Inkjet digital printing specialist Durst has agreed a deal to takeover Dutch flexo press manufacturer MPS Printing.
Effective 1 January, 2027, MPS becomes part of the Durst stable. The acquisition is said to represent a strategic step forward for Durst’s long-term commitment to the labels and flexible packaging market.
Durst expects digital printing to play an increasingly important role in this transformation of the label and packaging industry but acknowledged that future of label production ‘will not be based on one technology alone’. While Durst has built a strong position in digital printing, software and automation and, together with OMET, in high-performance hybrid production. MPS adds further flexographic technology, engineering expertise and deep application know-how to Durst Group.
Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner, Durst Group, said, “Our customers need production environments that allow them to manage different applications, run lengths and business models with maximum efficiency and flexibility.
“Durst already has strong capabilities in digital printing, software and hybrid production. With MPS, we are adding further flexographic expertise, technology and engineering capabilities to the group.
“This will give us additional integration options and allow us to pursue complementary development paths in parallel. It means we can innovate faster, address a broader range of customer requirements and bring new solutions to market more quickly.”
From 1 January, 2027, MPS will operate as MPS – A Durst Group Company and will continue to develop, manufacture and market a portfolio of flexographic printing systems.
MPS’s existing direct sales channels will remain in place across Europe. In the United States, Durst US will assume responsibility for sales and service of the MPS portfolio.
Michiel Borst (left) and Christoph Gamper (right)
The existing MPS management team will remain in place, with Michiel Borst continuing to lead the business as Managing Director of MPS – A Durst Group Company.
Borst said, “What changes is not who we are but what we will be able to achieve.
“MPS will retain its entrepreneurial approach, its customer focus, and its commitment to flexographic innovation. At the same time, becoming part of the Durst Group gives us access to a broader technology platform, a global organization and the longterm perspective of a family-owned company. This creates new opportunities for our customers, our partners and our employees, while building on the strengths and culture that have made MPS successful.”
The deal does not impact Durst’s existing commercial relationship with Omet, which is the basis of its hybrid printing portfolio. Rather, the addition of MPS gives Durst further technology and integration options for different customer requirements, applications and market segments.
Gamper said, “Our partnership with OMET remains strategically important and continues.
“At the same time, the label market is highly diverse and there is no single production concept that meets every requirement. Our objective is not to duplicate solutions, but to give customers the right technology, level of automation and production concept for their individual requirements.”
