Durst has acquired a majority stake in Vanguard Digital Printing Systems as it looks to strengthen its position in the US graphics industry.
Headquartered in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Vanguard is a manufacturer of UV-curing wide-format printing systems for the signage, decoration, corporate, industrial and packaging sectors. Its range includes several flatbeds , one roll-fed 3.2m model and two high-speed single-pass designs for rigid and roll media. With the acquisition, Durst adds new printer classes to its wide-format portfolio, while Vanguard now has access to a global distribution and service network, plus expanded technical resources.
Durst North America president Tim Saur said, ‘Vanguard Digital Printing Systems is a rapidly growing and very successful company in a customer segment in which we are currently not active. Through the combination of high-quality products, a strong management team and absolute customer orientation, both companies are a perfect match.’
As part of the agreement, the new company will operate as Vanguard Durst Digital Printing Systems. David Cich remains CEO while Jim Peterson continues to serve as vice president of sales.
Mr Cich commented, ‘It is with great humbleness and excitement that Vanguard Digital will now be a part of the world-class industry leading Durst Group. Becoming part of the Durst Group Family provides Vanguard Digital the opportunity to expand its portfolio of innovative market leading UV Printers to the entire world.’
Durst Group CEO and co-owner Christoph Gamper added, ‘Vanguard’s printing systems have rightly achieved rapid growth and high customer acceptance in the North American market. Despite the global pandemic, we are positioning ourselves for the long term and are determined to invest in the large-format graphics market. In addition, with our technical expertise, Vanguard will continue to ensure that its products and services are industry-leading and a wider customer base will understand what it is like to be part of the Durst family.’
