Melbourne digital fabric printer AFI Branding says it will extend its offerings and increase profits after its successful acquisition of Octanorm Australia from its German owners. AFI mainly produces signage while Octanorm – the Australian arm of the global business owned by Halifax Vogel Group (HVG) – produces walls, floors, decks and other hardware for exhibitions, shop fit-outs and the like.

Glenn Watson, AFI managing director, says the takeover will ensure it meets the increasing client demands for innovation, functionality and fast turnaround. He says adding the hardware services to the company will give it a ‘complete turn-key’ offering, which he expects will boost sales from cross selling to each company’s clients. The news was also good for the seven Octanorm staff members, who will be moving over to AFI’s Carrum Downs facility in Melbourne’s south-east, with business manager Bill Bell to continue to lead that side of the business. Watson says, “We are effectively bringing the very best in German engineering and design to the Australian and New Zealand markets and now able to combine this with the print capabilities of Australia’s leading digital fabric print company. “It’s a perfect marriage between two companies who have, in equal proportion, a steadfast and proven history in not just leading the charge, but operating with an uncompromising commitment to constant improvement in supplying the very best solutions for exhibitors and retailers alike.”

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter