Xeikon buys up flexo brands

Xeikon has taken two steps towards strengthening its label and packaging market offerings by acquiring the Flexolaser technology and business from German manufacturers, RSD Technik GmbH, and buying up the rights to Kodak Eastman’s Thermoflex brand.

A leading producer of computer-to-plate (CtP) devices for both flexo and letterpress applications, RSD Technik GmbH inked the deal with Xeikon towards the end of 2011, as did Kodak Eastman, under the condition that all parties keep the acquisitions confidential until the official announcement this week.

According to Xeikon, the purchases are part of an ongoing strategy to introduce a new product line for its CtP business, with the ultimate goal of becoming a leading digital solutions provider in the global flexographic marketplace.

Xeikon CEO, Wim Maes, says the move will allow the company to capture a larger share of the label and packaging printing sectors.

“Xeikon’s strategy is to build a strong position in the labels and packaging markets by offering printing solutions and related supplies,” he says. “With flexo CtP we will be able to further expand our customer base and offer them unique solutions for both digital and flexo printing.”

Martin Rasenberger, CEO of Flexolaser, says that Xeikon’s knowledge of the labels and packaging markets will help his company to continue to grow. “Xeikon has all the trump cards to continue the success of Flexolaser,” he says.