INX International Ink has completed an investment in US-based technology and fulfilment company Gooten.
Gooten is a globally distributed company that operates a smart supply chain for brands wanting to utilise on-demand manufacturing. The company does so by combining proprietary technology and operational expertise with a worldwide network of more than 30 manufacturing partners.
Gooten’s digital infrastructure enables automated order fulfilment for e-commerce businesses, retailers and global merchandise companies to scale production in an on-demand, inventory-free environment.
This is the first investment announced since INX established its $50 million venture capital investment programme in May 2022, with the intent of furthering collaboration with technology and materials science start-ups that are relevant to the printing inks and coatings value chain. INX Venture Capital has a focus on categories like sustainability and the circular economy, digital printing, business and manufacturing automation, and services for brand owners. In terms of digital printing, its remit covers direct-to-object printing, and novel inkjet technologies and inks.
For Gooten, the deal will help expand its print-on-demand manufacturing network and capabilities globally while enabling INX to accelerate its strategy in digital printing.
Shane Bertsch, vice president of strategic planning and innovation at INX, anticipates being able to develop products and invest more resources in the direct-to-object (DTO) segment through the Gooten relationship.
‘We see Gooten as a catalyst for enabling sustainable, on-demand manufacturing across several categories of interest for INX. We are eager to partner with the Gooten team to bring high quality digital printing solutions and services to our customers and partners.’
Gooten CEO Brian Rainey said, ‘As a globally recognised leader in high performance printing inks and coatings, INX’s investment in Gooten recognises our shared commitment to sustainability, quality and excellence in everything we do. With the support of INX, we are excited to continue driving innovation, expanding our reach, and delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners through Gooten’s sustainable, on-demand fulfilment model.’
