Finishing giant Plockmatic is buying out Uk based Watkiss Automation, with an aim to extend its booklet making range into the high end-market segment with digital printing using both toner and inkjet technology.
Watkiss will be a wholly owned subsidiary under Plockmatic. Local distributor Australian Graphic Services (AGS), says there will be no immediate changes for the region.
Glenn Maynard, managing director of AGS says “AGS have been distributing and supporting the Watkiss brand here in Australia since 2016.
"These changes will not have any immediate impact for the Australian market and we are looking forward to embracing opportunities that this new arrangement with Plockmatic may bring in the long term.”
Jan Marstop, CEO of Plockmatic says, “Customers the world over are using Watkiss systems to serve the growing requirement for digitally printed product manuals, promotional materials and customised catalogues often produced around the clock.
“We have built a worldwide supply chain, marketing, sales and service organization in the industry, and it is ready to make these powerful systems available to even more customers.”
[Related: Canon launches Plockmatic bookmakers]
Chris Toll, regional sales manager, Plockmatic Group ANZ, Asia, based in Australia says, “I am excited about this new venture with Plockmatic Group and Watkiss. This brings the high end spectrum of booklet making to our growing range of finishing products. I am also looking forward to working more with AGS and Glenn’s team for the Watkiss product.”
Paul Attew, sales director of Watkiss says, “Our team has spent years building a business around our customer’s requirements. We believe Plockmatic is best-positioned to look after our customers and serve new ones. We know the business is in great hands, and Plockmatic has what it takes to grow it to its full potential.”
The purchase is the latest for Plockmatic, after it bought PUR binder KGS srl in 2016, UK digital finishing supplier Morgana in 2013. Earlier this year it partnered with Canon to launch its BLM 30 and BLM 35 Production Booklet makers.
Watkiss, sold under the PowerSquare brand, also offers offline booklet making systems through its worldwide network. The company most recently launched its PowerSquare PSQ160 that operates both offline and inline.
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