Markus Haefeli, Ferag Australia managing director says, “We are delighted to be able to add the Konica range of film products to our growing prepress product portfolio. Konica graphic arts film is very well respected in the marketplace and will be a perfect fit for our current pre-press products such as plates, chemistry, paper and CTP equipment.”
According to Graham McKenzie, DS Chemport chief executive, the transfer of the agency has occurred as a result of a conflict of interest at DS Chemport following its integration into the Fuji Hunt worldwide group of graphic arts suppliers.
“The simple fact is that Konica and Fuji are worldwide competitors and so we are unable to keep supplying the Konica product. At the same time, DS Chemport is continuing to supply the graphic arts marketplace with its complete range of chemistry and related products so, from our point of view, it is important that we make this a smooth transition. Our goal is to ensure that, where possible, the changeover is a seamless process for our customers,” says McKenzie.
As part of the new arrangement, several staff who previously handled the Konica portfolio at DS Chemport will also transfer to Ferag Australia.
Haefeli says, “This means that, for many customers, they will continue to have the same person as their point of contact for Konica products. It also means that we gain an invaluable wealth of knowledge and experience in this product range that will now be made immediately available to all our customers.”
“Undoubtedly, there will also be benefits to our customers in having a single supplier source for all their film, ink, plate and ancillary products.”
Konica products represent a significant share of the graphic arts film market in Australia, particularly in the publication and newspaper sectors where Ferag is also well-known for its range of mailing and print finishing equipment. According to Haefeli, Ferag will seek to establish Konica as a leading brand across all market sectors, including the sheetfed sector.
“Ferag’s goal of becoming a leading supplier of graphic arts consumables as well as equipment is founded on a belief in the importance of delivering the best possible service to our customers. We have offices and distribution centres in all the major capital cities in Australia, so we can provide a truly nationwide service. Our dedicated prepress and consumables specialists possess an in-depth knowledge of the market and are committed to working with our customers to deliver high quality products that combine value and performance,” says Haefeli.
“Ferag welcomes this opportunity to be associated with a leading brand such as Konica and looks forward to introducing our customers to this exciting addition to our product line-up up.”
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