Durst UK targets packaging; hires new sales lead

Durst UK has joined HP in targeting the packaging market as its next big focus for growth.

The wide-format inkjet specialist is planning to show products aimed at the packaging market at Fespa Digital (8 - 11 March) and Drupa (31 May - 10 June).

The company has appointed Simon Casajuana to head sales for the south of England, replacing Matt Ashman who emigrated to Australia.

Casajuana moved over from EFI, where he spent 14 years. His last role was inkjet sales development manager at the US manufacturer.

He said of the packaging market: “We see tremendous growth potential there. That’s the primary growth target for us.

“I think we’re in a good position to tackle that market. There are products that are going to be shown at Fespa and Drupa that will be interesting.”

Earlier this month EMEA vice-president and general manager for HP's Graphics Solutions Business Gido Van Praag, said 2016 would also be a key year in HP’s thrust into the packaging market.

“Packaging is by far the biggest growth engine for HP and, I would argue, for the industry in the years to come,” he told PrintWeek, adding that the corrugated packaging sector will go from web offset to digital “very quickly”. 

Casajuana, who has three decades experience in print and allied industries, joins head of northern UK sales Richard Bates at Durst UK.

Despite a higher concentration of print businesses in the south of England the roles are “pretty evenly split” Casajuana said as Bates' role also includes Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

He said he was keen to join Durst because of its good reputation of products sold.

“Everyone’s telling me that they’re extremely reliable and the print quality is superb. The pipeline of what is coming is very exciting.”

Casajuana has previously worked in sales development roles covering wide-format and ink industries in the UK and across Europe.  

Durst UK and Ireland managing director Peter Bray said: “Simon is a welcome addition to our team in the UK and will be a pivotal member of our teams as we continue to grow the Durst presence in many diverse markets.  

“I know Simon’s experience will be welcomed by our expanding customer base across the UK.”

Durst UK is a wholly owned subsidiary of German manufacturer Durst Phototechnik. It has 150 customer sites across the UK and Ireland.