CITO die-cutting supply agency moves to Melbourne following the buyout of the long established Sydney-based Steel Rule Distributors.
Hailed as "something of a coup" by the imperturbable Tony Foley, owner of SEAGA, the buyout adds another dimension to the already comprehensive range of his graphic supply company. It reinforces the company's position as a significant supplier of die-cutting materials and equipment not only to the commercial printing industry but also to the packaging sector.
Among the jewels is the German-based CITO agency, which formed a major part of the Steel Rule business for many years. It is a key strategic supply line for the packaging and label industry. In particular, Foley is excited about the potential of CITO's Printline product, an inline diecutting process that goes on the end of most offset presses. Using Rotometric-style flexible dies, printers can add inline die-cutting on substrates up to 0.5mm.
"There are a few of them already working in Australia, but I think there's a lot more potential there," said Foley.
He is hoping to have a demonstration Printline system on display at PrintEx , where SEAGA is sharing an exhibition stand with Kodak. Recognised as an important Kodak CTP and plate supplier to SME printers, the engagement in Sydney serves to underline the strength of the two companies' relationship.
On a visit to Australia to seal the deal, Jürgen Marien, CEO CITO, expressed appreciation of Bob Loring, former owner of Steel Rule. This was carried through on the company's website where it said. The cooperation between Steel Rule Distributors and CITO was already in place when his [Loring] predecessors Anne and Nick Rimer were managing the company, which was originally founded in the 1960s by Anne's father. Such a long-lasting cooperation in today's fast-paced world is a unique thing, and it will always hold a special place in our memories.
However, we are also quite sure that the company SEAGA Group Australia Pty Ltd from Melbourne will prove a very worthy successor.