PIP PEOPLE IN PRINT

KERNOW COATINGS APPOINTS NEW OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Kernow Coatings has announced the recent appointment of Steve Gulliford as Operations Director. Steve joins Kernow Coatings to help continue to drive business growth and operational efficiency in a global media market.

Steve brings a wealth of experience from 30 years in print, substrate production and high volume manufacturing environments. He has held a range of roles including quality, technical design, and site leadership, including 17 years with the leading banknote producer — De La Rue. Steve adds “I am really pleased to have joined Kernow Coatings. This is an exciting time for our global business and our industry, and I am looking forward to working with the team and with our customers. We will be focussed on key process efficiency gains, developing a platform for growth, and continuing to work to delight our customers every step of the way.” www.kernowcoatings.com

PROPACK ANNOUNCES NEW OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Propack has expanded its senior leadership team with the appointment of Andy Cromack as Operations Director. Andy has joined the technology led print and direct mail solutions provider to spearhead the firm’s commitment to developing an outstanding service delivery model and improving quality and efficiency throughout its team and processes.

He previously held the role of Operations Director at digital print and direct mail agency Gecko and has a wealth of industry experience, having started his career with a printing apprenticeship upon leaving school.

Speaking of his new role, Andy said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Propack team and can’t wait to get stuck in. I have been impressed with the company’s growth and progress over the last few years so jumped at the chance to get involved with what the team is creating. It’s a really exciting time.

“The recent investments made by Propack and its capabilities for targeting and segmentation are top notch and this is an area where the print industry can work hand in hand with digital communications to propel our industry forward for years to come.”

Managing director of Propack, Jason Clough, added: “I am delighted to welcome Andy to the team. His impressive CV and clear vision for the Propack brand will be a real asset to the team.

“Andy’s appointment is an important step for us, underpinning our commitment to ensuring our processes, from start to finish, produce the best possible results in terms of quality, ethics, sustainability and efficiency.”

Propack produces in excess of 25 million technology led print and direct mail packs per year, working with a range of both B2C and B2B clients, with sector specialisms in retail, charity, travel and automotive. Its current client list includes global household brands like Moonpig, Mercedes Benz and Sue Ryder. www.wearepropack.co.uk

SWISSQPRINT — 15 YEARS AND COUNTING

The Swiss developer and producer of high end large format printers is celebrating its 15th anniversary. What began as a six man operation has since blossomed into an internationally active company with 200 employees.

It was on 17 September 2007 that Reto Eicher, Roland Fetting and Hansjörg Untersander had the swissQprint company entered in the commercial register. With a crew of six, the company was under way. Already on board was the present CEO, Kilian Hintermann. The following year, notwithstanding the financial crisis then in full swing, the team launched the first swissQprint flatbed printer.

Impressive growth: swissQprint has since grown to employ around 200 people. 130 of them, the founders included, work at headquarters in Kriessern, Switzerland. Just under 70 employees do duty at subsidiaries in Germany, Spain, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the USA and Japan. The company continued its growth through the pandemic years and pressed ahead with development projects. The latest product is Kudu, a high end printer launched in May this year.

Swiss pedigree with a worldwide reach: Today’s product range comprises eight models: six flatbed and two roll to roll printers. More than 1600 swissQprint machines are in operation worldwide. Sales and service are handled by six subsidiaries in concert with over 30 distribution partners around the globe. Development and production of the machines stays seated in Switzerland. Company headquarters also recently began managing sales to the Swiss home market.

An acknowledged brand — In adtech and digital printing circles especially, swissQprint is an acknowledged brand: a byword for precision, reliability and durability. Indeed, even the very earliest printers continue ticking along like a Swiss watch. Users appreciate the versatility and user-friendliness of these large format printers, with their efficiency that generates high added value. www.swissqprint.com