Leading graphic arts solutions distributor Artwork Systems Nordic A/S (AWS) is expanding its Danish operation into Sweden and Norway to support packaging businesses on their journey of digital transformation with Esko-powered solutions.
With more than 20 years’ experience of serving customers from its base in Denmark, AWS is now leveraging its skills in automation expanding across the region with a new specialist team.
James Mason, Esko Regional Business Director, EMEA North, explained that the global developer of integrated software and hardware solutions for the print, packaging and label industries had forged a successful relationship with AWS over a number of years. “We are looking to increase the adoption of workflow automation and collaboration across the Scandinavian region and AWS is our distribution partner in the Nordics,” said James. “We have built a very successful, close relationship over two decades and they have an expert team of technical advisers, particularly when it comes to our suite of software.
“Building on the huge success our partnership has enjoyed in Denmark, we’re delighted that AWS will be taking additional responsibilities in Sweden and Norway, predominantly in the packaging space.”
Paw Mortensen, owner and CEO of Artwork Systems Nordics A/S, said he was thrilled to be bringing Esko technology to customers further afield. “We’ve worked with Esko ever since we first launched our business more than 25 years ago,” said Paw. “We’ve always had customers in Norway and Sweden but now we have a dedicated local Swedish team covering those areas and we will be able to plan significantly more customer visits and events.”
Paw said that following a recent move to the Vejle region in Denmark’s Jutland peninsula, the new AWS facility would be able to host technical demonstrations and open house events. “The plan for the new building was that it should be possible for our prospective customers to travel just a short distance to see demonstrations and presentations here, instead of having to travel to the demo center at Esko headquarters in Gent,” he said. “We have fantastic new facilities and a very close relationship with the Esko technical team, so we plan to collaborate closely and hold regular customer events on site.”
Paw said that his team includes experts who give packaging businesses accurate advice on the best systems and tools to optimize and automate their operations, with two recent appointments specifically joining the business to drive this new push into Norway and Sweden. “Lars Jensen’s background is many years of advising graphics companies on optimization of graphic processes, so he understands the demands of the business inside out,” said Paw. “He has been working with some of the biggest players like Skanem, Elanders and Nilpeter, and has in incredible knowledge and experience so can provide expert advice on the need to automate,” explained Paw. “Similarly, Simon Ivarsson is a technical expert. He has worked for Esko for many years, with big names like HP ink, SCHAWK and SGS Co, with a long history of using Esko tools and solutions. He is technically adept and can discuss with customers what they can do with the systems they already have, or what they might need in order to achieve full automation and connectivity.”
Paw said that the importance of automation in packaging had been underlined during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. “When workforce restrictions were imposed on the numbers of personnel on site, it soon became clear to businesses that they had to do a lot of automation to cope,” he said. “This has completely reinforced the importance of digitization and online collaboration, demonstrating that automating and making remote working possible is not just viable but also economically sensible.”
Announcing the expanded responsibilities for AWS, James Mason said that he was particularly pleased the relationship between Esko and the Danish company had continued to develop. “We have a quite unique and long history of working together,” said James. “It is rare to find a partner in this sector with the deep knowledge of products that Paw and his team have. We are delighted to be able to work closely with a business that feels as passionately about digital transformation as we do, and this latest move is a testament to how well AWS knows our strategy, products and business.”
