The Austrian printer confirmed order for two fully automated MPS EFA 530 presses via WhatsApp group video call.
To further increase label production capacity due to increased volume, Austrian printer Ulrich Etiketten based in Vienna is adding two additional MPS flexo presses to their machine park. Ordered were 8- and 9-colour MPS EFA 530 presses, and marks a total of 11 MPS flexo printing presses purchased by Ulrich Etiketten.
Deal closed via WhatsApp video call
Although the first initiative for Ulrich’s new machine investment began before the world changed due to the coronavirus pandemic, MPS and Ulrich finalized the order via a WhatsApp group video call when forced to take necessary measures from lockdowns and travel bans.
Leading the sale were Bert van den Brink, MPS Co-Founder together with Martin Vogel from Printcon, MPS’ local representative in Austria, Switzerland and southern Germany.
“Thanks to the long-standing relationship with MPS and especially Bert van den Brink, we were able to close this deal virtually,” said Rainer Ulrich, Director and 5th generation in the Ulrich family business. “Initially we planned to add only one additional MPS press, but then decided on two instead! In fact, the coronavirus crisis was the reason why we decided to purchase presses now. Timing is right, and there’s more security investing our money in machines than saving it in the bank!”
Van den Brink: “We are honoured that our loyal customer Ulrich Etiketten again put their trust in us, especially in these extraordinary times. Selling not one, but two presses via a WhatsApp video call was certainly a new experience!”
Re-sale of older MPS EP flexo press
Part of the deal was the re-sale of an older MPS EP flexo press that Ulrich Etiketten owned for many years. Wolfgang Kapfenberger, Production Leader at Ulrich Etiketten: “We look forward to adding two new MPS EFA 530 machines to support our increased label production. Due to space restrictions, we are grateful for MPS accepting our older EP press back to re-sell as a second-hand press.”
The MPS EP press was immediately sold to the secondhand market, as the EP model continues to offer a highly productive multi-web press solution with flexo and screen printing capabilities.
Van den Brink concludes: “The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a new way of doing business, and we are open to utilizing these new means of customer communication in the future. Of course, establishing a clear machine configuration and enough trust in both parties is essential, but as in this case with Ulrich Etiketten it proves possible!”
