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Autobond, a leading manufacturer of sheet-fed laminating machines, has appointed Queensland-based Graph-Pak as sole distributor for its portfolio of laminating machinery and consumables across Australia and New Zealand. This new partnership has resulted in instant success, with four sales of the Autobond MINI 76TPH perfecting laminator in the first fortnight alone. Tom Ralph, managing director of Graph-Pak, says; “We have set off to a flying start with the Autobond machines and they are already generating a great deal of interest from potential new customers. There is a strong market for thermal laminators in Australia and New Zealand and Autobond’s range is particularly well suited to the needs of printers in these regions.”Ralph set up Graph-Pak at the beginning of 2006, having been divisional sales manager for the graphic business at DKSH for the past five years. In this position, he was responsible for the successful distribution of Lamtex machines, selling 20 laminators in three years.
When Lamtex went into receivership last year, and Autobond purchased the right to make Lamtex models, along with the assets, spares and manufacturing equipment, Mr Ralph joined forces with Autobond to sell its equipment and consumables.
“I always knew that Autobond machines were well renowned for their high quality, productivity and reliability. However, the company had not previously been properly represented in Australia or New Zealand. I saw this alliance as a golden opportunity to use my connections and expertise in the finishing arena and Autobond’s top quality manufacturing skills to successfully penetrate the market,” says Ralph.
“So far, the Autobond range has been extremely popular. Autobond is unique in its offering and most importantly listens to customers and tailors its machines accordingly. High speed is a top priority for companies in Australia and New Zealand. Autobond has been quick to recognise this need by increasing the speed of the MINI 76TPH from 45 to 60 metres per minute. As the distributor, it is exciting to work with a manufacturer that is willing to customise its product for the benefit of its customers. It’s a service that speaks volumes and one that places Autobond at the forefront of the market.”
Autobond’s managing director, John Gilmore comments, “Listening to our customers enables us to find the right balance of features, speed, quality and price for our machines. We expect the MINI series to be well sought after particularly by printers and finishing houses looking for a cost effective way of bringing the process in-house. Shorter print runs, fast makereadies and low wastage are all global trends - not just Europe specific,” he says.
“Tom Ralph offers a wealth of experience in distributing finishing equipment and his immediate sales success is an encouraging sign that Australia and New Zealand will be popular territories for us. Graph-Pak is professionally run and we look forward to a long-standing working relationship with them, serving printers and finishing houses in their local markets.”
Graph-Pak specialises in print finishing equipment, such as laminators, binders, pile turners, material handling, films and consumables. As well as Autobond equipment, the company also distributes products from Rima-System, Busch, Elite Cameron, SCM, Deacro and Pamarco and OMET SRL.
Contact Tom Ralph of Graph-Pak on or
