Above: Zünd Australia managing director, Dale Hawkins

Former Starleaton executive Dale Hawkins will lead a new Australian subsidiary of Zünd Systemtechnik AG based in Melbourne.

The decision to create a dedicated subsidiary follows the recent changes at Starleaton – the former distributor for Zünd – when Starleaton went into voluntary administration owing several companies deposits for Zünd equipment.

Starleaton Digitial Solutions (SDS) acquired the Zünd agency almost 10 years ago in late 2014.

Last week, Ben Eaton told Sprinter, he was working with equipment manufacturers, including Zünd, to organise repayment of deposits for outstanding contracts on equipment.

In a statement from Zünd obtained by Sprinter, the details of the new subsidiary have been revealed.

“Zünd Systemtechnik AG now also has its own branch in Australia. Zünd Australia will be based in Melbourne serving existing and new customers from all areas of application in which Zünd is active,” the statement said.

“Zünd Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Switzerland based Zünd Systemtechnik AG. The new Zünd branch will be the local contact for existing customers and prospects.

“At the same time, Zünd Australia is also the new competent partner for all areas of application that want to digitise their cutting with cutting technology from Zünd. The partnership with Canon Production Printing will be continued and the aim is to further strengthen the cooperation.

“Zünd Australia is under the leadership of Managing Director Dale Hawkins: “Being associated with the Zünd products in Australia for 15 years I am excited to head up Zünd Australia. We are currently in the process of establishing a team of highly experienced technical personnel along with a new headquarters in Melbourne,” Hawkins said.

With Zünd Australia, the Swiss company said it will further strengthen its market position in Australia and open new areas of application in the medium term.

Oliver Zünd, CEO of Zünd Systemtechnik AG: “With Zünd Australia, we can support our existing and new customers directly and competently. The close cooperation with the new branch allows us to strengthen our market position in Australia. Zünd Australia enables us to continue to offer our Australian customers the best possible care in the long term. The team on site has a lot of experience with our cutting solutions. This will enable us to further improve advice and customer service.”

Printers interested to know more about Zünd Australia or interested in Zünd precision cutters, products, service and support can email dale.hawkins@Zünd.com or call Dale Hawkins directly on +61 409 024 994.

Zünd said it is looking forward to personally welcoming Australian customers at Drupa in Dusseldorf. If you would like to make an appointment for a personal conversation in advance, you can contact Lars Bendixen directly, lars.bendixen@Zünd.com

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