Graph Pak is inviting Australian buyers of the OEM–branded die cutters to get in touch for future support. There are approximately 40 SBL die cutters operating in Australian printing and packaging plants. Now that Tom Ralph has taken up the agency, he wants to get in touch with these customers to arrange ongoing support. Trouble is he claims the former agent won’t give him the names.
"I know they're out there and if they get in touch we'll be able to organise ongoing support and spare parts," he said.
Many of the die cutters in question in Australia are Heidelberg Varimatrix, which are made in the SBL factory but marketed under the press brand. According to Brian Evans, product manager, Heidelberg Australia, the company continues to sell and support the Varimatrix dire cutter.
This represents a small pothole in the path of the energetic entrepreneur who is also taking on the agency for SBL GROUP’s folder box gluers and hot foil stamper equipment The Taiwan-based manufacturer is well regarded globally for its die cutters, folder gluers and hot foil stamping equipment, all built on rigid platforms in the SBL manufacturing plant in Taipei.
SBL has previously been working globally with Heidelberg for around a decade. The agency opportunity presented itself to Tom Ralph in May this year. Both parties accepted each other’s needs and requirements to move forward for a successful business strategy.
The contract arrangement signed off on the 25th June 2015, which means Graph Pak can immediately start marketing new equipment as well as supplying spare parts and service for existing installations.
A Graph Pak engineering team will head to SBL headquarters for training straight away. Tom Ralph is also going to Taiwan for customer visits and demonstrations then to IGAS International Graphics Art Show in Tokyo Japan with SBL in September 11th to 16th. Very excited about having the SBL masthead on board with his growing graphic arts supply business, he said the technology can’t be ignored and the price range will put a smile on all customers’ faces.
His message to the industry is… “If you have a project for a die cutter, folder box gluer, hot foil stamper don't do anything without talking to me!”