A team of ex-Heidelberg engineers has formed a company to handle the sales and service of Hell gravure equipment in the UK.


Flexo Gravure Service began operating at the beginning of the year.


"Hell wanted dedicated sales and service support in the UK," said Flexo Gravure Service director Steve Parker.


The move follows Hell's strategy to operate separately from Heidelberg and move into new mar-kets, including flexo and consumables.


It also suited Heidelberg UK, which was the only Heidelberg agency doing service and support for Hell products.


"When we took on Linotype-Hell it was just service and support," said Heidelberg UK service director Dick Thurbon. "Market changes and new sales meant Hell needed more sales and sales support in the UK. It is far better looked after by a dedicated team with a direct link to Hell in Germany."


Parker formed Flexo Gravure Service with fellow directors Graham Hodgson and Brian Jones. All three have at least 20 years' experience with Hell gravure equipment.


The firm has just completed the installation of a Klischograph K.500 Sprint at Intaglio Engraving in Carnforth.


Polestar Purnell, DC Thomson, Tecnograv, De La Rue, Intaglio and Rembrandt all have service contracts with the firm.


The firm will be on the Hell stand at Flexo 2001, where Hell's Flexo platesetter will make its UK debut.


Story by Barney Cox