CEO Wim Maes outlined the company’s strategy at a recent press event in London
Following strong growth in press sales, Xeikon has confirmed that it is aiming its focus on the labels and packaging market where it sees the most potential. For the first time in the company’s history, this segment has overtaken documents and commercial in terms of revenue, and now accounts for 51% of income in the year to date, up from 45% in 2013. With year on year growth in print volume (running metres) of 35% in 2011 to 2013, 2014 looks to perform even better with a projected increase of 42%.
The company is also dedicated to continue to expand its presence worldwide by growing its sales network and opening several new demo centres, starting off with Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo. New additions to the team in Europe include print industry veteran Christophe Evrard, formerly of Mark Andy, in France, and Christian Sacré in Germany.
CEO Wim Maes said, ‘We are very clear in our focus. Labels and packaging is now our main business area and where we are seeing the most growth. We are going to continue to put more people in the field to increase our presence and also continue to invest heavily in R&D.’
The number of press installations for labels and packaging is set to hit 318 by the end of the year. Since the launch at Labelexpo Chicago, the company has sold eight new Cheetah label presses, five of those are in Europe with two going into the UK due for installation in Q1 2015. Mr Maes said, ‘We will continue to break the barriers in dry toner technology. We took a giant step forward with the Cheetah, but that is by no means the end.’
