The Swiss manufacturer exercised its option to buy the remaining shares in the mid-to-narrow web press maker, renaming the business as Bobst Firenze. No immediate change is expected in the local market with Melbourne-based Gulman Engineering continuing to represent the company.
The move is the culmination of Bobst’s deepening engagement with the mid-to-narrow label and packaging sector to complement its heavy weight flexo and gravure packaging presses. It acquired a majority stake in Gidue in May this year with the aim of gaining a leadership position in short-run packaging.
According to Erik Bothorel, head of Bobst Web Fed Business, the label sector is a key component of the company’s growth strategy.
“We want to grow in the label segment and establish our leadership in short-run packaging solutions. The innovative technologies of Nuova Gidue Srl in flexography and offset can be easily integrated into our existing product lines. Integration of the narrow and mid web activities inside the BOBST Group is proceeding at full speed. Bobst Firenze is planning to reinforce its leadership in the label market and to open new market opportunities," he said.
Federico d'Annunzio, head of the Bobst Narrow and Mid Web Product Line, said, "With BOBST we strengthen our market position. LabelExpo 2015 exhibition in Brussels is the perfect launch for our new growth strategy in the Labels and Packaging industry".
According to Carsten Wendler, managing director of Ferrostaal Australia, the Bobst agent here, there will be no change in distribution arrangement in the near future. He indicated that contracts are in place and will be honoured. Eddie Gulmen was unavailable for comment.