EPS appoints Tom Bertke as Xaar Versatex sales manager for North America

EPS, part of Xaar Group, has appointed Tom Bertke as sales manager for the Xaar Versatex Printbar in the North American market, bringing more than 30 years of capital equipment sales experience, including 25 years specializing in inkjet technology.

Bertke brings extensive experience across the packaging, labeling and industrial print sectors, with his appointment reinforcing EPS's commitment to delivering advanced digital print applications and hands-on technical support to converters and OEMs throughout the region.

'The Xaar Versatex is perfectly positioned to meet the growing demand for short-run, high-impact digital embellishment in the North American market. I'm proud to be joining EPS at such an exciting time, and I look forward to helping customers discover the full potential of this powerful technology,' said Bertke.

Already established as a proven leader for OEMs and distributors in Europe, the Xaar Versatex printbar is now available to North American customers through EPS. The system delivers high-speed, high-opacity digital print for applications including varnish, tactile embellishments, security effects and variable data.

Driven by Xaar Nitrox printheads and Xaar High Laydown and TF Technology, the Xaar Versatex enables the precise and reliable deposition of UV varnishes and coatings, with market-leading thickness and visual impact. According to the company, the system's ability to digitally print the highest opacity white inks makes it a suitable replacement for screen and flexo printed white on transparent and dark substrates.

Bertke's career spans senior roles at Domino, EFI, Jetrion, SPG Prints and Durst, where he played a central role in delivering digital UV inkjet applications to the label and packaging markets. He has also held leadership positions as director of sales in wide-format printing at Konica Minolta and Ricoh, and most recently led the sales team at Hitachi's Industrial Marking and Coding division in the US.

'We're delighted to be welcoming Tom to the team. His unique insight into UV printbar integration, combined with his long-standing familiarity with Xaar's printhead technology, makes him the perfect person to help converters unlock new digital capabilities and drive greater value from their existing production lines,' said Chris Ellis, president at EPS.