Siegwerk opens packaging inks technology center in Shanghai

INKube has been constructed in the Xin Zhuang Industrial Zone, just south west of Shanghai's central business district, and combines high quality features with newest working methods to ‘create a new benchmark for the region and offering an inspiring and efficient working atmosphere for all employees,’ a company statement claims. INKube will be where new products will be developed according to the customers’ individual requirements and specific needs.

In line with its growth strategy, Siegwerk continues to invest in both traditional markets, like North America and Western Europe, and emerging markets such as Asia and Latin America. In Asia, the company has already significantly built up resources and capabilities to outgrow the market and meet customers’ requirements with regards to proximity, service quality and know-how. INKube will help Siegwerk to further expand its local capabilities, competencies and offerings for the Chinese market.

Ralf Hildenbrand, president for Asia at Siegwerk, said: ‘We see a clear need to devote our resources to serving the markets of tomorrow like Asia to ensure sustained success for the company. With the INKube as focal point for Siegwerk in China we will be able to further boost our strong reputation and expand our solution, service and support offerings targeted to satisfy individual customer requirements.

‘The new facility, with its collaborative work spaces and multipurpose areas is a state-of-the-art environment and a great place to work.’

Customers and guests from around the world were invited the official opening, and guided through the building and allowed to explore Siegwerk’s new 110 sqm INKsperience Showroom, which hosts a collection of experiences focused on the needs of different customers. By using the latest technology for an interactive visitor experience, the showroom gives an overview of Siegwerk’s expertise especially in packaging inks while presenting a wide range of packaging application examples

‘INKsperience is both a visitors’ center where guests can be hosted and a demonstration space with state-of-the-art technology which allows us to create a tailored personal experience for each of our customers,’ added Hildenbrand.

Beyond investments in Asia, and particularly China, Siegwerk is further investing in the creation of regional Centers of Excellence in manufacturing to implement state-of-the-art production technologies and improve global processes to be able to offer its technologies at the same quality worldwide. In line with this goal, the company recently completed a comprehensive investment project at one of its European technical centers in France, where it opened a new Blending Center to produce water-based inks, and invested in automation and increased capacity within the manufacturing of water-based and energy curable products at its US site in Morganton, North Carolina.