OMET opens American subsidiary..

Omet srl, Italian manufacturer of narrow and mid web printing presses and converting equipment announces the opening of its new branch in America, Omet America Inc. The new company will focus on providing high level service and parts for the company's existing and future installations in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America.  North American sales will still be handled Matik Inc. out of West Hartford, CT.

Angelo Bartesaghi, Founder and President of the Italian Company, states: "We are extremely pleased to achieve this new milestone in Company history. This move will reinforce our global presence, after establishing our facilities in Europe and Asia. The Last years have been very successful for Omet, and we consider now to be the best timing for this important step, which we believe will demonstrate our Commitment to the market".

Omet America's will operate from a Grand Rapids Michigan headquarters. This new facility is conveniently located few minutes away from Lansing International Airport, in  a 5.600 SQF building. Beside space for office and spare parts inventory, there will be sufficient space for future expansion, according to Omet's plans.

"We wanted our customer to be able to maximize the high technology of our presses. Servo technology provides extreme productivity, but we wanted to provide also th flexibility to troubleshoot," comments Jean-Pierre Penhoat - VP of Omet Americas.

Penhoat has an extensive experience in servicing printing equipments, since he has spent more than 20 years within graphic arts industry. He has knowledge into different markets, including labels, packaging films and cartons. Beside his technical background, he can provide useful support on procedures and production organization, thanks to his previous experience in production management positions. Penhoat is also fluent in French and has good knowledge with Spanish, which will be appreciated by some Canadian customers, as well as the ones from Latin America!!

Advantages for American, Carribean and South American customers will include:

• Local parts inventory, providing the shortest lead time
• Technical engineers available for immediate service response
• Provide on site support for new press installations
• Programs for periodic maintenance visits and training programs, available on demand
• Online Press service through Internet connection. 

This last feature is particularly important, because will extend service time to the entire working day (same service is available also during night time from Europe). Using this technology, problems can be detected and solved in the shortest time; also upgrade on software programs can be easily downloaded into press. Staff will include service technicians for mechanical, electric and electronics; as well as back office for the parts order's handling.

In order to provide this high level of service, US service personnel will be specifically trained on site about Omet systems by skilled European technicians. Paolo is one of them: "I'm ready to make available my knowledge and experience to my new American colleagues and customers.  I'm thrilled to have this opportunity for my company's and personal growth!" he comments.

North American markets have always been very receptive of Omet products. No doubts, this new organization will be very beneficial to sales activity, and generate interest on the Omet product line. “I am very glad and excited about this new organization. We were requested from our North American customers since our first press was sold in North America to offer this higher level of service, and I guess the Company response has been really the best one," comments Alberto Redaelli, Omet VP of Sales and responsible for North American sales activities. “I believe that Lansing location is strategically placed within North America, and we will be able to offer an high standard of service and an even closer contact with our industry partners," he added.

OMET has  a large number of installations in the Americas, including the high tech servo driven Gearless Varyflex and X-flex packaging presses, for a number of different applications, ranging from PS labels, to unsupported films and cartons. Upcoming new installations will include:

• A 10 color, 26" Varyflex packaging press, with in line lamination and cold seal for the Midwest;
• A 9 color 17" press for packaging  including inline Hot Melt coating, due for Canada.