What a difference a year makes

14 November 2005



Some 15 months after Lüscher acquired ZED Instruments, now known as Lüscher Flexo, Lars Janneryd, senior vp and board member of Lüscher AG, Switzerland, and managing director Bruce Knox talk about developments


"Before the acquisition Lüscher was already developing what is now known as FlexPose!, which is based on our well known XPose! CtP imager for offset plates. FlexPose! enables us not only to produce offset plates, but letterpress and mask-flexo plates as well," says Lars Janneryd. "However, as FlexPose! employs a negative imaging process, we were eager to be able to also offer a direct-ablative solution for in-the-round (sleeve) production. Hence, when the ZED Instruments organization became available, we had no hesitation in acquiring it. That combination has proved extremely successful and we are now well on the way to expanding our activities in the flexo market."

The UK company is now located in brand new premises, which are already in need of expansion due to success in selling FlexPose!direct laser engraving systems in the wake of drupa. "That has enabled us to penetrate many new flexo markets in, for example, the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, Australia, the USA, Japan, South Africa, The Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. Many more orders are in the pipeline," he enthused.

"Our budget for the new financial year, starting in July, 2005, records a steep increase in our involvement in the flexo market for both the FlexPose! and FlexPose!direct systems. On that basis, one year after full integration we are content that Lüscher Flexo's performance has more than met our expectations."

The company's managing director, Bruce Knox, says: "The highlight of the first year was undoubtedly the move to our new premises here in Thame. Another significant development was the step-change in our order book at the beginning of this year, which is a tribute to our sales staff as well as a reflection of our new ability to draw on Lüscher's global distributor network.

"The integration between Lüscher AG and Lüscher Flexo quickly enabled rapid implementation of new technical projects and sales/marketing initiatives, culminating in the first ever presentation of Lüscher as a supplier to the flexo industry at the Flexo 2005 exhibition, at the NEC in Birmingham."

He continues: "Lüscher's involvement in providing technical support during the development of our new systems has proved invaluable, especially with the integration of the XPose! (offset CtP) control system into FlexPose!direct. This enables us to raise the quality of our imaged plates and sleeves to the next level. In addition, the advice provided by the people at Lüscher AG on Swiss quality and reliability standards – as well as the dedication of our own quality manager – helped us achieve ISO 9001 accreditation."

But he says the greatest challenge has been dealing with the massive increase in the company's products over the last year. "That has been generated by a number of factors: firstly we now have a brand name – Lüscher – which is well known in the market with regard to quality and reliability. In turn, Lüscher AG's involvement in flexo has aroused more interest in our activities and we are able to tap into its well established, global distributor network to our advantage. Secondly, direct-ablation technology is now well proven and established as a high quality pre-press solution in flexible packaging and label production.

"Of all the changes, the most exciting for me personally has been our ability to develop and bring to market two new models, which open new market areas for our products. For example, we have recently installed our first three metre sleeve length machine at Carey Color, in the USA. With that we celebrate a double premier because the Carey installation is the first of a FlexPose!direct system in North America. It is also interesting to note that Carey, hitherto an offset prepress provider, wanted to move into the flexo market."

And at LabelExpo in September the company launched FlexPose!direct 250L – which has been developed specifically for the label industry.

"All in all, it can be said that the future of Lüscher's investment in the flexo market is looking extremely positive. In particular, the solid content of Lüscher Flexo's order book, in conjunction with new Swiss and British joint venture technical development projects, clearly indicate that the requirement for expansion must be addressed in order to meet the market's future demands," he adds.



Contact

Lüscher Flexo Tel: +44 (0)1844 267021




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Lüscher Flexo

Lars Janneryd, senior vice president Lüscher AG, and Bruce Knox, ... Lars Janneryd, senior vice president Lüscher AG, and Bruce Knox, ...
Bruce Knox with a FlexPose!direct during assembly Bruce Knox with a FlexPose!direct during assembly


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