Effective from 1 May, Nordmeccanica said the partnership will enable it to more widely connect with UK companies of all types and sizes, “building on Redfern’s reputation for excellence, extensive network and engineering capabilities”.
The two companies will focus on raising the profile of Nordmeccanica’s coating and laminating range and metallising innovations, which are used for applications including food packaging, brand protection and security, photovoltaics and energy conservation.
Formerly dealing only in used machinery for the converting and flexible packaging industry since it was established in 2000, the deal marks Bolton-based Redfern’s first agency appointment, although managing director Richard Redfern said the company has had numerous offers in the past.
“We wanted to make our first agency with a company that’s forward-thinking but is also definitely an industry leader.
“We just couldn’t turn this opportunity down. We sell across a lot of different areas in the industry and have had offers in the past, but from what we knew of Nordmeccanica before, and what we know of the reputation they’ve got with their machines, it was a no-brainer for us.”
He added the company was “looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective and new value to UK customers”.
“It’s early days for us, but at the moment we only have this one agency. We’ll still be selling used machinery too, but in terms of pushing this agency forward we’re going to be trying to get a larger presence for them.”
Nordmeccanica’s portfolio covers technologies ranging from the compact family of Simplex laminators through to the top range of Full Automatic/High Performance coaters-laminators, as well as metallisers for films and paper.
Redfern said the machines are priced “at the higher end of the market”, reflecting their build quality, and that lead times would start from around four months, depending on the type of model required by the customer.
He cited the manufacturer’s Super Combi 4000 modular concept laminator, which uses both solventless and solvent-based adhesives, as a particular highlight of the range but said “there are a lot of other machines available, depending on what functions you need for your company”.
Nordmeccanica’s previous UK agent was Wantzen, whose owner Tom Wiltshire retired at the end of April.
“We knew Tom and he recommended us to Nordmeccanica. We met them and it seems to be a good working partnership,” said Redfern.
Nordmeccanica president Antonio Cerciello added: “This partnership is a great opportunity for us to connect more deeply with our UK customers and to better understand their needs.”
