The flexible packaging division remains a key driver for KBA North America and Koenig & Bauer

• New global sales and marketing director for flexible packaging presses
• KBA North America vice president named to FTA & FFTA boards
• A raft of new personnel for the KBA-Flexotecnica division
• New Koenig & Bauer Demo Center in Würzburg

In its continuing commitment to the flexible packaging industry, KBA-Flexotecnica, a subsidiary of Koenig & Bauer AG, is bolstering its growth by announcing new key staff members, its strong support of the North American flexographic organization, and announcement of on-going flexographic press installations.

Jeffrey R. Dietz, vice president of the web and specialty press division at KBA North America, which oversees flexible packaging in North America, says, “As I approach my first year in my capacity, I am heartened by our growing development of the flexible packaging market. With annual growth rates of 4-5%, flexible packaging is the fastest growing packaging segment. Our customers and potential customers recognize that our state-of-the-art presses and our service and training---based here in Dallas---is critical for their success. We have quality customers that are installing our KBA-Flexotecnica presses at their facilities as we speak. Plus, we have solid plans to increase our market share significantly.”

Dietz will be representing KBA-Flexotecnica as a newly-appointed member to the board of directors of the Flexographic Technical Association and board of trustees of the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association. He is pleased to be joining the FTA & FFTA boards and looks forward to working with this well-known group of influential professionals that is made up of a who's who of flexographers from all segments of the industry. KBA Flexotecnica will also be a formal presenter at the association’s upcoming Forum 2018 May 6-9 in Indianapolis.

“We welcome Jeff to our Board of Directors & Trustees and look forward to his unique perspective that will enhance the efforts of our organization and his important input for the future course of the FTA & FFTA,” says Mark Cisternino, president of the Flexographic Technical Association. “He will be an important voice within our governing leadership as we continue to facilitate networking, share ideas, and create innovative industry offerings through our initiatives.”

At its headquarters near Milan, Italy, the firm has announced that Stefano Squarcina will be joining the company as the new global sales and marketing director for KBA-Flexotecnica. Squarcina is one of 18 new employees who have joined the firm in a technical and sales capacity. This double-digit addition of new hires demonstrates the robust growth of this particular division.

For potential customers interested in both flexo and digital printing technology, Koenig & Bauer has opened a new Demo and Print Technology Center at the company’s Würzburg, Germany headquarters. Customers will be able to evaluate multiple printing platforms, including high speed digital web, high speed sheetfed inkjet direct to corrugated board, and CI flexo printing technology.

“As KBA North America enters its fifth year in the flexographic market, we are pleased with the growth we’ve achieved in helping flexographic printers of all shapes and sizes fulfill new customer applications with substrates from flexible to paper to board. We see value in the flexographic market and it is an important component to the entire Koenig & Bauer organization. Our continual investment in personnel, customer support, and a new demo center will enable us to remain a strong presence in this growing market,” says Dietz.

KBA North America is located in Dallas, Texas and a member of the Koenig & Bauer Group, which was established 200 years ago in Würzburg, Germany. Koenig & Bauer’s claim, “We’re on it.” gets to the heart of Koenig & Bauer’s values and competencies for all target groups. The group's product range is the broadest in the industry; its portfolio includes sheetfed offset presses in all format classes, post press die-cutters, inkjet presses and systems, flexographic presses, commercial and newspaper web presses, corrugated presses, special presses for banknotes, securities, metal-decorating, smart cards, glass and plastic decorating. For more information visit the company's web site at www.koenig-bauer.com.