[dropcaps style=’2′]Mark Andy has announced its acquisition of Presstek, a well-known global supplier of DI (direct imaging) offset plates and presses, CTP solutions and world-class service for commercial and in-plant customers. With the Presstek acquisition, Mark Andy now serves as one of the only full-complement solutions providers to the global graphic arts and print industry.[/dropcaps]
Presstek’s team of over 60 technical professionals will be integrated within Mark Andy’s world-class service infrastructure, making it the largest, regionally-staffed service organization in North America. Certified technicians will support equipment service for brands such as Presstek, ABDick, Ryobi, Heidelberg, Xerox, KBA, Epson and more.
Mark Andy and Presstek have maintained a strong partnership over the years, with Mark Andy Print Products (MAPP) fulfilling all orders in North America for Presstek DI and CTP products. Integrating Presstek’s sales and service teams within MAPP will yield many benefits to Presstek’s existing customers, including improved market coverage, extensive parts inventory, enhanced service resources, single point of invoicing, and faster response times.
Kevin Wilken, CEO, Mark Andy, said, “Presstek has been a force in the small and medium format offset segment for many years. Presstek’s DI plates and equipment and CTP solutions are well-respected throughout the industry, and I am happy to welcome the Presstek employees and products into the Mark Andy family. We expect Presstek’s customers to benefit from Mark Andy’s stable leadership, tremendous customer service and unmatched product offerings, including MAPP offset print supplies and consumables and Mark Andy digital print equipment.”
Presstek’s Zahara waterless plates division, which is not being acquired by Mark Andy, will be spun into a new company, Verico Technology, headed by former Presstek CEO Yuval Dubois. Verico Technology will focus on expanding its market share for cut sheet aluminum waterless plates and coating technologies in the printing industry as well as venturing into new market segments. “Mark Andy’s acquisition of Presstek is a big win for customers from both organizations,” noted Dubois. “We are pleased for the long-term benefits that this initiative will bring to the market.”
Stuart Gallup, appointed as vice president, offset business, Mark Andy said, “Today’s print buyers are seeking shorter print runs, faster turnaround and no compromises in print quality. Mark Andy has a strong commitment to its’ customers, supporting them with the best solutions to guide them in a direction for success. It’s a privilege to now offer the single point of contact customer experience and streamlined processes that our commercial and in-plant customers have previously enjoyed.”
At the leadership level, Gallup will be accompanied by Ian Pollock, director, Presstek EAMER and Ralph Jenkins, director MAPP Offset Sales in North America. Gallup, Pollock and Jenkins have a wealth of experience in the printing market, having dedicated their careers to serving offset printers.
Speaking to the excitement, Jenkins commented, “We look forward to continuing to work with our valued customers with the goal of increasing their productivity and profitability. Together with the excellent management team at Mark Andy, we are confident Presstek customers will receive enhanced service.” Pollock also confirmed EAMER customers of both Presstek and MAPP brands will continue to do business as they do today. “There will be no changes in current ordering processes, contact details or distribution logistics. All will remain the same for the EAMER customer base currently transacting with the UK location,” stated Pollock.
