Bobst and Kodak agree development deal

Bobst and Kodak have signed a strategic development agreement to integrate Kodak technology into the Bobst portfolio of packaging production equipment.

They said the agreement has been forged in response to increasing demand for new options addressing flexible, folding carton and corrugated applications.

Kodak recently emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and is aiming to become a technology leader serving commercial imaging markets, such as packaging.

Bobst is already working on the development of innovative products based on Kodak technology.

Jean-Pascal Bobst, chief executive officer (CEO) of Bobst Group, said: ‘Flexibility, time to market and improved total cost of ownership are increasingly important to our customers.

‘To extend the capabilities of packaging production equipment, we decided to join forces with Kodak in particular because of their strength in the digital arena.

‘Our companies are working together on innovative industrial solutions that will offer our customers unique opportunities to expand their businesses. We are looking forward to completion of development work and rigorous testing, and ultimately to the announcement of innovations to our customers.’

Antonio M. Perez, the outgoing Kodak CEO, said: ‘Bobst is admired throughout the packaging industry as a provider of high-quality solutions and for anticipating and meeting the changing needs of its customers.

‘Bobst’s commitment to introducing innovative products, its loyal customer base, and Kodak’s portfolio of advanced technologies, including the KODAK Stream Inkjet technology, are a powerful combination that we believe will stimulate growth and transformation for Bobst customers and for our industry.

‘Our agreement with Bobst is a great example of how the new Kodak wants to do business – leveraging our technologies through collaboration and synergistic product development for the benefit of customers, partners and for Kodak.’

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