KBA and Metronic entered an alliance more than two years ago to develop and market the Genius 52, a small-format sheetfed press which unites Metronic’s UV technology for printing on plastic and KBA’s oil-based inking technology for printing on paper and board.

This latest acquisition is in line with KBA’s ongoing strategy of diversifying into high-potential niche markets. Melding Metronic’s digital inkjet and laser know-how with KBA’s offset and security press expertise could spark some dynamic advances.

The new subsidiary will retain a large degree of independence and flexibility in addressing its established markets, but will be able to call on the parent company’s support in the form of personnel, resources and sales distribution. Reinhart Siewert, KBA’s former president and now a member of the supervisory board, has been appointed chairman, Torald Rohloff vice-chairman. KBA deputy president Claus Bolza-Schünemann is also on the board.

For the 2004 business year, in which Metronic will be consolidated in KBA’s group accounts for the first time, the company is targeting sales worth €36m.

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