David Savastano, Editor08.08.19
Headquartered in Neusäß, Germany, Epple Druckfarben AG has established a solid position in the global sheetfed ink market. Many of Epple’s customers have global operations, and there is a need to provide service to these printers.
With an eye on extending its reach in North America, Epple Printing Inks, Inc., Epple Druckfarben AG’s North American subsidiary, recently opened its new distribution facility and ink lab in Lombard, IL, near Chicago.
Bill Litviak, sales representative for Epple Printing Inks Inc., said that the new North American facility will allow Epple to provide its high-quality inks and service to its international customers who have operations in North America, as well as domestic printers.
“Many of our European customers have locations in North America and they were looking to obtain Epple ink over here,” Litviak said. “We also have a couple of distributors that needed better support closer to their operations. An ink lab in the US was essential in providing our clients with customized solutions.”
Litviak noted that Epple has had a presence in North America for seven years, and added that Chicago is an ideal choice for the new lab and distribution center.
“Most of our distribution was done through dealers,” Litviak said. “We chose Chicago because of its central location and its rich printing history. Printers told us to locate elsewhere because the competition has a strong presence in Chicago. Most of the top worldwide ink companies already have manufacturing facilities in the area. We felt this is the place to be because we can go head to head and compete with any these companies. We are the number one sheetfed Ink manufacturer in Germany for a good reason.”
The new ink lab is equipped to handle PMS/CMS spot colors for conventional, UV and UV LED inks, which can be customized to meet the needs of printers.
“Epple ink is not a multinational one-size-fits-all ink company,” Litviak observed. “We have one manufacturing facility in Germany that provides a consistent product. There are no inconsistencies between a plant in New York and India. Our new lab in Lombard can modify inks depending on the printer’s specific applications. We also have local technicians to help printers with any challenges that might arise on press.”
Litviak said that Epple’s focus will continue to be on sheetfed inks, which differentiates it from other ink manufacturers.
“Epple has always been and will remain one of the leading manufacturers of sheetfed inks,” he noted. “We have lost business because we do not manufacture digital or flexo inks, but we have found that customers keep coming back to us because of the focus we have with sheetfed offset inks. Printers have been noticing that the larger multi-nationals have not been focused on sheetfed lithography and they are slow with providing solutions. They are more focused on flexo and the emerging digital technologies. We see this as an unmet need in the market place.
“UV ink is still a growth market in North America and we are constantly meeting the challenges in a changing environment,” Litviak added.” Epple has a strong presence in the food packaging segment. Also, we have always been a leader in environmental inks. Once people know our history and commitment we have to producing environmentally friendly inks, they will give us a try.”
Litviak said he believes Epple Printing Inks is well-positioned for growth in North America.
“Litho sheetfed printing is still one of the leading printing technologies,” he added. “North America will be a growth market for Epple Printing Inks. Once people know who we are and try our inks, we will grow.”
With an eye on extending its reach in North America, Epple Printing Inks, Inc., Epple Druckfarben AG’s North American subsidiary, recently opened its new distribution facility and ink lab in Lombard, IL, near Chicago.
Bill Litviak, sales representative for Epple Printing Inks Inc., said that the new North American facility will allow Epple to provide its high-quality inks and service to its international customers who have operations in North America, as well as domestic printers.
“Many of our European customers have locations in North America and they were looking to obtain Epple ink over here,” Litviak said. “We also have a couple of distributors that needed better support closer to their operations. An ink lab in the US was essential in providing our clients with customized solutions.”
Litviak noted that Epple has had a presence in North America for seven years, and added that Chicago is an ideal choice for the new lab and distribution center.
“Most of our distribution was done through dealers,” Litviak said. “We chose Chicago because of its central location and its rich printing history. Printers told us to locate elsewhere because the competition has a strong presence in Chicago. Most of the top worldwide ink companies already have manufacturing facilities in the area. We felt this is the place to be because we can go head to head and compete with any these companies. We are the number one sheetfed Ink manufacturer in Germany for a good reason.”
The new ink lab is equipped to handle PMS/CMS spot colors for conventional, UV and UV LED inks, which can be customized to meet the needs of printers.
“Epple ink is not a multinational one-size-fits-all ink company,” Litviak observed. “We have one manufacturing facility in Germany that provides a consistent product. There are no inconsistencies between a plant in New York and India. Our new lab in Lombard can modify inks depending on the printer’s specific applications. We also have local technicians to help printers with any challenges that might arise on press.”
Litviak said that Epple’s focus will continue to be on sheetfed inks, which differentiates it from other ink manufacturers.
“Epple has always been and will remain one of the leading manufacturers of sheetfed inks,” he noted. “We have lost business because we do not manufacture digital or flexo inks, but we have found that customers keep coming back to us because of the focus we have with sheetfed offset inks. Printers have been noticing that the larger multi-nationals have not been focused on sheetfed lithography and they are slow with providing solutions. They are more focused on flexo and the emerging digital technologies. We see this as an unmet need in the market place.
“UV ink is still a growth market in North America and we are constantly meeting the challenges in a changing environment,” Litviak added.” Epple has a strong presence in the food packaging segment. Also, we have always been a leader in environmental inks. Once people know our history and commitment we have to producing environmentally friendly inks, they will give us a try.”
Litviak said he believes Epple Printing Inks is well-positioned for growth in North America.
“Litho sheetfed printing is still one of the leading printing technologies,” he added. “North America will be a growth market for Epple Printing Inks. Once people know who we are and try our inks, we will grow.”