OMET, Italy opens OMET Americas, Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI.

OMET srl , manufacturer of Narrow and Mid Web Printing Presses and Converting Equipment, based in Lecco, Italy, is proud to announce that they have opened an American branch, OMET Americas, Inc.

 Angelo Bartesaghi, founder and president of OMET srl, Italy, says of this new development:  

"The last few years have been very successful for OMET, so we feel the timing is right for this important step.  Having this organization in place will emphasize our commitment to OMET customers and the market.  We are extremely pleased to have achieved this new milestone in our company's history. Added to OMET's established facilities in Europe and Asia, our American organization further highlights OMET's global presence."

OMET Americas, Inc's focus is on providing superior service for  existing and future OMET installations in North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America.  Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, just minutes away from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, the facility houses administration, customer service and technical field support. The plant also includes a vast spare parts section.  The size of the building was chosen with future business expansion in mind.

OMET Americas, Inc. will be staffed by American technical personnel, trained to highest standards on OMET equipment, by skilled European OMET technicians.  Mirko, an engineer and member of the OMET training team, explains, "I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with our American colleagues and customers. This is a great growth opportunity, both for OMET and for me, personally."

Jean-Pierre Penhoat, Vice President of Operations, OMET Americas, Inc. looks forward  to helping customers maximize the performance of their high technology OMET equipment, and says:

"Servo technology enables maximum productivity. To help OMET customers accomplish this, we saw the need for a conveniently situated facility. With our Grand Rapids, MI location we can provide the necessary flexibility in service and support, as well as ease of troubleshooting."  

With 25+ years experience in the converting industry, from both the client's side and the manufacturer's, Mr Penhoat has extensive knowledge of its service needs in the different markets, including packaging films and folding carton. As a further assistance to OMET customers, Mr Penhoat, through his experience in different production management positions, brings a deep understanding of support and production organization.

Mr Penhoat's  fluency in French makes for ease of communication with Canadian customers, while his  Spanish-speaking skills are useful for the Latin American market.  

For the American customer, OMET Americas, Inc, provides many advantages, including

·         Conveniently located parts inventory,  providing shortest lead time

·         Technical personnel available to ensure immediate service response

·         Local support for new press installations

·         On-demand periodic maintenance visits and training programs

·         On-line equipment service through Internet connection

Of special interest is online equipment service through Internet connection.  This feature ensures continuous support for customers regardless of time zones, an efficient way of detecting and solving  problems as they arise.

OMET, srl's conviction that the Grand Rapids, MI, organization will promote and generate interest for the OMET product line is shared by Alberto Redaelli, Vice President for OMET Sales in North America:

" I'm pleased and excited about the opening of our OMET Americas, Inc. branch in Grand Rapids, MI, as our American customers deserve the highest level of service.  The American branch is the perfect solution when working with different time zones as we do. The branch location is strategically important as it enables us to offer our customers superior standard of service, and also a closer contact with our industry partners."

The North American market has always been receptive to OMET products, and therefore a large number of OMET installations can be found throughout the American continent. These products include high technology Servo driven Gearless Varyflex and X-Flex packaging presses, spanning different applications from PS labels to unsupported film and carton.

Upcoming OMET installations include:

In the Midwest: a 10 color, 26" Varyflex packaging press with inline lamination and cold seal

In Canada: a 9 color 17" press for packaging with inline Hot Melt Coating