In the world of South African print technology, ROTOCON stands out as a shining example of innovation, dedication and excellence. As we look back on 2023, it’s clear that ROTOCON has reached new heights and achieved remarkable success. We highlight the company’s notable achievements and contributions to the industry as it extends its gratitude to its valued suppliers and partners.
Product advancements and innovations
One of ROTOCON’s key achievements in 2023 was its relentless commitment to innovation. It continued to set new industry standards by introducing cutting-edge print technology solutions. Its product advancements such as state-of-the-art label converting and finishing equipment helped South African businesses achieve superior print quality and efficiency. ROTOCON’s unwavering dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements has certainly made an impact.
ROTOCON carefully selects its partnerships with approved principals to ensure that only the finest products and services are offered, guaranteeing quality results for the customer’s final product. ‘I like to think of our business as a focused print production service line with various product champions, including ROTOCON-approved consumables that are tested and proven for our range of machines,’ comments director Patrick Aengenvoort.
Sustainability initiatives
In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, ROTOCON made significant strides towards sustainability in 2023. It implemented eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing processes and actively promoted sustainable materials to its customers. By doing so, it not only reduced its carbon footprint, but also provided its customers with the tools to meet their sustainability goals. ROTOCON’s focus on environmental responsibility is a testament to its commitment to a better future.
A case in point is SCREEN’s range of Truepress Jet L350 UV digital printing presses. SCREEN produces refined inks manufactured under stringent European standards. ‘SCREEN is committed to the European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) exclusion policy for printing inks, which is an important code protecting the health and safety of workers in the ink and printing industries as well as the end user of printed materials,’ comments sales director Pascal Aengenvoort.
Exceptional customer service
In 2023, ROTOCON continued to prioritise exceptional customer service. It has a dedicated team of experts who provide personalised support and guidance to customers. This unwavering commitment to customers satisfaction resulted in numerous success stories from businesses that benefitted from ROTOCON’s industry knowledge, training programmes and quick response to customer enquiries. Satisfied customer installations that enjoyed some welldeserved airtime across various print and online publications this year include Weightron, RAM Labels, Redfern Labels, VR Print, Rebson Labels and Simp’ex.
Awards and recognitions
ROTOCON’s exceptional work did not go unnoticed in 2023. It was recognised with several prestigious awards and accolades within the print technology industry. These awards served as a validation of the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
ROTOCON’s team of dedicated professionals worked tirelessly to maintain and enhance their reputation for quality and expertise. The most notable award came in October when ROTOCON received the 2023 African Excellence Award for Most Innovative Printing and Converting Equipment Supplier 2023 – South Africa from MEA Markets. ‘We’re honoured to receive this award in recognition of our commitment to printers in South Africa to supply innovative equipment from the industry brands we represent and our own ECOLINE and CHROME printing and finishing machines,’ states group CEO Michael Aengenvoort.
Partnership and collaboration
In partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), ROTOCON launched a wine label design competition earlier this year that was open to undergraduate students at TUT’s Department of Visual Communication, Faculty of Arts and Design.
The winners were recognised at the WineLand ROTOCON 30 Under 30 Awards held at Leopard’s Leap during June. The aim of the competition was to extend the appreciation of young movers and shakers in the wine industry – beyond winemakers and viticulturists – and also to recognise the talent of youngsters operating in various other sectors of the value chain, including designers. Runner-up Jimmy Libese and winner Mpho Moema landed generous cash prizes. Both were flown to Cape Town and presented with a certificate at the awards luncheon. Their winning label designs were printed on a press with auxiliary technologies, all represented by ROTOCON and applied to wine bottles for presentation at the awards. The labels were printed by ROTOCON partner RAM Labels in Cape Town.
ROTOCON Europe now a member of VsKE
ROTOCON Europe is now a member of VsKE, a German association for manufacturers of self-adhesive label and narrow web converters covering the DACH countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
VsKE tackles important issues that equally affect all companies in the label market and focuses on promoting the industry and supporting member companies. The spectrum of work ranges from projects on technology development or digitalisation to topics such as the need for skilled workers, consumer protection, ecology, market data, recycling and more.
‘As VsKE is a highly respected association for the label printing industry in the DACH region, ROTOCON Europe will benefit from this membership and the opportunity it provides to keep informed of trends and interact with other members,’ comments ROTOCON group CEO Michael Aengenvoort.
Happy holidays
No business operates in isolation and ROTOCON is no exception. It extends its heartfelt appreciation to its suppliers and partners who played an instrumental role in its achievements. The strong collaborations with suppliers allowed ROTOCON to maintain a steady supply of high-quality materials, ensuring its products meet the highest standards. Partnerships in research and development also contributed to the innovative solutions ROTOCON delivered to its customers.
ROTOCON’s achievements in 2023 are a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the South African print technology industry. It has not only pushed the boundaries of technology but has also shown a deep appreciation for the collaboration that has made its successes possible. As we look ahead to the future, we can anticipate even greater accomplishments from ROTOCON as it continues to lead the way in the world of print technology.
The entire ROTOCON team would like to thank all its customers for their loyal support throughout the year. ‘From all of us here at ROTOCON, we wish you a happy and prosperous festive season. See you in 2024,’ Michael concludes.