Durst expands with Aleph acquisition
Durst has made another strategic acquisition with the takeover of fellow Italian textile and industrial printing specialist Aleph.
An Aleph textile printer with integrated drying system
Aleph is based in Como, at the heart of the Italian textile design industry, and its location was also an attractive factor for Brixen-headquartered Durst.
The firm was founded in 1999 as a specialist software business developing tools for the textile industry.
It subsequently moved into hardware, firstly with a winding and unwinding system, and then into water-based printing, culminating in the creation of its Laforte range of printers which print direct-to-fabric or direct-to-paper. The range spans devices targeted at low- to mid-volumes up to high speed models capable of printing 1,000sqm/hr.
Aleph’s focus is on environmental and social sustainability, and it has concentrated on creating devices that require low consumption of resources including water and energy.
In the past the company has collaborated and partnered with Mimaki.
Durst has acquired the business from Wise Equity, which took a stake in 2017, and Aleph’s three founders who remain with the company.
Durst CEO and co-owner Christoph Gamper said he was delighted to welcome Aleph into the Durst family of businesses.
“Their expertise in sustainable, water-based applications, their software for high-end textiles, and their creative solutions for water-based poster printing align perfectly with our vision of pushing the boundaries of digital printing technology.
“Together, we will strengthen our market position, expand our product portfolio, and enhance value for our global customers,” he stated.
Around 60% of Aleph’s sales come from outside Italy, and the firm is active in more than 20 countries.
At the Fespa Global Print Expo show held in Munich in May, Aleph showed its flagship range of kit including the Laforte 600 Paper. The 600 Paper prints high volume, high quality at 850sqm/hr with 24 printheads and at 1,000sqm/hr with 48 printheads, using Aleph’s proprietary water-based A22 graphic pigment inks.
Aleph’s main target markets are textiles, billboards and posters, soft signage, and home décor.
Alessandro Manes, CEO of Aleph, said it was an exciting new chapter for the business. He said: “Our shared passion for technological innovation, the pursuit of excellence, and the commitment to true sustainability define this collaboration. Together, we have the opportunity to make significant advancements in the digital textiles, exterior, and interior decoration sectors.”
Aleph has 32 employees and had sales of almost €14m (£12m) last year.
Durst said both companies were committed to ensuring a smooth transition for customers, partners, and employees during the integration process.
Three years ago Durst expanded its product range and US presence with the acquisition of Vanguard.
Durst also has a joint venture with Koenig & Bauer for the VariJet 106 B1 sheetfed inkjet press for folding cartons.