Brixen, Italy – A new headquarters and Customer Demo Center in Brixen, Italy, has been opened for Vanguard Europe GmbH. A subsidiary of Vanguard Digital Printing Systems Corp, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA, producing 200 systems a year, European staff are now based adjacent to the headquarters of Durst Group in Brixen in the 5,300 square meter ‘Kraftwerk’ premises, which was officially unveiled in September.

Vanguard Europe has set its sights on becoming a leader in the digital flatbed and UV production entry- and mid-level markets by replicating sales successes of its parent company, also utilizing the global expertise of its resellers, distributors and other partners, as well as growing opportunities for staff and customers. Target sectors for Vanguard Europe include signage, decoration, corporate industrial and packaging. Since it was set up less than a year ago, more than 25 installations of digital flatbed systems have already taken place across Europe.

Last month’s Viscom Italia in Milan proved to be a highly successful show for Vanguard Europe where details of its expanding product portfolio were unveiled. Latest products are the VR6D-HS and VK300D-HS UV flatbed machines covering the mid-and high end-range performance spectrum, which had their first public showing at FESPA in May. They feature an attractive price/performance ratio and can cover a wide range of applications thanks to their modular design and various ink configurations and are built on the multi award-winning VK300D series - winner of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association’s (SGIA) Product of the Year for four consecutive years.

Vanguard Europe has the biggest area in hi-tech Kraftwerk, the incubator for Durst Group start-ups and spin-offs, where there is a training academy, presentation suite, dedicated media company specializing in BTB video and storytelling, a film studio, plus assembly / storage areas and offices – all in a new space to challenge old rules.

Vanguard Europe is currently led by Fabian Sottsas, who has worked for the last 20 years with Durst, which acquired Vanguard Digital Printing Systems two years ago. Alongside him is Yiannis Apostolidis, Business Development Director. Together with other new recruits, the team will be working closely with partners and resellers with a strong emphasis on customer relations and service.

Mr Sottsas said: “We have had an extremely strong start and organically grown the business thanks to a solid relationship between our core staff, distributors and resellers. With unlimited passion at the forefront of global technology, we are working to grow business together with customers within entry- and mid-level markets. We are providing true digital flatbed and UV production printers from a company in the Durst Group that are designed in the US and assembled in Europe.”

Mr Apostolidis said: “Formed seven years ago when only one printer was sold in the first 12 months, what a transformation it has been! Now Vanguard Digital Printing Systems is producing over 200 machines a year, and we are determined to replicate that success in Europe. We expect to make more announcements soon.”