Erhardt+Leimer, AVT form alliance

LEADING companies Erhardt+Leimer and AVT (Advanced Vision Technology) will combine their expertise in a new partnership that will boost services to end users and OEMs. 

E+L is a provider of system solutions and process control equipment to web-based industries, while AVT (Advanced Vision Technology) leads in print inspection, print process control, and quality assurance.

According to arrangements, AVT will acquire E+L’s automatic print inspection solutions and will assume the responsibility to develop and manage these solutions for both companies’ customers in the Label and Packaging applications, including the corrugated segment.

E+L will be entitled to future earn outs and a cash payment as per the set terms. As agreed, Dr Michael Proeller, E+L’s CEO will be named chairman of AVT’s Advisory Board and serve as an observer on AVT’s Board of Directors.

Dr Michael Proeller, Erhardt+Leimer CEO

As the official inspection and press control provider for E+L, AVT is responsible for the companies' mutual automatic print inspection solutions development; this includes both current products and ongoing product developments in the printing sector. Being an integration specialist, E+L is the ideal partner for the realization of complex automation and inspection solutions. Each company will then offer solutions from both AVT and E+L to all customers.

Benefit to customers

The alliance will offer customers solutions from either AVT or E+L.  This arrangement allows both companies to increase customer responsiveness and maximize global footprints. In the area of technological proficiency for example, customers can tap end-to-end quality control solutions.  These include:  

• Label & Narrow Web Inspection: E+L’s NYSCAN and AVT’s Helios platforms will be enhanced through combined support expertise and the increased potential for joint innovation.
• Vision & Viewing: The alliance leverages E+L’s view/vision technologies to enhance both view and inspection solutions and capabilities.
• Color: The alliance makes available the full range of color measurement and management solutions from both companies.
• Comprehensive End-to-end: The alliance creates a one-stop-shop for total quality assurance and process control solutions, from web guides and vision systems through press control and automation.
• Corrugated: The alliance instantly becomes a leading supplier and innovator for the corrugated industry’s fast-developing quality control needs.  Existing products for corrugated printing will be further enhanced, and plans are in the works to introduce several additional offerings.

OEMs will benefit from the one-stop-shop created by the alliance, providing everything from web guides, measurement systems and viewers to press control solutions, workflow management set-ups and automation.

Both companies expect sign definitive agreements in the next few weeks.

Jaron Lotan, CEO of AVT

“We look forward to working together with the great team at E+L to provide better solutions to our customers,” said Jaron Lotan, CEO of AVT.  “This partnership is exciting for all involved and will broaden each firm’s reach and expertise. This alliance was founded and structured in a way that will allow us to bring the best of both companies together to create great value for customers, employees and shareholders.” 

Dr Proeller, CEO of E+L: “Our two companies have known one another for decades, and have a high level of respect for the others’ products, technology and personnel. Maximizing customer satisfaction, comprising products, technology and global 365/24/7 coverage is the driving factor behind this alliance. We are convinced that, together, we will be building the top team and offerings in the industry for the benefit of our worldwide customers.”