In late September last year Shanghai Electric (Group) Corporation (SEC), a major equipment manufacturing conglomerate in China, became the second largest shareholder in Goss International, a transaction first announced last June. Shanghai Electric’s subsidiary Shanghai Printing and Packaging Machinery (SPPM) manufactures printing presses and finishing equipment and through a joint-venture operation has produced some Goss press models in China for the global market since 1993. The SPPM Group is also a stakeholder in Japanese press maker Akiyama International.
Pictured above: members of the Akiyama North American sales and support team that have joined the Goss International organization in the U.S.: (from left) Koichi Saito, principal engineer; Tony Takami, director of sheetfed sales; Dan Merck, national service manager; Keith Huang, director of sheetfed operations; and Bob Treadwell, sheetfed sales manager.
A byproduct of this union at the highest levels has led to the announcement that Goss International has now integrated Akiyama International’s North American organization within its American operations, assuming responsibility for sales and support of Akiyama products in Canada and the United States.
Members of the Akiyama sales and service team in North America have joined the Goss International organization, and the Goss parts and service operation is now supporting the over 800 Akiyama presses operating in North America.
"Our North American infrastructure provides a substantial platform to support existing customers as well as a growth strategy for Akiyama products in the region," said Goss International president and CEO Jochen Meissner in a company statement.
