QuadTech Strengthens Commitment to Graphic Arts Industry with Expanded Sales Force

According to Zimmer, the timing of her new position comes as the QuadTech range of products is more relevant than ever. "Many sectors of the printing industry in France, like in most of the developed nations, are suffering from general over-capacity—which means that competition is fierce and margins are tight," said Zimmer. "It is against this backdrop that QuadTech has such a powerful proposition for customers in offering technologies that significantly improve overall efficiency and enhance competitiveness."

Zimmer believes the biggest challenge among her new duties is to grow share in the packaging market. But that the opportunity also offers huge personal satisfaction through the potential for real technological impact on an industry. "Expert opinion is pointing to France potentially being one of the highest growth packaging print markets in Western Europe over the next few years, so this is the perfect time for me to begin work. I want to ensure that the QuadTech name becomes synonymous with excellence in packaging printing, just as it is in the other major print sectors."

Based in the Netherlands, Paul Burger takes on varied responsibilities in northern Europe. As Area Sales Manager for northern Germany he is assigned to handle sales into the newspaper and commercial print markets, while in the Benelux countries he is additionally responsible for the packaging portfolio. Prior to joining QuadTech, Burger worked for press and auxiliaries supplier Graphic Web Systems BV, based in the Netherlands, and before that has been an instructor at both Pro Mark and BST inspection systems.

Burger believes that despite different economic conditions and industry developments in each of the countries for which he has been appointed, QuadTech has unique technology and corporate characteristics that are of equal value across the board. "The German market is certainly well advanced and has recovered from recession more quickly than most, but this is creating heavy competition. In this climate, the benefits from installing the most precise, efficient and sophisticated color controls and inspection systems can make the difference of survival."

According to Burger, current conditions in the Benelux countries are on the whole less critical, but there is still significant potential: "With a preponderance of smaller, family-run businesses in certain regions, many companies are poised for growth. QuadTech's strong company ethic of long-term support and collaboration with customers means that we can help these printers to introduce new efficiencies that will ensure and maintain the highest quality production as they grow."

Assigned the role of Area Sales Manager for Italy, Angelo Mazzacani brings a wealth of experience in large-scale print production to his new role at QuadTech. As a plant manager for Arvato before joining QuadTech and production manager for Mondadori before that, Mazzacani has on-the-ground knowledge of the pressures involved in meeting the wide range of customer demands. Sales experience gained working for the energy company COIM complements his technical expertise.

According to Mazzacani, it is his production background and passion for technology that motivate him in the new role with QuadTech. "The products are second to none and the ingenuity with which QuadTech technicians approach a production problem is fascinating. I'm excited about the whole process of working together with customers in eliminating the areas of weakness that cause press downtime and unnecessary waste."

"QuadTech has strong competition in Italy," he continues. "We lost ground in the past and don't enjoy the same market share here as in other parts of Europe. But I've been on the other side of the fence and I know from my own experience that Italian printers relish working with the best equipment and technology. It is my challenge to ensure they can recognize it."