Digital Printer speaks to Müller Martini GB about the strategic integration of Hunkeler into its business.
In December 2023 the merger of Swiss printer manufacturers Hunkeler and Müller Martini was announced. The two companies had been close for many years, with both being based the Zofingen region of Switzerland and having an already established partnership in the machine and component business.
This formed an ideal starting point for the companies to share opportunities, innovations, and to serve their customers with even closer cooperation for sales and service. The merger seemed to be a natural evolution of their relationship.
At the beginning of January this year, Müller Martini Great Britain (MMGB) took over responsibility for Hunkeler UK service, spares, and sales. From its experience with the acquisitions of Heidelberg Stitchers and Kolbus Binders, the company was aware of the need to quickly integrate their processes and build a local Hunkeler team while maintaining a seamless transition for Hunkeler customers and print partners.
Two become one
A key aspect of this was the integration of Hunkeler Parts into its web shop to ensure there was no interruption in parts supply and a clear line of sight for up-to-date pricing and availability. This was backed up with an ongoing process to onboard new customers and print partners to its customer portal – MPower – which provides direct access to its web shop and other Müller Martini services.
The Hunkeler Plowfolder is among the many machines now supported by Müller Martini GB
For servicing, the training of its existing staff is ongoing, but it was also important to blend this with Hunkeler expertise and know-how. To make this happen, Dane Van der Walt, previously of South African printer distributor Thunderbolt Solutions, joined MMGB to strengthen its eld service and service sales teams. Digital sales manager Darren Cartwright also joined MMGB from Friedheim, a UK Hunkeler distributor. The two appointments allow MMGB to cover the full range of sales and services on all Hunkeler equipment.
“With our strategic commitment of ‘Driving the Digital Transformation’ Darren joins MMGB at an exciting time and brings real Hunkeler know-how and experience to support our Hunkeler customers and print partners,” says Aidan Campbell, MMGB head of service. “Already we are three months into the integration of Hunkeler and our service and sales teams are in place supporting our new and existing customers for all things Hunkeler.”
Seamless service
MMGB was keen to work with and negotiate with its partners in the UK and Switzerland prior to the merger. This allowed them to positively navigate the initial phases of the integration. However, merging into the Müller Martini family is an ongoing process with new ideas, new products, new challenges, new opportunities, and new colleagues, all of which inevitably led to changes for both companies.
However, as Mr Campbell explains, this change and progression for both companies does not necessarily mean a change of identity. “The Hunkeler brand has a long history in the print sector and there is room within the Müller Martini family for differentiation while sharing commonality of goals and purpose,” says Mr Campbell. “We are proud and fortunate to include Hunkeler in our equipment portfolio and will embrace the opportunity and changes this brings to support our Hunkeler customers and print partners for all their Hunkeler service, spares and service requirements.”
