Gretzenbach, Switzerland – Lüscher AG Maschinenbau, based in Gretzenbach, Switzerland, works with its 59 employees to develop and produce high-quality precision machines for prepress operations for electronic imaging of offset and flexographic printing plates and for textile and screen printing.

On 22 April 2013, the Management Board of Lüscher AG Maschinenbau noted a situation of over-indebtedness and requested the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings with the responsible authorities.

The consequences of the massive downturn in the graphics industry on top of the financial crisis - sparing not even industry giants such as Kodak and Manroland - the continuing disappearance of printing shops combined with an expensive Swiss franc and, over the last nine months, a significant fall in incoming orders, make it impossible to continue trading.

Despite extensive efforts, supported by the bank, development partners and investors, in new and more attractive applications in industrial print markets, it has not been possible to stabilise the company’s financial position in the prevailing restricted market context.

Together with strategic partners, there is a chance of continuing parts of the company’s activities and maintaining jobs.

The Management Board and the company’s managers would like to thank its customers, suppliers, distributors and employees for their loyalty and cooperation over the years.

Management will be working with the responsible authorities over the co- ming weeks to endeavour to maintain a minimum level of operation.