Currie Group has strengthened its position in the flexible packaging and converting sector through new strategic distribution agreements with European leaders Uteco and Bimec, extending access to advanced flexographic, rotogravure and slitting technologies across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
In a move that broadens its footprint across the high-volume converting market, Currie Group has been appointed the exclusive regional distributor for Uteco’s extensive portfolio of flexographic, rotogravure and digital printing equipment, laminators, coaters and customised systems, as well as for Bimec’s world-class slitter-rewinders for films, paper and laminates.
Both OEMs are integral members of the European Flex-Converting Alliance (FlexCA), a consortium that also includes CMG, ENCA, Smartjet and Vision, offering integrated solutions across the full packaging production chain. Currie Group customers will now have access to the combined technologies and expertise of these manufacturers through a single, locally supported channel.
Both Uteco and Bimec have been represented in the ANZ region for many years, by Flexo Australia and Web Dynamics respectively. Currie Group has worked closely with these agents for many months to ensure a seamless transition which will support, and add value, for customers across the region.
Reno Lauriola from Flexo Australia will join the Currie Group team, bringing his extensive knowledge and expertise to the partnership, while Jade Gillard from Web Dynamics will hand over the Bimec agency to pursue other business interests.
Currie Group director – Labels & Packaging ANZ, Mark Daws, said the partnerships align with strong growth in flexible packaging and represent a logical extension of the company’s expanding packaging offering.
“Flexible packaging is certainly an area where we are seeing massive growth, and these new agreements represent a significant step in expanding our offering to the higher-volume converting sector by adding the unique value proposition offered by Uteco, Bimec and the wider FlexCA alliance,” Daws said.
Backed by the industry’s largest local service and support network, Currie Group’s new partnerships will deliver a fully integrated suite of printing, coating, laminating and slitting solutions for converters and packaging producers seeking greater automation and performance.
“Uteco, Bimec and their alliance partners are internationally well-regarded manufacturers of quality equipment and solutions for the flexible packaging sector, and we are very pleased to be able to represent them in the South Pacific region,” Daws said.
“In the coming months we look forward to welcoming our new partners to the region and introducing them to our new and existing customers.”
Ed's note: The partnerships, and what they mean for the ANZ flexible packaging sector, will be explored in depth in the upcoming November-December print issue of PKN Packaging News.
