Komori and Highcon announce strategic business partnership
Japanese manufacturer Komori and Highcon Systems have entered into a strategic selling agreement, further strengthening the existing Highcon relationship with Komori in Japan and America.
Signed earlier this month, the deal allows Komori to sell all of Highcon’s product line in the UK, France, Italy and the Netherlands, with the option to extend beyond these four countries depending on sales success.
“Our collaboration with Highcon is the first step in expanding our finishing department,” said Komori marketing manager Peter Minis.
“We see there is an incredible overlap in the philosophy of the companies but also because we are making more and more print work that requires individual finishing, especially with the Impremia. We see this as having a big benefit of having the Highcon machines this close to our other equipment," he added.
Komori Europe is now in the process of installing a Highcon Euclid III digital cutting and creasing machine at its Graphic Center-Europe in Utrecht, the Netherlands, in order to support the partnership, which will be exhibited at an open house on 4 to 5 October.
Highcon’s digital finishing equipment is described as ‘the perfect complement’ to the Komori fleet of offset presses, as well as the new Impremia IS29, 29in inkjet, sheet-fed UV printing system.
Minis commented: "We are very pleased with this partnership that highlights Komori’s commitment to support our customers developing successful business models utilizing both offset and digital print, from concept to final product."
"We are convinced that our European customers will benefit from the combined expertise of our two companies, allowing them to develop and deliver innovative applications and a faster time to market."
Jens Henrik Osmundsen, vice president of global sales at Highcon, said: "We already have several joint customers and are proud that Komori, with their 100 year focus on reliability and quality, understands the true value that our technology can bring to their customers, whether offset or digital. We look forward to working together to expand the Highcon customer base."
Earlier this year, Komori expanded its Lithrone product portfolio with the launch of a larger format one-pass double-sided offset press.
Topics
Interested in joining our community?
Enquire today about joining your local FESPA Association or FESPA Direct
Recent news
Special Effects in DTF Will Make Your “Prints” More Memorable
The DTF market is expanding with new vendors and innovations like multi-head printers enabling diverse ink options (spot, neon). Decorative films offer streamlined special effects. Keypoint Intelligence tested metallic and glitter films, noting varied ease of use and wash durability. New technology using adhesive and foil directly promises further creative advancements in DTF.
SmartHub – Expectations, opportunities and why you should attend!
The SmartHub at Personalisation Experience 2025 in Berlin will showcase personalisation and smart production opportunities across industries like textiles. Featuring a Smart Factory Trail with brands like Inkcups and Trotec, and a conference with experts discussing AI, mass customisation, and profit strategies, it offers insights into reducing waste and boosting efficiency through digital methods. Panel sessions will explore growth, automation in textiles, and smart manufacturing.
How is AI revolutionising Large Format Print?
Nessan Clearly discusses how AI in print relies on data pattern matching, already enhancing software for large format providers. He predicts that this will result in increased AI integration in workflow planning, job queue management, colour correction, image upscaling, and predictive maintenance via sensors and vision systems, ultimately streamlining operations and offering greater flexibility.
One Ink for All? Exploring Pigment in Textile Printing
Digital textile printing faces complexity due to diverse substrates requiring specific inks. The industry seeks a universal ink, with pigment ink showing potential. While traditionally for natural fibres, advancements aim to broaden its application, simplify processes by reducing pre/post-treatment, and improve sustainability, though challenges like hand feel on garments remain.