Contiweb, a specialist manufacturer of drying and web-handling equipment and provider of integrated technical solutions for web offset printing, packaging and digital printing announced today that it has acquired WS Print GmbH & Co. KG. WS Print is the European market leader in manufacturing and distributing silicone emulsion, silicone oil and fountain solutions for the printing industry. With the acquisition of WS Print, Contiweb further broadens its product offering and continues the expansion of its integrated solutions offering. The companies will be even better placed to support their customers with reducing cost-to-print, lowering energy consumption, minimizing waste, increasing uptime and enhancing performance.

Founded in 1989, WS Print is an owner-managed family enterprise based in Schnaittach, Germany. The company has a long and proud history, characterized by product innovation, process automation, high quality products and strong personal relations with its customers.

Joost Smits, Contiweb CEO states, “Contiweb has acquired WS Print because of the strategic fit with our aftermarket and equipment business. By adding these high-quality consumables to the Contiweb product range, we are achieving our vision of transforming Contiweb into an integrated solutions provider. WS Print and Contiweb have a comparable focus on customer performance, technical expertise and operational excellence.”

Smits adds, “Pressroom chemicals are strategically attractive to us as there is a strong technical link with the equipment Contiweb supplies. Many Contiweb customers are already WS Print customers and we aim to strengthen these relations further. Integrating the technical expertise on equipment and on consumables will drive the development of new solutions that enable our customers to further reduce their cost-to-print and their environmental footprints.”

WS Print Owner/Managing Director, Alexander Auerbach-Spielberger, says, “This is an exciting proposition for our company. Whilst we will continue to operate independently under our own brand name in the market from the existing site in Schnaittach, joining forces with Contiweb allows us to reach more printing customers and integrate our products with the equipment of Contiweb. I believe that together with Contiweb we will reinforce our position and secure the long-term success for employees, customers and suppliers.”