Digital cutting plotters:  Summa acquires Valiani

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Summa acquires Valiani to strengthen its position as the leading manufacturer in print finishing equipment. The merged business will continue as before and will complement each other to offer customers an even broader range of cutting solutions.

From left Geert Pierloot and Nico Valiani

Valiani, with its headquarters in Certaldo, Florence, Italy, is a developer and manufacturer of small to medium sized, highly reliable flatbed cutters with a worldwide distribution network. Moreover, Valiani has an extensive history in the picture framing industry and is a pioneer in converting this market to digital solutions. Their innovative approach has ensured the company to grow into other markets as well. The recent Omnia auto feed die cutting machine is a unique automated solution for the corrugated and folding carton market, whereas the brand new Integra offers an appealing finishing product for the Sign & Display market.

Nico Valiani, CEO and son of Franco, founder of the company, is enthusiastic: “In the recent years we have renewed our complete portfolio with a wider range of solutions. Now, this is starting to pay off with a significant growth. However, I know there is a lot of potential to develop. Therefore, my family and I are convinced that being part of the Summa group will accelerate our growth and give our customers much more possibilities. We are staying true to our values, being customer focused and offering high-quality solutions”.

“Since the negotiations started, my appreciation for the Valiani company and its products has grown more and more”, said Geert Pierloot, Managing Director at Summa. “The organization with Lean manufacturing production lines in the Certaldo, ISO certified, plant is a true example for the industry. In this merger, I see an absolute win-win as it combines the strengths of both companies. While we can support Valiani’s growth, our portfolio can be expanded with the solutions of Valiani and more markets can be served”.

“Our product ranges are extremely complementary”, adds Christof Van Driessche, Chief Commercial officer at Summa. “Although the most popular and attractively priced Summa F1612 flatbed table has a small and unique footprint, there are a lot of customers looking at smaller, more affordable but reliable solutions. Therefore, the merger is an important step and meets Summa’s ambition to increase its presence in other markets and strengthen our position into the packaging market”.

Both companies will continue to operate under their current company names and with the actual management teams in place.