New company formed to promote digital technologies for print across UK

- Conversion to extend Highcon’s wide European distribution network to UK and Ireland as part of launch strategy for company run by former Scitex, Creo and KBA director

 

- Highcon Euclid offers digital cutting and creasing functionality for folding carton production; Scodix offers image enhancement technologies. Both were on show at Drupa 2012

 

A new company has launched in the UK with the aim of facilitating print's transition to digital processes, starting with the Highcon digital cutting and creasing system for folding carton production and Scodix image enhancement technology.

 

Hertfordshire-based Conversion will represent digital technologies that enhance print, reduce turnaround times and create new market opportunities for both digital and litho printers in the UK and Ireland.

 

To start, Conversion has been awarded the rights to market, supply, install and service the world’s first fully automated, production digital cutting and creasing machine, the Highcon Euclid, in the UK and Ireland, as well as the Scodix digital enhancement suite of products.

 

Conversion is led by managing director Mark Nixon, who has previously directed Scitex, Creo and most recently KBA.

Conversion described the print market as one that is continuously shifting, with new markets opening up. Some elements remain constant though, it said, with the need to be different, to offer end users new options and continue to drive efficiencies in the production process key to successful printers and converters.

 

Nixon said: ‘Conversion was founded to service these very needs.

 

‘The Highcon Euclid is simply a revolution in the post-press arena. Not only has Highcon shortened the time to first cut and creased sheet from days to minutes, it has also significantly improved the efficiency and flexibility of the process.

 

‘This technology paves the way for packaging companies to stay competitive, creative and innovative while answering the requirement for ever reducing run lengths.’

 

Highcon already has an extensive sales and service network across Europe, covering Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Lichtenstein, Italy, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.

 

Chris Baker, vice president of sales and business development for Highcon, said: ‘I have known Mark for many years and admired his tenacity and success in helping customers understand the benefits of digital solutions.

 

‘Combining this with his network in the UK printing and converting sectors, we were delighted when he decided to start this new company and represent Highcon. The UK represents an important market for Highcon and we already have companies planning to take the first machines early next year.’

 

Regarding Scodix (a sample is pictured, right), Nixon added: ‘This is a product that will open up more opportunities for printers and their clients.

 

‘Scodix certainly goes a long way [in engaging the senses through print] and we are confident about growing the Scodix business in the UK.

 

Amos Libermann, Scodix’s vice president of sales in Europe, said: ‘Conversion has been created to specifically address the markets that we are interested in. This gives us a perfect match in ambition and opportunities.’

 

Read more Highcon here

Read more on Scodix here

Read more on Drupa here

Read more about digital technologies here

Read more news from across Europe here