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“We
continuously invest in latest technology” |
Says
Flemming
Lindholm, Regional Sales Manager-Europe, Asia
and Africa Contex A/S while sharing his perception
and approach for Asian market |
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| Would you like to explain
“When Imaging Matters”? |
Well,
this is a slogan Contex started to use last year after
the acquisition of the 3D printing company Z-Corp in
Boston, USA. The Contex Group controls companies within
scanning as large document scanning, medical X-Ray film
scanning, DNA scanning and now we are in 3D printing.
We approach customers with high demands for quality
scanning and printing and this is why imaging matters. |
| Tell us about Contex? |
Contex Scanning Technology is the leading manufacturer
of wide-format color and monochrome scanners from
25 to 54 inches, and this year introduced the COPYmate
18 flat bed scanner and the DESIGNmate 3D printer.
Contex is also the developer of advanced scan and
copy software for these products. Contex delivers
solutions for a diverse customer base,
including CAD, GIS, Photography labs, Reprographics,
Graphic Arts, document archival, copy shops, POP/
exhibit providers, pre-press, and sign and billboard
production, as well as architecture and engineering
professionals around the globe.
Contex, founded in 1923, was for many years involved
in the design and manufacture of inventive and "time-saving"
machines—printing machines, mechanical and electronic
calculators, and electrostatic copiers. These machines
were distributed and sold worldwide under the Rex-
Rotary and Gestetner brand names. The foundation was
laid for the establishment of Contex Scanning Technology
in early 1980.
In 1986, development of modular scanning technology
began, and, in 1988, Contex introduced its first blackand-
white (monochrome) large-format scanner and presented
a complete line of black-and-white scanners in 1990.
The first wide-format color scanners were introduced
in 1996.
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Anything
specific for GIS segment? |
Contex digital
solutions provide a seamless path to capture technical
documents, drawings and other input in order to view,
edit, archive, convert files or print the output data
for various applications and jobs. Contex scanners also
make the perfect wide-format digital copiers by linking
a Contex scanner to a large-format printer. Contex solutions
are for companies requiring in-house copying; scan to
file of large GIS documents, posters and drawings. In
August 2005 we acquired Z-Corp. in Boston and two 3D
color printers being offered through a select group
of distributors, with expansion plans not only in the
GIS segment, but in many other areas as well to provide
users with the magic like benefits of 3D printing. These
new products will start a whole new era in printing
techniques.
In addition, Contex Large Format Scanners and scanning
solutions are designed for versatility so that they
can be used with almost any business working with large
documents - including those who need high quality Map
Scanners. Most GIS and mapping companies work with ARCH
and ANSI standard sizes and will find the Contex 42”
and 36” large format scanners perfect Map scanners
for digitizing their maps. However, many original maps
will exceed these sizes making the 54” scanner
a “can’t lose” alternative. But size
and scan width is not the only parameter to consider
when investigating the market for Map Scanners. They
also need high accuracy, colour precision, ability to
extract special GIS features, etc. |
Would
you like to share with us the “Research and Development”
at Contex? |
Contex
has modern manufacturing facilities in Svendborg and
Denmark. Contex produces most of its mechanical components
using stateof- the-art numerical and computercontrolled
machinery and a highly skilled workforce. With self-sufficiency
and huge production flexibility, Contex is able to maintain
extremely competitive short lead times in its order-driven
production capabilities.
Ongoing product development has resulted in a number
of patents, providing Contex with a lasting technological
platform. A strong emphasis on continued research and
development ensures Contex clients of state of-the-art
capabilities. Our areas of expertise include digital
scanning and imaging software and expansion into other
technologies which include 3D printing and medical scanning. |
How
do you see the market in Asia as different vis-à-vis
other parts of the world? |
Asia is a very
important area for Contex. In many regions in Asia there
is a fast growing economy, which will lead to a higher
demand for our scanners. Compared with other parts of
the world we see countries in Asia, who are very focused
on building up infrastructure.
This is a very important segment for Contex. Some of
the smaller customers such as copy shops have increased
their interest for scanning technology and many smaller
engineering companies are now investing in wide format
scanners. Compared with Europe and USA we still see
a pioneering spirit in Asia. Many local governments
are taking serious actions in developing there region.
Contex wants to be part of this development. We know
that digitizing of large format documents is a part
of this process. |
How
are you different from other players in this segment? |
Well, first of all, we are the market leaders in
technology and the largest wide format scanner manufacturer
in the world. Through a very strong distribution network,
we control approximately 80% of the world market of
wide format colour scanners. Second, we have a strong
development team where 25% of our employees are dedicated
to ????. We work together with some strong partners
in the scanning business. We are able to reach even
the most remote areas of the world and still being
able to support our customers in any technical matter.
We continuously invest in the newest technology and
our customers can always be assured that they are
investing in the latest technology.
Our goal is to continue surfing on the technology
wave and always make sure that we are ahead of any
competitor. This is how we build our company starting
from a small company in Denmark to a multinational
company with branches in USA, UK, China and Japan.
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Any
specific issue you would like to share when you operate
in India or similar countries in the region? |
The secret behind
our success was first to develop an understanding the
Indian market and thereafter finding a strong Indian
partner. Foreign companies joining forces with Indian
partners are really able to create some tremendous opportunities
for both parties.
The Government of India have over the past few years
been able to increase the economical activity within
the country and at the same time opened up for foreign
investors. This has given India a high increase of economical
growth, which will continue for years ahead of us. Combined
with political stability India will without no doubt
soon become the land of opportunity. |
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Flemming
Lindholm is the Sales Managerof Contex
for Europe, Asia and Africa region. He was Born
in Nigeria 1957 and graduated from the Danish
Business School 1982.He worked as international
marketing and research consultant, mainly active
in Scandinavia and the Northern part of Western
Europe |
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| October
2006 |
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