Flint Group Flexographic & Xeikon PrePress become XSYS. In economically difficult pandemic times, is this action a “bonus”, as it were, or a step that is necessary right now from an operational point of view?

Both: The merger is not only based on economic synergies, but primarily pursues the goal of being able to offer our customers even better, holistic solutions: In prepress, consisting of plate and equipment including the associated service. With printers also including sleeves and adapters. The amalgamation of the areas under one management in sales and technical service means that customers can be advised and supported more quickly and comprehensively. The merger will optimize decision-making processes and accelerate holistic product developments for the prepress market.

The new business area should bring together “what belongs together” and use existing synergies. Which synergy effects does the Flint Group hope to achieve in detail and which steps, for example in the organizational structure, are still necessary to actually leverage these synergies?

The plate and prepress equipment sales and service teams are fully integrated on a regional and global level without losing focus and expertise. Overall, we are increasing the “clout” of our sales force, and the merger gives us a better understanding of the challenges faced by our customers. We look at them from different angles, so that we can then solve them together. The device service is also integrated into existing structures and thus offers our customers a comprehensive service program for all plate developing devices, including lasers.

Xeikon Prepress was part of the Flint Group even before the merger. “Everything from a single source” is actually nothing new for customers - especially with ongoing contracts - is it? With which arguments does XSYS want to score points regarding the portfolio?

So far, all products have been represented under the umbrella of the Flint Group and there has always been cooperation in sales and technology. Nevertheless, there were inefficiencies due to the different organizational affiliations, which led to slowed decision-making processes. With the merger of the sales and service teams, our customers benefit from faster and more coordinated decision-making channels as well as comprehensive product advice from a single source.

This will also have a positive effect on existing and future developments in our product and service portfolios. Here I am thinking above all of software solutions that further support and integrate the complete automation of the plate production, which is being carried out for the first time by our Catena system. Intelligent solutions with the associated software already help us to offer preventive service without having to be physically on site. Our current and future solutions are also unique when it comes to installing equipment; In the past few weeks, for example, we have carried out complex installations, such as that of a laser, without a technician being physically on site with the customer. All of this saves time and money and increases the productivity of customers who use our equipment. In any case, we are consistently pursuing the goal of increasing the printing quality of our customers through our plates and equipment technology and increasing competitiveness through optimized production processes and minimizing downtimes.

With regard to the existing portfolio, our new website and our product brochures provide a simple but comprehensive overview of the market segments that we serve, as well as the associated products and systems. This has not been the case before. We have integrated tools such as a product or market segment selector, helping our customers to find the right solution or the right product quickly and easily. On our new virtual platform, we also offer extensive material and animations about our products and services and create the opportunity for our existing and potential customers to get in touch with us quickly and easily.

Final question: How is the new business area to be strategically developed over the next few years?

XSYS offers holistic system solutions for prepress and also does this for the printer via the sleeves in connection with our sister divisions. This is what sets us apart from our competitors in the market. We will continue to pursue this path of integrating and combining individual products into a holistic solution.

Thank you very much for the conversation.