A new year is much more than just the numbers on the calendar rolling over again – and that is especially true in 2021. Last year involved many changes – often imposed on us by factors that we could neither anticipate nor control.
After such a challenging time, positive developments are necessary to ensure a sustainable business model and, at Kemtek Imaging Systems, several important projects are now reaching fruition, providing next-level service across all areas of expertise.
‘In August 2019, we completed a comprehensive brand refresh including the tagline “beyond technology”,’ comments CEO, Johan Botes. ‘Those two words say a lot about the journey we have been on, transforming into a solutions-based company. Technology can solve problems, unlock revenue streams, and create previously undreamed-of possibilities. And this is more important for business survival today than ever before.’
As with charity, change begins at home, and Johan and his management team have been actively transitioning the internal company culture. ‘We want to go beyond customer service in the same way that we’ve already gone beyond technology,’ he continues. ‘This is the new Kemtek – a fresh company culture where we get to know our customers’ businesses in even greater detail, to the point where we can anticipate their needs and recommend solutions to pre-empt any challenges on the horizon. With our team entirely focused on delivering solutions across print technology, auto ID and barcoding, labelling and additive manufacturing, customers can expect enhanced integration, profitability, and growth.’
Perhaps the most immediate ‘visible’ sign of this approach is the completely revamped website. ‘To reflect this emphasis within the business, we’ve transformed the user experience to help visitors navigate our site by solution rather than product,’ comments Karen Stretch, head of marketing. ‘We continue to offer world-class products from our principals, but the crucial change to our marketing approach is to highlight the potential that each product offers, from running a more cost-effective business to unlocking different revenue streams by offering additional services. This includes sharing customer success stories, white papers and showcasing global brand applications via our digital platforms and our external and internal sales resources.’
End-to-end solutions
An evolution of Kemtek’s solutions offering is strikingly evident in the commercial printing and print for packaging sector, where increasingly the focus is on a holistic approach. ‘We don’t merely supply machines or printing presses,’ states Johan. ‘Rather, we deliver fully integrated solutions that can help build long-term, mutually rewarding business relationships. Our offering is backed by genuine expertise and an industry-leading post-sales support and service philosophy. In addition to looking beyond technology, we look beyond the sale itself to help customers realise the full potential of each technological innovation.’
Kemtek’s dedicated print sales team, headed by Carl Zerle, liaises closely with all principals to go beyond the specifications and features of each technology and look at what it can allow a print service provider (PSP) to do.
In early 2020, Kemtek exited the prepress arena and instead invested in extending its range of top-quality finishing systems to complement the capabilities of its signature principal press providers, Komori, and HP Indigo. The range now includes MBO folding systems, Markhunting and Kompac UV and Aqueous coating solutions and Scodix digital enhancement technologies for the commercial print and folding carton sectors. On the labelling and packaging front, there is ABG digital finishing, Karlville and Petratto folding and glueing systems. ‘We’re proud to offer a complete range of professional finishing solutions, designed to deliver premium quality results and a competitive edge,’ advises Carl. ‘Furthermore, we see each piece of equipment as part of a bigger picture – and our expertise can help customers create seamless end-to-end solutions that integrate printing with finishing and embellishing solutions – again, adding value to their offerings.’
Expert support
While modern technology has impressively low failure rates, its complexity means that issues can and do arise. When this happens, problems need to be resolved as quickly as possible, to minimise downtime and any loss of revenue (not to mention the reputational damage that could ensue if customers are disappointed).
‘Becoming familiar with a new printing press or finishing system may take a matter of hours or weeks, plus sometimes there are unexpected challenges that need to be overcome before a technology’s revenue-generating capabilities can be realised,’ Carl adds. ‘We work with our principals to ensure that all Kemtek technicians are factory trained, and always up to speed with the latest advances. We manage operator training, routine servicing, and installation and integration of newly purchased equipment and our preventative service and diagnostic offering can identify and eliminate potential issues before they arise.’
Ultimately, the management team believes that Kemtek’s difference can be summed up in a single word: commitment. Commitment to supporting principals, resellers, and end-users alike.
‘Behind every Kemtek solution is a genuine commitment to making each of the industries we serve better – and by better we mean more innovative, creative, and profitable,’ Johan sums up. ‘Technology is a wonderful launchpad for these ambitions – if you share them, we will be there to ensure sustainable success through every step of the print production process!’
