Rotometal is a leading manufacturer of high-quality precision rotary tools and printing cylinders for the narrow and wide web printing industry. Across the business, they have an incredibly dedicated team of over 120 people. The company’s customer service and sales team are composed of 20 people, who are based in seven offices around the world. This means Rotometal has in-house language capabilities for the majority of their markets. Where Rotometal doesn’t, they have a network of distributors who are able to support customers as well.
Rotometal’s products serve various sectors, including flexible packaging, labels, and security printing. The company constantly innovates and collaborates with technology partners to develop cutting-edge solutions for the market. This includes the development of eco-friendly solutions, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining exceptional quality.
Interview with Gabriela FitzGerald, Marketing Manager, Rotometal.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Gabriela FitzGerald: Our main areas of activity include producing magnetic cylinders, print cylinders, and composite sleeves for the narrow web market, and our recent expansion into the wide web market. We also focus on creating eco-friendly solutions and are continuously improving our product range.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
G.F: We recently showcased our newly launched wide web offering at ICE Europe 2023 and Infoflex 2023, garnering significant interest on both sides of the Atlantic. We’ve newly built dedicated lines to help produce these, with a new factory due in Q3 this year. Our latest products also include an eco-friendly line of composite sleeves made with plant-based resin and rPET honeycomb volumetric layers, which reduce environmental impact without compromising quality, available for both Wide and Narrow Web.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
G.F: Our product range is wide, allowing us to be able to outfit the entire machine with our tooling. This includes magnetic cylinders, print cylinders, composite sleeves, bases for anilox sleeves, and other rotary tools. We offer solutions for both narrow and wide web markets to cater to different printing needs and industry requirements.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
G.F: The markets we are active in are continuously evolving, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. We have established a strong presence in the narrow web market and are steadily expanding in the wide web market, with our products gaining traction in the US alongside other countries.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
G.F: Market trends reflect an increased focus on sustainability, with businesses seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional printing materials and technologies. The demand for innovative, green solutions is on the rise, prompting companies like Rotometal to invest in research and development to create environmentally responsible products.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
G.F: Our most innovative products include the eco-friendly composite sleeves made with plant-based resin, which reduces the environmental impact of traditional petroleum-based resins, and the rPET honeycomb volumetric layers, utilizing recycled plastic bottles as a sustainable alternative to virgin plastic. These innovations represent our commitment to offering high-quality, sustainable solutions to our customers.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
G.F: In 2023, we anticipate continued growth in both the narrow and wide web markets. With our recent expansion into the US market and increasing demand for sustainable solutions, we expect to see a positive response from customers and steady growth throughout the year. We will continue to innovate and collaborate with our partners to develop eco-friendly products that meet the needs of an ever-changing market landscape.