Aachen, April 17, 2008 – In recent years the HIFLEX Group has developed into a software manufacturer and specialist in JDF connectivity for the graphic industry doing business all over the world. Thanks to continuous annual growth rates of more than 25% and numerous installations in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa the software provider's market significance has risen considerably. HIFLEX now has a top international position presenting the company with new opportunities.

It has transpired that JDF connectivity of business processes and production is increasingly important for HIFLEX customers' economic benefit. Automation is a key to success.

HIFLEX and Automation

HIFLEX is worldwide leader when it comes to automation which is documented by the company's having been awarded the CIP4 (CIPPI) awards nine times. With the CIPPI awards HIFLEX has successfully worked together with Adobe, Agfa, EskoArtwork, Heidelberg, Kodak, KBA, Komori, MAN Roland, MBO, Mitsubishi, Muller Martini and NSS. Further partners in groundbreaking JDF projects were, amongst others, ACCHSH, Dynagram, Fujifilm, Horizon, Rampage, Ryobi, Sakurai, Screen and Ultimate.

A successful cooperation for connectivity and automation is based on open standards (JDF) and excellent teamwork between strong partners. It guarantees a smooth run of the project and that networked printing companies can use the implemented total solution to their advantage, without depending on an individual manufacturer. Thomas Reichhart, CEO of HIFLEX Group, explains: "We will channel all our energy into continuing on this path without reserve. We will continue to develop the existing partnerships with system and machine providers according to our customers' wishes."

HIFLEX and KBA Complete

In order to secure the future success, HIFLEX has reinforced the cooperation with the market-leading printing press manufacturer KBA (Koenig & Bauer AG).

HIFLEX has decided to found a mutual company together with KBA. The company is called "KBA Complete GmbH" and was founded on 31st March 2008. KBA Complete is a 50:50-joint venture between Koenig & Bauer AG and the HIFLEX Group. Managing director of the new company is Roland Kastner, a long standing member of the HIFLEX Group management team.

The mutual company focuses on offering fully-integrated complete solutions regarding connectivity from one source. HIFLEX, KBA and further partners, e.g. Agfa, Kodak, MBO and Muller Martini, will be included in KBA Complete projects. In addition, the worldwide cooperation with KBA will significantly reinforce sales at HIFLEX.

HIFLEX is an Independent Company

HIFLEX is and continues to be an independent company, committed only to its customers. There is no integration of HIFLEX and KBA capital and KBA has no direct or indirect involvement in HIFLEX. "With this independence we can continue to implement networking solutions with the systems of all worldwide leading manufacturers without limitation. This strategy clearly is in the interest of our customers; this distinguishes HIFLEX from manufacturers who do not have, or wish to have, such candor," Reichhart says. And he adds: "Connectivity with pre-press, press and postpress-systems of (for instance) Heidelberg, Komori, MAN Roland, Mitsubishi, etc. can also in the future be realized perfectly and without limitations. It is and continues to be our aim to integrate all machines that our customers utilize in one workflow. Our top priority is to connect our customers' production workflow regardless of the manufacturers."

For more info see http://www.kba-print.de/ and http://www.kba-complete.com/