Spartanics, Rolling Meadows, Ill., and SMAG Graphique, a French label company, announced a new partnership that will merge core technologies to develop a best-in-class digital converting solution for the label market. The partnership will combine Spartanics' laser cutting technology with SMAG's traditional roll-fed label converting solutions to create a fully integrated digital line of converting equipment that will compete through direct sales and a global network of distributors.
"The digital market is a revolutionary and booming market worldwide. This is not a trend but a real fact," said Stéphane Rateau, managing director for SMAG. "Laser technology for the die-cutting section was a puzzle piece missing in our specific offer and we have been evaluating partners for quite some time. This partnership with Spartanics will definitively bring us to another level commercially and technically by providing a direct presence in North America," he continued. "Finally, merging technologies, the best technologies that each company has to offer, will be beneficial to the entire label industry."
"This decision has been thoughtfully considered for quite some time," said Tom O'Hara, president of Spartanics. "We believe we have found the perfect partner in SMAG in terms of company size, corporate culture and a deep desire to provide the best equipment to a label manufacturing market that is seeking technology driven equipment suppliers."
Spartanics will become the exclusive distributor for SMAG equipment in North America. For areas of the world where distributors are not present, SMAG and Spartanics will work together to provide equipment solutions to potential customers. SMAG will integrate Spartanics' laser technology into its successful line of Digital Galaxie converting solutions and become the main supplier in Europe and parts of Asia for roll-to-roll laser converting solutions.
The announcement coincides with the Labelexpo Americas show in Rosemont, Ill., which runs Sept. 9-11, 2014. Demonstration units that will incorporate both traditional semi-rotary and laser cutting components along with several converting options are currently in production. Open houses in Paris and Chicago are scheduled for the first quarter of 2015, with details to follow near the end of 2014.
For more information, visit www.spartanics.com.