“There is no doubt that 2011 was the year in which Hybrid Software truly became a global player within the printing and packaging sectors,” says Guido Van der Schueren, chairman of the board of the Pennsylvania-based company.  “The industry has reacted with great enthusiasm to our unique Order Lifecycle Management concept, which addresses one of the most important issues facing printers today - how to improve the efficiency of order processing during a period of critical change and severe economic challenge.”

A strong presence was established in Europe with the creation of Hybrid Software NV, the new European headquarters in Kortrijk, Belgium, and Hybrid Software GmbH in Freiburg, Southern Germany, in June of 2011.  The first six months in operation have been a resounding success for the two new companies, with employee numbers already at 11 and sales outstripping all initial expectations.  

During this period Hybrid Software NV won a total of eight orders from printers in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, the first Hybrid Software sales into these areas.  The company’s worldwide distributor network also grew significantly, with new appointments made in Australia, Hong Kong, Europe, Latin America and North America.  The company’s office in India now employs four people.

Hybrid Software, founded by USA CEO Mike Rottenborn, celebrated its fifth anniversary with a staggering increase in turnover in North America of more than 50 per cent compared to 2010, while in December the company achieved its highest ever level of sales in a single month, winning orders for around $500,000.  Employee numbers in North America were also increased during this period to 17.  During 2011 the company released five major new products covering the full scope of OLM, from customer orders through to production and delivery.

“By bringing together some of the most knowledgeable and out-of-the-box thinkers in software development and combining their skills with a management team that is highly experienced in the graphic arts industry, we’ve been able to create some extremely exciting innovations,” says Mike Rottenborn.

“No-one has approached the integration of existing hardware, software and workflows - online ordering, production, MIS, financial systems etc - in the way that Hybrid Software has.  By treating integration as a product printers have the opportunity to benefit from low cost of ownership in this area for the first time.  From the reactions we’ve had so far we are anticipating a very busy Drupa!”