In a recent e-letter to current clients, the trade media and others, Werner Naegeli, President and CEO of worldwide print-finishing leader Muller Martini North America (MMNA), discussed the progress and challenges of implementing the OEM’s Finishing 4.0 Roadmap. His letter follows:
“It’s been almost two years since Muller Martini unveiled its Finishing 4.0 philosophy which provided our customers with a roadmap to better engineer and equip end-to-end production – one that would, in the not-too-distant future, be challenged with the complex processing of ever-changing formats, run sizes and content, all made possible by the emergence of digital print technology. And, this challenge would be exacerbated by an unavoidable reality – a diminishing workforce, both in terms of size and experience. Today, Finishing 4.0 is no longer just an idea. It’s a business-building strategy; one grounded in achieving seamless connectivity and a touchless workflow that not only accommodates variable jobs (right down to print on demand and runs of one) but does so efficiently and with minimal operator intervention. Finishing 4.0 is not only allowing printers and binderies to compete on the new print landscape. It’s making them profitable.
As you know, another major development this year was Muller Martini’s purchase of the Kolbus Bookbinding Division, and the subsequent integration of the Kolbus Rhaden manufacturing site, along with almost 250 Kolbus employees. Quite naturally, at first, Kolbus customers were concerned about what this acquisition would mean to their existing Kolbus line, as well as the future availability of Kolbus product and parts. Likewise, Muller Martini users wondered what impact the acquisition would have on service in North America. I’m very pleased to report that the Rhaden integration has progressed nicely – and that includes both product and service support. What’s more, we recently developed a complementary sales strategy for both product lines. Your Regional Sales Manager will be happy to share this plan with you, so please do not hesitate to contact him for a complete update, or with any other questions.
As I near retirement in the coming year, I marvel at not only the immense changes that have reshaped our industry, but in its unwavering resilience. And, I’m extremely proud to have been a part of Muller Martini whose unparalleled research, innovation and service has always distinguished it from competitors. Throughout our history, we have never stayed idle to change. We’ve help to engineer it. So as another year ends, it’s the perfect time to say thank you to all of our customers, partners and friends who have made our success possible as well. My sincere wishes for a happy holiday season—and continued prosperity in the years ahead.”
Sincerely,
Werner Naegeli, President and CEO, MMNA
Naegeli reviews Muller Martini’s progress of its Finishing 4.0 Roadmap
