In recent years BOBST has committed major investments to infuse new strength and resources dedicated to the development of coating equipment, achieving successful global growth in a number of key specialty applications. The latest project for the supply of a new aluminium lacquering line to a major European converter has matured BOBST's decision to create a Product Line Coating within its Business Unit Web-fed. The latter supplies world leading technology in web-fed printing and converting equipment for the flexible materials and folding carton industries.
The appointment of Mr Detlef Merklinger as Head of the Product Line Coating and the strengthening of the team of specialists dedicated to this market sector underline the continuity of BOBST's commitment to provide solutions of excellence also in the field of Coating. The strategy is to expand capabilities and product offering to further develop additional segments, including paper coating & laminating, labelstock, tape production, siliconizing, aluminium lacquering, and printed electronics.
Detlef Merklinger has held a number of senior management positions during his 20-year career in the converting industry, with special expertise in all aspects of label stock production and markets. Joining BOBST can be considered a home coming experience for him, having been responsible for the Coating & Laminating operations of Valmet Rotomec in the late 90s, prior to BOBST acquisition in 2004.
"I am pleased to welcome back Detlef Merklinger and wish him well as he joins the management team of the Business Unit Web-fed. The deep knowledge and international experience of the converting market that he has developed and brings along is the ideal background for heading our Product Line Coating" said Erik Bothorel, Head of the Business Unit Web-fed and member of the Group Executive Committee. "We are confident that he will leverage our leading-edge technology through his market knowledge to strengthen our leadership rank and achieve our growth objectives in the Coating sector".
BOBST's core competences in coating are based in the production plant of Bobst Italia in San Giorgio Monferrato, in northern Italy. With more than 50 years of know-how in gravure printing, coating methods, drying systems and web substrate handling, the facility is BOBST's Centre of Excellence for gravure printing, laminating and coating technologies.
"I have been very impressed by the engineering excellence and operational efficiency of BOBST coating solutions. I look forward to building on the momentum behind the growth of recent years to further expand our hold in the global market", commented Detlef Merklinger. "Planned investment in Bobst Italia's Technology Centre will also enable widening of the range of applications available for R&D testing and trial runs for new developments in coating technologies".
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