World leading printing equipment manufactuers, Durst and Koenig & Bauer, have signed a joint venture in a bid tap into the potential that digital production in the packaging industry offers.

The new company will be known as Koenig & Bauer Durst GmbH and will be tasked with developing a single-pass digital printing system for the folding carton and corrugated fibreboard industry.

Approval from antitrust authorities in Europe is now the final step needed before Koenig & Bauer Durst GmbH can commence operations and is expected by the end of May 2019.

The new entity will have a managing director appointed and its registered office will be in Wurzburg, Germany.

Initially, the joint venture portfolio will comprise the Koenig & Bauer CorruJET 170 and the Durst SPC 130 – including all associated services and the ink business, as well as the development of the VariJET 106.

“It was a short path from letter of intent to official signature because the negotiations had already been conducted in a spirit of genuine cooperation,” Christoph Gamper, CEO of the Durst Group, said.

“We want to work efficiently and purposefully towards a common goal – tapping the huge potential that digital production lines offer for the packaging industry.”

“Koenig & Bauer Durst will combine different key technology areas and market expertise to perfect effect,” Claus Bolza-Schünemann, CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG, said.

“I am convinced that the joint venture will benefit from the spirit embodied by both companies and that something really special is emerging here. The packaging industry is looking for new, more efficient production opportunities and Koenig & Bauer Durst will supply the necessary digital solution.”

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