Both companies announced the partnership at IFS’ Print Efficiently show this week, where visitors saw a variety of machines from finishing equipment manufacturer Horizon’s portfolio that are complementary to Lasermax’s products.
The collaboration provides mutual benefits for both companies, which agreed that the working relationship adds a "new dimension" for each partner.
IFS joint managing director Bryan Godwyn said: "As Lasermax’s systems begin to be taken up by the commercial print sector it is important that users have the opportunity to see a comprehensive integrated solution and do business with one supplier totally committed to their cause.
"Our partnership with Lasermax allows us to control the process and offer 100% support to the end user."
IFS’ 15 field technicians will be trained to support Lasermax equipment for UK and Irish customers.
The appointment will widen Lasermax’s roll-fed customer base, which has been best taken up by the transactional and transpromotional markets at present due to the security of the technique, which avoids the problem of sheets going astray as in sheet-fed processes.
Andreas Nord, Lasermax’s area sales director, said that his company would be able to tap into the commercial and graphic arts market through its association with IFS, which already has a strong holding in the desired sectors.
Lasermax already has up to 250 machines installed in the UK, but its strongest market is in the US. Nord said: "The partnership gives Lasermax a different market to play with.
"It enables printers to add a new dimension to their business in allowing them to finish roll-fed work on Horizon equipment."
IFS joint managing director Tony Hards said: "The agreement enables us to help commercial printers use Horizon's highly automated finishing equipment to complete their products printed on digital machines that use reels of paper.
"We have had a few opportunities in the past that we have had to pass up because we have not had the technology. But now we can offer that."
