The official opening of the MPS Systems Asia office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia earlier this month marks the next step in MPS’ strategy to expand local presence throughout the Asian market. Tim Klappe, recently appointed as managing director for the Asia Pacific region, will lead operations of the new branch. Joining Klappe in the new branch office is George Tan, MPS area sales manager.
Klappe is well known in the printing industry through his various executive positions representing reputable print-industry brands while living and working in Asia for over 27 years. “With its central location in the South-Asian region, Kuala Lumpur is an ideal location for a dedicated MPS office,” commented Klappe. “Now that the infrastructure of the local branch is fully operational, we are focusing our efforts on business development through supporting our existing Agent network and increasing local representation. In fact, we just signed an agreement with a new agent in Taiwan, Chimeng Packaging. Soon we will be announcing a newly signed agent in the Philippines.”
Recently appointed MPS representatives in Asia Pacific include Intercom Trade Services (a K-Group company) in Pakistan, and PT. IDG in Indonesia, who since finalized its first MPS EF press sale to PT. Surya Baru. MPS also has long-term partnerships with Genius Flexo Machinery in India and Bangladesh, Maxteq in Australia, and Nekkorb in New Zealand.
Asia demo centers
Another part of the expansion plan in Asia includes expanding the new MPS Asia office with a demo center where printers can view press demonstrations and test a variety of applications.
T&K Toka, the local MPS agent in Japan for many years, offers a dedicated demo center at their Saitama facility with a fully equipped MPS EF multi-substrate press that is available for personal demonstrations.
Looking ahead
“Asia is a dynamic market with a lot of potential, and MPS is a well-known name in the industry,” added Klappe. “Having a local MPS team and office in Asia brings a necessary high level of direct support to the existing and growing agent network and customer base.”
Wim van den Bosch, chief executive officer of MPS, concluded, “The opening of our local Asia branch is an important milestone in our overall growth strategy. The Asian market offers significant growth potential for MPS, and with increased local presence and new development initiatives led by Tim Klappe and George Tan, we are well on our way.”