Stork Prints boosts global service commitment

Stork Prints, leader in rotary screen and direct laser engraving technology, strengthens its world-wide service network, appointing two distributors in the Asia-Pacific region. Jet Technologies (based Alexandria, NSW) will look after the company's customers in Australia and New Zealand, while Techno Global Graphics (Bangkok, Thailand) will cover south-east Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia.

With their experienced technical staff close at hand, and well stocked with the Prints Group's consumable products, both distributors will be able to offer fast, responsive day-to-day support and expertise to label and package printing customers. The companies will also handle the sales of Stork's printing systems and engraving units. The appointments mean the Prints Group has 16 sales and distribution centers around the world.

Wilfried Koopman, director of graphics at Stork Prints, commented: ‘With their specialist knowledge and outstanding reputation for customer service in the graphics industry, we have found the perfect partners in Jet Technologies and Techno Global Graphics. Their support will give the package-printing industry in the Asia Pacific much easier access to our technology.’

Mr Koopman discussed the plans for the region: ‘The infrastructure is now in place for us to properly introduce the laser engraving process to both regions, as the alternative for producing flexo, letterpress, rotary screen and dry offset printing formes. We will also be better placed to meet the growing need for low-cost rotary screen consumable programs, tailored to the needs of small and large business alike.’

Already, several major label converters in the region have invested in Stork’s rotary screen printing systems. Many have installed the full pre- and post-press systems so they can re-image the nickel RotaMesh screen cylinders in house, while RSI (Rotary Screen Integration) unit is a common feature on flexo, offset and letterpress label presses. Interest is now growing in the re-usable long-life RotaPlate screen for non-Stork presses, and dedicated label printing, like the RSI Compact and manually insertable EasyFit modules.

The company’s CO2 direct laser engraving program enables faster production of printing formes, in a much shortened and simplified workflow, compared with conventional methods. With precise, highly focused laser beams that cover a much wider range of angles than the path of light to create the dots or cylinder holes, the process offers higher quality, and minimal chemicals use. Recently, Stork Prints assumed responsibilities for the sales and marketing of AKL Flexo Technik’s flexo sleeve program.

Jet Technologies is a rapidly growing, medium-sized enterprise, focusing on the import and distribution of products to the printing, packaging, laminating and the food & beverage industries. The company focuses on the Australasian markets, representing established graphics brands like Ruco Druckfarben and Praxair Surface Technologies.

Techno Global Graphics was established by Mr Kosol Chotikarn. The company has over 10 years’ expertise in representing the interests of major label and flexible packaging industry suppliers. With subsidiary offices in all countries where the sole distributor remit applies, TGG offers close proximity to Stork Prints’ customers.