Manroland Australasia managing director Steve Dunwell (pictured) told a gathering from the likes of Webstar, Geon and Hannanprint that the strategy was helping its customers “gain maximum return on investment in our presses and provide insight and initiatives to help business grow and prosper”.

“We are far closer to our customers locally and with a direct line with the manufacturing plant in Germany,” Dunwell told ProPrint.

However, he stopped short of saying that going direct with sales and support was the best approach for all global manufacturers operating in the region. “It’s horses for courses,” said Dunwell, who became managing director in June.

The delegation of executives from manroland, including representatives from the German head office, met with local customers at an event at Sydney’s Olympic Park.

The press giant’s new direct approach came into force earlier this year, as manroland ended its 50-year relationship with MAN Ferrostaal and opened offices in Sydney and Melbourne.

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