GRE poised with digital alternative in Asia

GRE Digital Solutions, a subsidiary of GRE Engineering Products AG of Switzerland, has announced the move of its Hong Kong Operations Center to new premises in Kowloon to further reinforce sales, distribution and servicing of its equipment in Asia.

The operation will be headed by general manager Johnson Lai, who will coordinate the activities of a network of agents with a distribution service for all of Asia including the territories of Australia, New Zealand and India.

Commenting on the move, Lai stated: ‘The new facility is an important part of our strategy for Asia. I see digital printing and converting as rapidly becoming more advanced and an already important area for growth. Besides digital printing the most important issue for us is how to combine it together with conventional printing. IT is becoming more and more convenient for everyday life and the computer is now the driving force for communication. In this sense, digital printing is a natural extension. Our concept of digital printing is not to have it take over from conventional printing but rather how to put the various printing processes together in the best way for our customers. As we know today’s digital and conventional printing processes are achieving higher and higher quality and our company is already providing solutions with digital as an option to combination printing presses.’

As showcased at its recent Open House in St. Gallen, Switzerland, GRE Digital Solutions now offer a complete range of digital converting platforms; including stand alone digital ink jet and high speed UV ink jet printing systems right through to complete label converting that can include un-wind and re-wind stations, corona treatment, web cleaning, ink jet print engines, RFID insertion, digital die cutting, matrix removal, foil blocking and embossing.

Dr Jules Farkas, managing director, GRE Digital Solutions, said: ‘It is recognized that the Asian economies have become vibrant with long-term growth anticipated. Accordingly, we felt it was vital to have a strong presence centrally located in Hong Kong.  We have appointed Johnson Lai as general manager based on our belief he will bring the necessary commitment and vision to our digital solutions offerings.’

Mr Lai was born in Hong Kong and was educated in Australia receiving a B.Sc. degree in material science. Upon graduation he began work as a laboratory technician and quickly advanced to the position of laboratory manager. After residing in Australia for 15 years, Mr Lai returned to Hong Kong to support the family business. Lai concluded: ‘One of the main reasons for returning is that I believe Asia, particularly China and India, is poised to become the largest potential market in the world.’