MAN Roland chairman vows sheetfed fightback

Signalling a revitalised role for MAN Roland in the local market sheetfed, Finkbeiner maintains that the current line up of press products from the second largest press manufacturer is the best ever. On his first visit since MAN Roland changed ownership two years ago Archive – but his 50th over 23 years – he emphasized the technology superiority of the next generation of 700 sheetfed presses, with the hi-print and direct drive options.

“Direct drive is a quantum leap in efficiency with over 60 per cent increase in productivity. As I said at our recent sales conference in Augsburg, I believe we have never been in a better position product-wise,” he said.

Obviously revelling in the autonomy that comes from running MAN Roland as a stand-alone company, Finkbeiner confirms the Australian and New Zealand market is very significant. With over 70 web presses installed here he admits the technology feedback from technologically advanced customers such as News Limited over the years has seeded improvements to the product.

(Left to right) Gerd Finkbeiner, chairman MAN Roland, Peter Wilton, md MAN Ferrostaal Australia, and Ditmar Zutt, MAN Roland delegate.

With the arrival of Ditmar Zutt as the MAN Roland delegate to the region, MAN Roland is set to raise its profile here and win back market share in sheetfed. Zutt will work closely with MAN Ferrostaal, the trading arm of the MAN group and the local agent for the press mnaufacturer.

Finkbeiner admits there have been some tough years in the sector even as the web-fed business powered ahead, sustaining its market leadership position. MAN management’s lack of focus on the printing press division did not help but now that the company is in control of its own destiny he is confident the business is on track to achieve its five-year goals.

First year results included an 18 per cent lift in sales and an 83 per cent surge in EBIT (earnings before income tax). Order intake is up two per cent and sales rose by 11 per cent. MAN Roland will concentrate on its core business of printing systems while extending its electronic controls and software-based networking competencies.

Finkbeiner is determined that growth will be organic without any diversion into prepress or finishing, activities he describes as very different in engineering and manufacturing skills. He reaffirms to Australian and New Zealand customers a renewed focus on their needs and commits to being a sustainable partner into the future.

In reflecting on his long association with the local market he describes the industry here as one with high expectations that expects suppliers to go the extra mile, but which values good relationships. “Business is a partnership between people, success relies on that. Technology is not everything,” he said.