Robert Stabler will head the new joint venture as the Managing Director effective from 1st August 2019.

Stabler has global experience and has worked with technology companies servicing the graphic arts and document management industries.

Most recently, he was Senior Vice-president with Xerox’s Continuous Feed Business, based in Rochester, New York, USA. He has also been associated with companies like HP and Agfa.

Now as he becomes the head of the new joint venture of Durst and Koenig & Bauer, Stabler is delighted to take on the role.

He said, "I am really excited to take on this new challenge in the folding carton and corrugated packaging markets."

Stabler plans to add all the competencies of Durst and Koenig & Bauer to leverage the best solutions.

On one hand, the JV will benefit from Durst's expertise in digital imaging, production systems, inks and software integration, and on the other, it will gain from Koenig & Bauer's mechanical knowledge, high duty cycle process, engineering, paper transport capabilities plus.

Additionally, the great go-to-market expertise of both teams will also add value to the new business, shared Stabler. 

Koenig & Bauer Durst will have its registered office in Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany, and cooperate closely with both parent companies’ global network.

To begin with the joint venture portfolio will comprise the Koenig & Bauer CorruJET 170 and the Durst SPC 130 – including all associated services and the ink business as well as the development of the VariJET 106. 

With business operations underway for the JV, Stabler's role becomes crucial to lead the firm, the people and operations to ensure a smooth take off for the new joint venture.

Claus Bolza-Schünemann, CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG, mentioned that this is the start of something very special in the printing and packaging industry.

As the venture and its leaders gear up for the opportunities ahead of them, Stabler's leadership will determine the future of the business.

Bolza-Schünemann said "We are confident being able to form a superb team led by Robert Stabler. Our distinct technologies and market expertise will be combined to offer state of the art products, optimized solutions for our customers including a flawless service and support."

Even, Christoph Gamper, CEO of the Durst Group, welcomed Stabler and said, "He has an impressive track record, is an inspirational leader and is accomplished in proactively managing change management as well as having substantial experience in developing new markets."

Now as both the companies look forward to create a strong team for the new business, Stabler's leadership will be key. He has to create a team of great professionals which is able to supply the necessary solutions in markets where digital production lines offer huge opportunities for the folding carton and corrugated fiberboard industries

How he leads the way for Durst and Koenig & Bauer's joint venture and makes it the leader in the industry is to look forward to. 

Image Credits: Koenig & Bauer