Xeikon targets growth in South Africa

DecoFlex has been the agent for ThermoFlexX flexo computer-to-plate technology, part of the Xeikon Prepress division, since 2013. Now it will also represent Xeikon’s digital print portfolio, and provide Xeikon customers with a sales and support structure, as well as relevant information and service.

‘We are delighted to offer reliable service and back-up for Xeikon’s products and services in the region,’ said Sachin Sukhlal, DecoFlex technical sales manager. ‘The digital printing industry is ever-growing and evolving. As such it needs to be supported and updated with new trends and we have highly skilled, certified technicians that can provide that in partnership with Xeikon’s products.

‘The South African packaging and decorating market is well-established and it is a common fact that many overseas companies see it as an important spring board for their products into the rest of the African continent. Teaming up with Xeikon enabled us to offer a much wider range of equipment and solutions to our clients. We expect the digital print market segment to grow rapidly in importance as far as the labels and packaging industry is concerned.’

Xeikon said the labels and packaging industry in South Africa is rapidly maturing, with Vincent van Horenbeeck, Xeikon area manager for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, noting that, ‘the purpose of label production and packaging is no longer just protecting and informing’. He points to several trends that have caused the industry to move towards a broader variety of SKUs and shorter run lengths. These include rapidly increasing product variety as a result of industry globalization, brand owners targeting ever smaller groups of customers, the growing importance of event marketing and increasingly shorter product life cycles. In addition, stocks are being reduced, leading to just in time inventory policies.

‘Brand owners have discovered the selling power of eye catching labels and packaging,’ he said. ‘In today’s market, where thousands of seemingly similar products compete for customer’s attention, strong shelf appeal is vital.

‘Xeikon digital printing technology is capable of meeting most, if not all, of the market’s requirements while maintaining profitability. By nature, it allows unlimited variability, is uniquely suited to the production of multi version labels and enables cost effective short to medium print runs. Xeikon’s digital printing technology is a great complement to flexo, letterpress and offset. Its many features and advantages give printers and converters a whole range of new business opportunities.’

DecoFlex has, until now, focused on serving the flexographic industry. With the extension of its partnership with Xeikon, DecoFlex will enter the digital printing market.

‘This venture has indeed sparked opportunities for both parties concerned,’ added Sukhlal. ‘I am very excited and extremely enthusiastic to represent the Xeikon brand and promote its products in our territory. We have a strong back-up team and have been trained well under Xeikon’s supervision and expertise. We aim to offer the same level of service to clients in our territory.’