"On 1 March 2018, tesa Germany acquired Polymount's Twinlock business - a remarkable takeover in the world of flexo printing," says Jan Willem Boers, owner and CEO of Polymount. The company started 15 years ago with only the Twinlock sleeve. Since then, Twinlock grew from a below 1% market share to roughly 20%, with the figure still growing. This growth was not unnoticed by the tape manufacturers, of course. "When tesa approached us, there was an immediate chemistry," Boers continues. "They were interested for the right reasons - the development of the business."
Elsewhere, tesa board member Dr Norman Goldberg has a clear view on the Twinlock sleeve, "The world is changing; customers are asking for sustainable solutions. Twinlock is the only proven reusable solution in plate mounting. A great reputation has been built and it is clear that flexo printers worldwide have adopted Twinlock for their everyday print orders." Goldberg sees no conflict with tesa's existing tape business, as it complements the Softprint tape-product range.
The Twinlock sleeve enables flexo printers to mount their printing plates without using tape, as the self-adhesive surface of the sleeve holds the plate. The adhesion is activated by cleaning the sleeve. This inevitably saves time and money in the mounting department. This technology can be used consistently for print run after print run because the special adhesive does not wear. The specially designed polyurethane foam does not lose compressibility and offers outstanding print quality.
"Some customers are still using the sleeves they bought 15 years ago," says Boers. "Three different hardnesses ensure that there is always a type of Twinlock to meet the needs of the printer." The specially designed polyurethane foam does not lose compressibility and offers outstanding print quality. The Twinlock sleeve is produced in the Netherlands and US, but covers and caters for the world market. Unique production methods and quality control make it an unmatched product that has been enjoyed globally.
tesa was founded in 1896 and is headquartered in Norderstedt, near the airport of Hamburg, and employs almost 4,500 people. With 52 subsidiaries spread over the globe, tesa offers adhesive solutions to many industries. tesa, as a system provider, offers a market approach that considers all factors of the printing process. Based on the customer's individual needs, it provides the best product solution for its processes. The concept includes a comprehensive and worldwide assortment of self-adhesive solutions.
Polymount started as a single facility in the Netherlands and has since become a major global company, which saw rampant development in 2014. Customers all over the world are buying Twinlock, as it has been supplied to printers in nearly 100 countries. The tesa acquisition will contribute to an improved infrastructure offering better customer support and service. The integration process of the Twinlock product within tesa will see all key personnel from Polymount, including Boers, continuing their good work. Now that tesa is the driving force behind the Twinlock sleeve, there has been a palpable confidence boost for the industry, and the response from printers and co-suppliers has been very positive. Clients are excited about the acquisition and are anticipating a bright future for Twinlock within tesa.