Esko Kongsberg celebrates 50th Anniversary milestone

The 50th anniversary of Esko Kongsberg is a milestone celebration for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of digital finishing systems that currently has thousands of installations around the globe. Durability, reliability and precision have always been key values throughout its history, the OEM said. “Over the course of 50 years, we have accumulated strong skills, great know-how and excellent technology. This has enabled us to evolve from a manufacturer of drafting tables into a leading supplier of digital finishing systems,” says Emil Skarra, Managing Director Esko in Norway.

“Digital finishing is a vital part of Esko’s strategy, and Esko Kongsberg is key to our future success and that of our customers,” added Udo Panenka, President of Esko (pictured previously). “Fifty years of constant innovation have provided us with a strong reputation and foundation. We have excellent technology and skills to help our customers take full advantage of the opportunities digital finishing offers in mainly the signage, display and packaging markets.”
In the early years, Kongsberg manufactured the first drafting tables used to produce test-parts and verify cutting programs for shipbuilding. Soon the portfolio expanded to include equipment to engrave print clichés for map printing and then full-size designs for cars and trucks. In the 1980’s, the traditional Kongsberg drafting tables were used in both the sign and packaging markets. In the following years, the company changed owners through a series of acquisitions as it became part of well-known graphic arts companies – first Artios, followed by Barco, which transformed into what is today known as Esko.

“Our future as a market leader was sealed by the acquisition of the company in 2002 by Esko. Not only could we provide total solutions, but we could also rely on the strength of a global sales force and service network to take us into new markets and seize new opportunities,” Skarra added. In 2011, Esko – including its Kongsberg operation – was acquired by Danaher, setting the stage for even more future innovation.

Today, Esko Kongsberg serves three primary markets: packaging, displays and signage. The current Kongsberg product portfolio ranges from the XE-series of small-format tables, to the XN-series for more versatility and robustness, and the XP-series for maximum productivity. The latest additions to the Kongsberg family are its V-Series of tables for entry-level sign and sample making, and its C-series for (very) wide format productivity. Esko will be celebrating Kongsberg’s 50th anniversary at FESPA 2015, taking place in Köln, Germany this year from May 18 to 22.