KBA North America, a leading supplier of sheetfed offset and digital presses based in Williston, VT, has named Carsten Ruebel to the position of new product manager. Ruebel will be headquartered at KBA’s Vermont offices. “Joining KBA North America is a perfect match for me,” says Ruebel. “I will be part of a very efficient management team with a positive company attitude and the legacy of a fine family-owned firm that is always moving forward with new technology. This position will allow me to combine my experience and passion for the graphic arts industry with the long-time experience and resources of a major player in the industry. Simply put, this is a win-win situation for everyone--- the North American graphic arts industry, KBA, and me!” Directly working with customers In his new capacity at KBA, Ruebel will be helping to launch new products from KBA to its customer base and working with customers to help them choose which product fits their needs. He will also be assisting the sales force and helping to provide general training and a press walk-through for KBA customers. His extensive knowledge of the sheetfed press market will allow Ruebel to provide KBA customers with reviews and analysis of competing machines and what makes KBA sheetfed presses superior to the competition. “I'm very excited to become part of the KBA North America team,” says Ruebel. “KBA is the oldest manufacturers of printing machines with the largest array of sheetfed press sizes. Known as an innovative company within the graphic arts industry, KBA is also the most flexible supplier when it comes to special machines for individual customer needs. As the new product manager in the North America, I will be able to work closely with KBA customers and to develop a strategy for their future and concentrate on my customer’s unique situations to help them to choose the correct press from KBA. Since these strategies are often related to special machines, my new position with KBA will allow me to offer a broader range of products than ever before. From small-size conventional or digital machines to very large format presses, KBA's wide product range and experience with special machines and innovative solutions will give me the perfect tools to develop customer-success.” Extensive experience with sheetfed presses Before joining KBA, Ruebel worked for eight years for a press manufacturer as its US sheetfed product manager where he planned and executed the market introduction of new sheetfed presses; planned, organized, and executed marketing strategies for the sheetfed product line; interfaced between the factory in Germany and the US market; and directly supported the sales force. Previous to this position, Ruebel worked for five years as a printer at two German print shops. He graduated from a prestigious university in Germany with a degree in print engineering. Since a very young age, Ruebel worked for his family’s print shop Rübel-Offsetdruck in Germany where he received professional training as a printer. Significant addition to the management team “Carsten Ruebel will be a significant addition to our management team in the US,” says Ralf Sammeck, president and CEO of KBA North America. “His extensive knowledge into the graphic arts industry will be an added benefit to our already strong team in the North America. We look forward to his aid in helping our customers grow their business and differentiate themselves in the North American market.”