Koenig & Bauer and Durst Group have committed to building further R&D capability in the joint venture company they set up almost five years ago to capitalize on the significant opportunities in folding carton and corrugated segments. The parent companies of Koenig & Bauer Durst will expand its operations in Radebeul, Germany.

Koenig & Bauer Durst is a global market leader of single-pass digital sheet-fed press systems and software services for the folding carton and corrugated industry. It leverages the capabilities and know-how of its parent companies to offer an unrivaled portfolio of digital printing machinery that includes the CorruJET and Delta SPC 130 systems for corrugated markets, as well the jointly developed VariJET 106 press for folding carton markets. All presses use water-based food-safe inks & coatings that comply with all regulatory requirements.

Robert Stabler, who has run the joint venture company since its inception, will stand down as managing director. He will be succeeded by Daniel Velema, who will join Koenig & Bauer Durst in February 2024. Daniel has extensive domain experience in the printing industry and managing consultancy and has held various senior-level management positions. In his last role, Daniel was general manager of the prepress activities at XSYS Global, a leading supplier of printing plates, sleeves and prepress equipment for the packaging industry.

Velema said, “I am really looking forward to joining Koenig & Bauer Durst, which was set up by two technology pioneers in the printing and packaging markets and has a growing presence in the industry. Corrugated and folding carton printers/converters continue to digitize their production environment to increase efficiency, flexibility and to provide a better service to brands and retail. In the long term, this leads to significant cost reductions. Koenig & Bauer Durst’s machinery, software and services offering is well positioned to support and accelerate our customers’ journey and I look forward to working together with our customers, partners and suppliers.”