Ben Eaton doubles down on backing the technology giant in the local market in wide format and MIS following his successful DES takeover.
The dynamic young CEO is committed to Starleaton’s strategy of providing a complete signage service with an array of high-profile equipment brands headed by EFI that includes Epson, ZUND, OKI (Seiko ColorPainter), SEAL, Flexa and Roland. Following a January visit to EFI’s Connect conference in Las Vegas, Eaton is convinced the company has the depth and breath of technology to meet the market demands.
“I was very impressed by EFI in Vegas. Everywhere you turned there was another Aussie member of the EFI team. I didn’t realise EFI had such a big range of products. It’s not only wide format equipment but there’s all the MIS too,” said Eaton.
The decision to prioritise EFI wide format over other brands represents an investment strategy that will make Starleaton a major player across different market sectors. Apart from the company’s traditional focus on boards and substrates, films and laminates, he is expanding the focus on colour management with such products as X-rite and Eizo monitors as well as EFI management information software.
“We have a national footprint with eight locations in Australia as well as a growing presence in New Zealand. It’s important that our customers know we’re able to support them with the best service. With over 13 engineers on call we’re truly in a position to deliver more value to the sign and commercial sectors,” he said.
Eaton says he’s looking forward to presenting the new corporate identity at PacPrint where the Starleaton stand will be one of the largest at the show. Centrepiece of the stand will be the massive, 3.2-meter wide, EFI Vutek HS125 Pro. The super high speed UltraFX Technology UV flatbed printer is targeted for high volume graphic producers. Its exhibition is a clear signpost for the future of the new Starleaton.