In 2020 and with the new managing directors , Andreas Weigel and Manuel Friedmann, in 2020 the special machine building company, Printum GmbH became Printum Technology GmbH. A lot has happened since then: the specialist company has grown and now serves many other industries with innovative machine solutions and special systems. Read more about the new beginning in the interview of the online magazine Etiketten-Labels.com below.
As a special machinery manufacturer, we specialize in complex converting processes for narrow web rollstock, especially in the area of multilayer label converting and label finishing as well as adhesive tape converting. The interview below appeared in the Finishing & Finishing section. To read the original article about our repositioning as a special machine builder on Etiketten-Labels.com, click here: Newly positioned and innovative into the future (German).
The Expert Interview on Etiketten-Labels.com
Printum has been supporting customers in the label and label environment for many years as they move into new business areas. If the company’s own production capabilities and standard solutions on the market are not sufficient to meet specific customer requirements, then the company starts developing a new system. Especially in the field of complex technical labels and packaging products, Printum helps to achieve competitive advantages with its own concepts.
It is Printum’s own concepts that make it a special company. Special machine construction therefore takes up most of the daily business. The company, and in particular the two owners Manuel Friedmann and Andreas Weigel, focus on the individual wishes of the customers. After an extensive analysis of the customer’s needs, a completely new machine is created, which is then manufactured completely individually.
What a normal workday as a special machine builder looks like
First of all, here’s an example from the everyday life of special machine builder: A company from the label and packaging environment had a request for a special shipping bag. The product could not be produced on the existing machines.
Printum therefore developed a special machine for the efficient production of these products. Among other things, the proven Printum Cut&Place unit was used for this purpose. In this, the company punches the layer to be applied with a cutting cylinder. The cut part is transferred to a special vacuum cylinder. This then transfers the individual part to an application or transfer cylinder.
Printum punches, separates and places individual parts on a running web — material-optimized and precisely positioned — all at web speed. With specially developed units such as the Cut & Place unit, Printum Technology GmbH is therefore setting standards in the processing of rollstock into multilayer products.
The editors of Label Labels spoke with the new owners and managing directors, Manuel Friedmann and Andreas Weigel, about the special machine building company, their vision and goals for the future.
The plan for the future in a very special business environment.
In the course of the company succession, Printum GmbH became Printum Technology GmbH. Can you briefly describe the company today?
Andreas Weigel: We took over the company in 2020 from the founder and transferor Bernd Leising. He is still on board for two more years and is contributing his experience. He focuses on the areas of sales and product development. Today, we have 20 employees at our Ravensburg site. Today, Printum is a highly recognised specialist in the industry for the development and realisation of customised production lines for the processing of narrow strip roll stock. Customers around the world manufacture products off the roll-on Printum systems – from air filters to fuel cell membranes and printed electronics to multilayer labels – everything is included here. The rotary manufacturing technology used by Printum is thus used across many industries.
“With the appropriate corporate strategy, the three of us agree, we will get through the crisis and come out stronger when the economy picks up.” – Manuel Friedmann, Managing Director, Operations & Business Development
Where do you see your strengths in business conceptualization?
Manuel Friedmann: In order to solve the craziest requirements of our customers every day, we think big, out of the box, at 360 degrees, around the corner, in great detail – and as creative as possible. Our core competence lies in the rotary processing of narrow web roll stock into multilayer products. Our approach is:
- We create competitive advantages for our customers through high process reliability, quality, and speed.
- Our focus is on customer requirements, and our automation solutions are a means to an end.
- Printum systems grow with your company thanks to their intelligent modularity.
- As a special machinery manufacturer, we have focused on the segments of labels finishing, value printing, packaging, and chemicals.
A look at the technical concept should not be missing.
A look at the technical concept should not be missing.
Weigel: We currently have around 80 installed systems on the market – mainly in Europe. Our customers produce on it: Multilabel labels, membrane electrode units for fuel cells, insulators for battery production, specialty shipping bags, printed electronics, glue traps, motorway vignettes and more. To explain the respective technique here would take up a lot of space.
Let’s talk about you again and your current distribution of tasks.
Friedmann: While Andreas Weigel focuses on sales realignment and internationalisation, I take care of building an organisation that can keep up with the planned growth. Which, of course, is not exactly easy at the moment. Against the background of the current corona pandemic, the timing could hardly have been worse for a company takeover. However, even before the crisis, we were convinced of the innovative strength and performance of Mr Leising and his team. With the appropriate corporate strategy, we will come through the crisis and emerge stronger when the economy picks up.
As a special machine builder, do you offer various products?
Weigel: At the moment, I could introduce two special features: the Printum multilayer kit and our microporous turner bar. The Printum Multilayer Kit has been specially designed for the production of multilayer labels. It is offered as a module and is therefore quickly installed and fits seamlessly into the usual production process. This means it enables customers to maximise their product portfolio and expand business opportunities – all at minimal investment cost. Our microporous turning bar is always a source of amazement and enthusiasm among customers. Thanks to its special technology, it ensures contact-free web guiding and is thus naturally particularly suitable for the exact deflection of adhesive or sensitive materials. Particularly in the label sector, where materials containing adhesive have to be processed, this technology ensures problem-free web guidance and avoids unnecessary stoppers or even adhesive residues on the rollers.
“The rotary manufacturing technology used by Printum is used across all sectors in many different industries.” – Andreas Weigel –
A look into the future: Where are you heading with Printum and what can customers expect?
Friedmann: We want to be the preferred international innovation partner for the rotary processing of narrow strip roll stock – regardless of the industry. Our customers benefit from the experience we have gained in other industries.
Short summary
Printum is a special machine manufacturer company from Germany, founded in 1981. Today, Printum is the preferred innovation partner for rotary converting solutions for narrow web rollstock.
Read more about Printum here.
