"Closer proximity to the market will allow the team here at KPL Russia to deliver regular client feedback to Körber PaperLink's product development teams," said Elena Tkatch, head of the new dedicated Russian division. "This will be invaluable in ensuring that we continue to roll out market-leading solutions to the particular production issues faced by Russian manufacturing and converting operations."
Körber PaperLink has been active in Russia for several years. By opening its own office with a five-strong Russian team, the company aims to bring itself much closer to its Russian customers. The new office, which is located in central Moscow, was officially opened to coincide with Polygraphinter 2003, a major international trade fair for the printing industry.
"The positive reactions we received from the East European markets during PolygraphInter prove that we have chosen the right direction. The opening of KPL Russia is the basis for a further expansion of our East European business," said Körber chief executive Martin Weickenmeier.
The firm unveiled its new sheeting system SHM 1450 at the event, which is being introduced to the Russian market for the first time. The SHM 1450 range converts a wide variety of substrates including paper, board, film, foil and plastic films. The machine's cross cutter is driven by its own AC servo engine.
"The opening of KPL Russia is a significant step in the development of Körber PaperLink's activities in this rapidly modernising market," said Weickenmeier. "Against an improving general economic backdrop, Russian businesses are starting to generate the revenues needed to fund their own capital investment programs. The climate in Russia is favorable for us to make this clear statement of Körber PaperLink's long-term commitment to the Russian market."