Agfa has appointed industry veteran Mike Horsten as Global Business Manager for its InterioJet line of water-based inkjet printers for the flooring and furniture industries. InterioJet is a multi-pass, water-based inkjet system for printing on decor paper used for interior decoration – such as laminate floors and furniture. The system’s combination of a speedy start-up, a high degree of versatility and consistent finishing quality, enables suppliers of laminated surfaces to meet the interior decoration market’s demand for just-in-time delivery and for customized designs to earn additional business.
The OEM looks to further its growth in this area with Horsten, who brings over 30 years of experience in marketing strategy and sales development to Agfa, mostly in inkjet printing solutions. In his new position he’ll perform market research, define marketing and sales strategies, and help enhance Agfa’s product roadmap. In addition, he’ll coordinate and follow up on all global sales activities for InterioJet, as well as manage key industry accounts. He’ll be based at the company’s headquarters in Mortsel, Belgium.
Horsten’s has worked with multiple international companies in the printing industry. At HP, he was responsible for its large-format graphics production business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and was team lead for the textile developments in EMEA. Before joining HP, he managed the EMEA marketing operations at Mimaki Europe. Prior to these roles, he was co-founder of ColorGate, a software provider for the wide-format and industrial-printing sectors that was later acquired by Ricoh. Horsten also operated his own large-format printing company for 15 years. “The InterioJet business is a new chapter in the industrial inkjet market, creating unique business opportunities for customers around the world,” said Horsten. “I look forward joining the team and to help further the growth of the industrial inkjet part of Agfa’s business in a sustainable way. We are in a great position to take advantage of market trends and pave the way.”
Tom Cloots, Director Industrial Inkjet at Agfa, added: “We are happy to be able to welcome Mike. We are rapidly expanding our assortment for the fast-growing market of industrial inkjet printing with the development of inkjet solutions for specific applications. Mike will help us boost our growth in the flooring and furniture industries. With his vast experience, he’s a perfect fit for our organization.”