OEM’s Durst (Brixen, Italy) and Koenig & Bauer (KBA, Würzburg, Germany), , have signed a 50/50 joint venture agreement in Munich, Germany. The signing paves the way for the joint development and marketing of single-pass digital printing systems for the folding carton and corrugated fibreboard industry. The clearance that’s required from anti-trust authorities is expected to be granted by the end of May. Business operations should commence then, and a Managing Director will be appointed. Koenig & Bauer Durst GmbH will have its registered office in Würzburg, Germany and co-operate closely with both parent companies’ global network. Initially, the joint venture portfolio will comprise the Koenig & Bauer CorruJET 170 and the Durst SPC 130 – including all associated services and ink business, as well as the development of the KBA VariJET 106.
“It was a short path from a letter of intent to the official signature because the negotiations had already been conducted in a spirit of genuine cooperation,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO of the Durst Group. “We want to work efficiently and purposefully towards a common goal – tapping the huge potential that digital production lines offer for the packaging industry.” Claus Bolza-Schünemann, CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG, added: “Koenig & Bauer Durst will combine different key technology areas and market expertise to perfect effect. I’m convinced that the joint venture will benefit from the spirit embodied by both companies, and that something really special is emerging here. The packaging industry is looking for new, more efficient production opportunities and Koenig & Bauer Durst will supply the necessary digital solutions.”
Durst is a leading global manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production equipment and technologies. KBA, the world’s second-largest printing press manufacturer, is a global market and technology leader in offset printing, as well as banknote and packaging printing.
Durst and KBA sign joint venture for digital packaging printing systems
