As we wish a fond farewell to 2006 and welcome in 2007, it seems appropriate to look back at the past year and highlight our accomplishments.
Product wise, 2006 was a very productive year. We introduced the BoxStar folder gluer system to meet the demands of the small box converting market. We also introduced the 22″ x 30″ EHG Series Half-Sheet Press for those customers seeking a less expensive option when entering into the half-sheet foil stamping, embossing and diecutting market. Both of these machines are Kluge products, and are proudly manufactured at our factory in the United States.
Kluge also expanded our product line by entering into an agreement with CG Machinery to represent the SBL and DATIEN lines of equipment. Kluge now sells and services the SBL line of vertical foil stamping, embossing and diecutting machines as well as the SBL line of in-line 20″ and 40″ folder gluer machines and the DATIEN product line of paper cutters.
The decision to sell and service equipment not manufactured by Kluge is not an easy one. Justifiably, we are quite proud of our reputation and the strength associated with the trade name KLUGE. Our goal remains, however, to be the premier name when it comes to post press/finishing and our research has convinced us that we are associating our name with quality products. At Kluge, we realize that the SBL and DATIEN machines face industry competition. As I stated in a recent news release, anyone can sell you a piece of iron; at Kluge, we stake our reputation on what we sell and we will continue to provide the all important post-sale support our customers expect from us.
Tradeshows continue to be a very important means to reach out and meet new customers as well as say hello to existing ones. In the spring of 2006, we participated at IPEX in Birmingham, England. While through our all important dealer network we participate in many shows around the world, IPEX is a show we participate in under our own name. Honestly, going into IPEX, we did not have high expectations based on how we saw the world economy. When the show turned out to be so successful, we were quite pleased. In the spring we also shared space at the Graphics of the Americas show in Miami with Gluing Machinery Systems (GMS) and this show too was successful.
For Kluge, the coming of fall means participating in Graph Expo. This show continues to be a priority and when we set up our stand in Chicago we had high hopes for an excellent four days. To say that our expectations were surpassed would be an understatement. Off the show floor we sold six machines and sales continue from the leads we generated.
In reviewing 2006 it is impossible not to look forward to 2007 and be excited about what the new year will bring.
Next year Kluge will continue to build on our reputation of being our customer’s partner in their post-press/finishing areas. Since 1919 we have served our customers well and we look forward to continuing that level of commitment in 2007 and the many years to come.
For more information about Brandtjen & Kluge, LLC, and the online version of this release visit /yearend06.htm or call Kluge headquarters at 800-826-7320.
Wishing you a successful year in 2007,
Hank Brandtjen
President
Brandtjen & Kluge, LLC.