Esko signs distribution agreement in South Africa

Esko, the global system integrator for packaging pre-production, has signed a distribution agreement with Kemtek in South Africa. Under the terms of the agreement, effective as of July 1, 2007, Kemtek is responsible for selling and servicing the complete Esko product range in South Africa and the surrounding countries of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and Mauritius.

As a national enterprise based in Johannesburg, Kemtek’s marketing focus is the entire printing industry, as well as the computerized labeling and barcoding industries. The agreement will enable Kemtek to strategically expand its offerings in the packaging market, while growing the Esko brand. Gavin van Rensburg, chief executive officer of Kemtek Print Solutions, commented: ‘We have a significant regional marketshare with Flint polymer materials, but have lacked a brand leader in terms of imaging and workflow solutions for the packaging markets. Esko is a highly regarded brand in our market and its solutions are an ideal match for the needs of our customers.’

Many print and packaging companies in South Africa have already invested in Esko products, and according to van Rensbrug, there is a pent-up demand for service and application support. ‘Kemtek has years of sales and servicing experience in the print industry, so we will contribute strong added- value with our technical integration skills and solutions. We're confident that our efforts will do justice to the Esko brand,’ stated Gavin van Rensburg.

Walter Dhooge, Esko sales manager Turkey, Middle East and Africa is extremely pleased to welcome Kemtek as a partner: ‘Kemtek Imaging Systems endeavors to be at the forefront of technology and continually keeps abreast of the rapid developments of the technological age. The company maintains a competitive edge and provides maximum benefits for customers by offering customized service and a diversity of expertise as part of a total solutions package. Customer service is extremely important to Esko, and with Kemtek we can be assured of a well- balanced service and maintenance program. They have the necessary in-house expertise and skills, both in software as hardware, to support and sell Esko's product range in these key market regions.’

To launch the new partnership, Esko and Kemtek will co-host a road show called ‘Launch Esko’.  The program will consist of three dedicated sessions per market segment, each two hours in length, and take place in September 2007 in the following cities:

• Johannesburg on September 3
• Durban on September 5
• Cape Town on September 7