This article first appeared in the May 2025 issue of Australian Printer 

As an industry print equipment provider, Currie Group helps print service providers with all their needs throughout the entire printing process – from file preparation to finishing. Finishing and embellishment is and has been one of the main offerings from Currie Group, and the company has now amplified its presence in this space.

In a move to further strengthen its foothold in the finishing and embellishment space, Currie Group recently inked a new partnership with baumannperfecta, becoming the exclusive A/NZ supplier of the German OEM’s range of automated cutting systems and related peripheral equipment.

“Currie Group already represents leading brands in A/NZ for over 75 years. Historically, Currie Group has offered smaller cutting machines, but now, the partnership with baumannperfecta enables us with a fully scalable automated offering,” Currie Group equipment category manager Alan Tam said.

“We love the modern state of the art design, ease of use, and quality German build.”

baumannperfecta’s range of cutting and materials handling solutions encompass the entire process – from single machines to fully automated lines, lifters, joggers and cutters, to full robotic systems which can be customised to individual requirements thanks to the modular and expandable design.

These robustly-engineered and technologically advanced systems offer precision, high-performance automation, and intuitive digital operation – delivering on the needs of today’s customer expectations and future-proofing their cutting and finishing solutions.

“The market is looking for superior, new-generation cutting solutions that bring the best of digital cutting and advanced materials handling technology to the mid- to large-format cut sheet market,” Currie Group CEO Rob Mesaros said.

Cutting can often be a bottleneck and an overlooked area in the print production process, whether that be for offset, cut-sheet digital printing, or high-growth areas such as labels and packaging.

The baumannperfecta cutting solutions fall within the 80-225 cm range, ideally complementing the offerings of Currie Group’s other finishing solutions, providing complete coverage for digital and traditional printing applications.

baumannperfecta sales manager Olaf Gerber said, “Only those who care about trends today can offer their customers future-proof solutions for the future. baumannperfecta was the first and only manufacturer within the graphics industry to fully automate the jogging process as well as the cutting process, ensuring automated, three-shift operation around the clock.

“Moreover, in 2018 baumannperfecta launched the RC Robotic system – the first robotic solution based on today’s industrial robots within the finishing area of the graphic industry”.

In his recent trip to Australia, visiting more than 20 print service providers of varying scale, Gerber saw very similar trends in finishing compared to baumannperfecta’s customers in Europe:

• Labour and skilled shortages: Skilled labour is hard to find and expensive. Cutting is skilled, labour intensive and a very physically demanding activity, making it even harder to find good operators.
• Short-runs and on-demand printing: Increasing demand for flexible printing solutions for smaller quantities and quick turnarounds. Necessitating the need for efficient workflows.
• Digitalisation: Integration of digital technologies to optimise workflows and shorten production times. Connectivity through the entire production process is essential.
• Automation: The use of automated systems to increase efficiency, reduce errors in production, and reduce the physical ‘heavy lifting’ required enables a wider range of workers to operate the cutting systems.
• Sustainability: Using eco-friendly materials and processes to reduce the environmental footprint of the printing industry.

Tam outlined the business case for print service providers investing in premium finishing technologies.

“These solutions deliver labour savings, ease of use, and reduced training requirements. Safety features, automation, and less manual handling also help minimise the risk of injury. On top of that, premium finishing technologies that are built to last, with modular designs that grow alongside our customers’ needs, and tailored solutions to meet specific requirements,” he said.

“The result is consistent, on-time delivery of high-quality finished products – all supported by Currie Group’s extensive national service network and a leading European manufacturer known for its quality solutions.”

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