Esko, which manufactures Kongsberg digital cutting systems, along with a suite of workflow and automation software, will continue to serve and support its UK "key account and legacy customer" base directly.
As a result of the Esko deal, CMYUK managing director Robin East said the Berkshire-headquartered company would no longer be supplying Zünd cutting kit to the UK market.
East said: “There are two routes that we can promote this to the market. In the mid-range, which is huge, these are premium grade products straight for £50,000 to £60,000, very well priced.
"The other is high-end products, for industrial labels for example. There is also the strength of the [Esko] Automation Engine workflow software, which creates maximum efficiency and is completely flexible.
"This is what we want to deliver in our portfolio, combining pre-press, printing and finishing operations.”
Esko technology will be on show from April at CMYUK’s Shrewsbury demo facility and plans have been announced for an extension to the facility, which should complete in September 2017 and house Kongsberg products. CMYUK will host a number of open days in September once the new facility is open.
Esko regional business director Karsten Nygard said he was “extremely excited” with the new collaboration.
CMYUK has also partnered with Paragon Bank to form a new finance initiative for the sign industry, Consumable Supported Asset Finance (CSAF), targeted at SMEs.
Customers can finance kit priced between £10,000 to £500,000 from CMYUK using the scheme, with the monthly loan repayments partially funded by transferring consumables purchases to CMYUK. The monthly amount contributed by CMYUK varies depending on the volume of consumables purchased at the pre-agreed rate, which is price matched against the customer's previous supplier.
Paragon Bank runs a similar scheme with Kodak based on the supply of aluminium plates.
CMYUK, which is also reseller of EFI and Mimaki equipment, recently initiated a recruitment drive, bringing in Sarah Neate and Sue Hayward to its digital team.
