauer Durst’s machinery, software and services offering is well positioned to support and accelerate our customers’ journey and I look forward to working together with our customers, partners and suppliers.”
Christoph Gamper, CEO and Co-owner of the Durst Group, added: “We see a huge opportunity to grow substantially over the next few years. Solid foundations have been laid with the successful launch of the VariJET 106 press, the most productive folding carton digital press on the market, as well as the adoption of our corrugated presses by some of the world’s most innovative and forward-looking corrugated companies.”
According to Ralf Sammeck, Koenig & Bauer Board Member and Sheetfed Segment CEO, the spirit embodied by both companies in the joint venture continues to grow. “Combining our strengths is driving digitalisation in the packaging industry. In building on the initial foundations, we are increasing our capabilities in our R&D center in Radebeul, the headquarters of the Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed division.”
Robert Stabler concluded: “The fact that our two parent companies – Koenig & Bauer and Durst, two giants in packaging and printing – have committed to further R&D capabilities speaks volumes about the positive impact we have had in growing our presence significantly in corrugated and folding carton markets. These are ripe for digital transformation – and we have a growing customer base to prove that.”
Caption:
The parent companies of Koenig & Bauer Durst GmbH will expand its operations in Radebeul, Germany
For further information please visit Koenig & Bauer Durst
