Above: UAB Veika CEO Aleksey Etin and Roland DG Corporation president and representative director Kohei Tanabe
Roland DG, a global manufacturer and distributor of wide-format inkjet printers, has acquired 50.1 per cent of shares in UAB Dimense print, a subsidiary of UAB Veika and manufacturer of wallpaper-related products headquartered in Lithuania.
Roland DG has set the goal of pioneering the future through ‘Digital and Co-creation’ in the mid-term business plan (FY2021-23) which focuses on transforming into a lean and nimble organisation and transitioning the business portfolio.
This includes examination of growth investments through M&A to establish new core businesses.
Roland DG has decided to acquire 50.1 per cent stake in UAB Dimense print, a subsidiary of UAB Veika, which excels in chemical technology and offers a unique digital printing embossing solution for wallpaper industries.
The digitalisation of wallpaper printing has not yet fully penetrated the market, but growing demand for personalisation and upcoming market expansion present the perfect opportunity for Roland DG to make its official entry into the market.
Roland DG aims to strengthen the presence in the wallpaper market through the continued development, sales, and support of Dimense and Ecodeco proprietary technologies of UAB Dimense print.
Leveraging UAB Veika’s technical capabilities and combining them with Roland DG’s manufacturing expertise and global-scale sales network, Roland DG will drive the development and sales of unique and high-value-added new digital printing solutions to further expand the market.
Veika, a family business founded in 1991 in Vilnius, Lithuania by Jakov Etin, is a well-known producer of a wide range of materials for the wallpaper industry. After the second generation, Dr Aleksey Etin joined the company in 2007, while recognising the pivotal role that continuous research and development play in achieving lasting success. The company has established a range of laboratories dedicated to innovation in inks, polymers and coatings.
Watch the video of Aleksey Etin, CEO of Veika Labs, the developer of Dimense, introduce the brand at FESPA Munich:
Since 2012, Veika’s focus has shifted to digital printing, and production began on solvent inkjet printers and PVC wallpaper. Now the company has gone PVC free, inventing and patenting Ecodeco, a plasticiser-free base for traditional hot embossed wallpaper production.
The company’s digital solutions also include Dimense, a cutting-edge wide-format inkjet printer, which has gained high recognition for its unique structure printing capability, environmentally-friendly inks, substrates and facilitation of original expressive designs in wallpaper printing.
Here is a video of Etin talking about the new Dimense technology at FESPA Munich:
Through the acquisition of UAB Dimense print shares, Roland DG will gain access to the combined ink and wallpaper related technological capabilities of the company and its parent company, UAB Veika.
Roland DG Corporation president and representative director Kohei Tanabe said, “I still vividly remember the day I first saw Dimense’s wallpaper solution in 2019. Today’s announcement marks a momentous fusion of our mission – bringing new opportunities to society through digital technology and our purpose, to empower creativity and excitement worldwide, with Dimense’s unique and innovative digital embossing printing solution.
“Throughout the negotiations, I have felt the desire to join forces with them and inspire excitement worldwide. Roland DG has consistently grown through digitalisation and market creation. Now, I am honoured to move forward together, fostering the market for embossing, including wallpapers, through the acquisition of UAB Dimense print shares.”
UAB Veika CEO Aleksey Etin added, “Veika and Roland DG have been business partners since 2015. I believe that this joint adventure with Roland DG will be a great opportunity to benefit from the best that the two companies have: Roland DG’s expertise in printer development and distribution capabilities around the world and Veika’s know-how in inks and media development.
“This partnership will allow us to speed up the progress of Dimense and Ecodeco technologies, as well as take them to a new level. It is great honor to be trusted by such an outstanding partner like Roland DG and I am very happy that we have reached this agreement. I believe it will be highly beneficial for everyone, including our valued partners, customers and suppliers.”
The current business structure will continue for the foreseeable future as both companies work on integration. No changes are planned for their clients and suppliers. Details on the timing and method for new product launches will be provided as they are determined.
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