Armor-IIMAK names Petkov as Americas President to drive sustainable printing expansion

USA – Armor-IIMAK has named Plamen Petkov as its president for the Americas, tapping into his extensive background to advance operations across North and South America. 

With over 20 years in the industry, Petkov steps into the role based in Buffalo, New York, where he will oversee efforts to expand market presence and introduce new solutions.

Petkov’s career includes senior roles at Zebra Technologies, Dover Product ID Group, Datamax-O’Neil, and Printronix Auto-ID. 

There, he led teams through periods of expansion, developed innovative products, and managed mergers to improve efficiency and capture larger shares of the market. 

His experience now turns toward Armor-IIMAK’s focus on high-quality thermal transfer ribbons, which play a vital part in creating durable, recyclable labels for packaging.

Christian Lefort, CEO of Armor-IIMAK, highlighted Petkov’s strengths in a recent statement. 

He noted that Petkov’s deep knowledge of auto-identification, paired with a focus on team development, equips him well to steer the company’s growth in the region. 

Lefort added that this combination of strategy and hands-on leadership will support long-term progress in business development.

Petkov expressed enthusiasm about the transition, describing the company as a familiar entity he has followed for decades. 

He praised its commitment to reliable technology and a collaborative culture, saying the role allows him to re-engage with a field that matters to him while contributing to a group focused on high standards.

This appointment arrives amid rising demand for sustainable packaging options in the Americas.

Thermal transfer printing, central to Armor-IIMAK’s offerings, enables precise labeling that withstands harsh conditions without frequent replacements, cutting down on waste. 

The company’s ribbons support eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics and biodegradable films, helping brands meet regulatory requirements for reduced environmental impact. 

Recent industry shifts show a 15% uptick in adoption of such technologies, driven by consumer preferences for greener supply chains.

Petkov’s priorities include speeding up sales growth, deepening ties with distributors, and rolling out innovations like low-energy ribbons that lower production footprints. 

Under his guidance, Armor-IIMAK aims to increase its footprint in sectors such as food and pharmaceuticals, where accurate, sustainable labeling prevents spoilage and ensures compliance.

The timing of this leadership change supports broader efforts in the packaging world. 

For instance, major converters in the U.S. have reported integrating thermal transfer systems to achieve 20% less material use in labels, according to sector analyses from early 2025. 

These steps align with global pushes for circular economies, where durable printing extends product lifecycles.

As Armor-IIMAK navigates competitive landscapes, Petkov’s tenure promises targeted investments in R&D, with plans to launch two new ribbon lines by mid-2026. 

These will emphasize compatibility with plant-based substrates, addressing the needs of brands targeting carbon-neutral goals. 

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