Goss International has integrated Akiyama International Company's North American organization within its American operations, assuming responsibility for sales and support of Akiyama products, including Jprint presses, in the United States and Canada.

Under the agreement, several members of the Akiyama sales and service team in North America have joined the Goss International organization. Goss International's large-scale U.S. parts and service operation now supports printing companies operating more than 800 Akiyama presses in North America. Independent dealers will continue to market Akiyama products in some regions of the United States and Canada, working collaboratively through Goss International.

Akiyama International and Goss International are both affiliated with Shanghai Electric (Group) Corporation.

Goss International president and CEO Jochen Meissner says Akiyama offers unique technology and that the integration creates a larger, stronger support network.

"Our North American infrastructure provides a substantial platform to support existing customers as well as a growth strategy for Akiyama products in the region," according to Meissner. "The Jprint presses in particular, with their innovative perfecting technology, offer a compelling alternative to traditional four-over-four sheetfed perfectors."