Ricoh strengthens finishing solutions with Albyco acquisition

NETHERLANDS – Ricoh Europe has acquired the Netherlands-based finishing specialist Albyco in a strategic move aimed at expanding its production print finishing capabilities across Europe.

Albyco specializes in finishing equipment for various print-related products used in digital label, signage, and packaging applications.

Established in 1994, the company offers its own line of machines and supplies, alongside equipment from GMP, Neolt, Bomco, and other brands.

Ricoh highlighted that integrating Albyco’s expertise into its portfolio “enhances the company’s end-to-end print solutions offering, benefiting Ricoh’s production print customers with an extended range of finishing capabilities.”

Simultaneously, Albyco customers will gain access to Ricoh’s comprehensive technology portfolio.

As part of the deal, Ricoh will welcome Albyco’s workforce into the company, with Jos van Uum, Albyco’s managing director, retaining his current role to further expand Albyco’s business.

According to Ricoh, customers can expect ongoing support and an expanded suite of solutions as the integration of Albyco’s capabilities progresses within its portfolio.

Alberto Mariani, Ricoh Europe’s chief digital investment officer, expressed delight in welcoming Albyco to the Ricoh family, emphasizing the company’s commitment to continued growth and value addition for its global customer base.

Eef de Ridder, Ricoh’s vice president of the Graphic Communications Group, highlighted the acquisition as a step towards reinforcing their commitment to innovation in the print industry, referring to it as “Henkaku,” the Japanese term for transformational innovation.

He underscored the increasing demand for top-tier finishing capabilities in wide-format and inkjet/toner printing at a commercial scale, aligning with rising client interest in end-to-end integrated solutions.

Jos van Uum from Albyco expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Ricoh, recognizing Ricoh’s rich tradition of technological advancements and customer-centric solutions.

He emphasized the collaboration as a significant opportunity to leverage synergies, drive innovation, and deliver greater value to their customers, believing that Ricoh provides the best possible support for their customers and talented teams in their next phase of growth.

This acquisition follows Ricoh’s partnership with Flora Digital, a leading flatbed and large-format digital inkjet manufacturer.

The collaboration aims to expand Ricoh Europe’s product portfolio with agile large-format systems for graphics arts, interior décor, and industrial markets.

Powered by Ricoh printhead technology and ColorGATE RIP software, the flatbed hybrid printer promises high-quality, productive printing on various media, supported by Ricoh’s professional EMEA sales and service network.

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