CONTITECH TO CEASE ROLLERS & SLEEVES

Offset press consumables manufacturer ContiTech is to stop producing rollers and sleeves by the end of the year, although it will keep producing blankets.

The German-based company has been struggling with its rollers and sleeves business for a decade, as the number of offset presses around the world declines, and the offset press manufacturers supply their own consumables.

 A cost-cutting program initiated in 2021 did not bring the hoped-for turnaround in the product segment. The company says the “ongoing strained economic situation in the sector” prompted management to take this decision. Investigations into alternative approaches failed to produce practicable results.

Andreas Bakenhus, head of the Continental Elastomer Coatings business segment, said, “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the headwinds from the difficult market environment were too strong.”

Other products for the printing industry, such as offset printing blankets, will remain part of Continental’s portfolio.

Despite the obvious challenges, we believe in the future of the printing industry," said Bakenhus. "That’s why we’re adapting our portfolio to supply our customers with products that are both high-quality and cost-effective."