Daniel Velema will replace Robert Stabler as MD of Koenig and Bauer Durst in February. The announcement comes alongside news that the company will expand its operations in Radebeul, Germany, where it develops single pass digital sheet-fed press systems and software services for the folding carton and corrugated markets.
Stabler, who has run the joint venture company since its inception almost five years ago, said “there will be a significant handover period” with Velema, who was most latterly general manager of the prepress activities at XSYS Global, a supplier of printing plates, sleeves and prepress equipment for the packaging industry.
Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of Durst, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Daniel to Koenig and Bauer Durst to drive the company forward to the next stages of development. We see a huge opportunity to grow substantially over the next few years. Solid foundations have been laid with the successful launch of the VariJet 106 press, as well as the adoption of our corrugated presses by some of the world’s most innovative and forward-looking corrugated companies. Robert [Stabler] has been instrumental in developing and leading the joint venture team that has developed high-end systems in fully automatic, industrial-scale production. We want to thank Robert for bringing the joint venture from an idea to a vibrant, standalone company.”
Ralf Sammeck, Koenig and Bauer board member and sheetfed segment CEO, added: “The spirit embodied by both companies in the joint venture continues to grow. Combining our strengths is driving digitalisation in the packaging industry. In building on the initial foundations, we are increasing our capabilities in our R&D center in Radebeul, the headquarters of the Koenig and Bauer sheetfed division. To take the joint venture to the next level, we are delighted to have appointed Daniel Velema as the new managing director from next February.”