Label maestro sets up his own Rodden Graphics business after ending a life-long engagement with the Heidelberg-owned Swiss label press manufacturer.
In the 22 years James Rodden has represented Gallus in Australia and New Zealand, the cheerful Irishman has reinforced its position as the number one label press in the region. Now he’s resigned to start up his own business, Rodden Graphics, initially representing the Italian finishing equipment manufacturer, Prati here and in Singapore. Last week he escorted Chiara Prati, sales and marketing director, around 30 label converting customers on both sides of the Tasman, including to Dragon Printing in Mascot.
While still working part time with Heidelberg during the Gallus transition, Rodden indicates the successful Prati inspection systems will form the basis of his new venture. “I’ve always gotten on very well with the people from Prati. It’s been a very good brand for the label convertors here,” he said.
He intends to broaden the offering of his new Rodden graphics for the label converting industry. In addition to the Prati label inspection systems, which he maintains has changed the way the local industry operates, the company’s Saturn Omnia multi-use finishing platform already is in a number of sites in the region.
Chiara Prati is confident the company’s products are meeting the fast moving digital transformation of the label industry. She is looking forward to expanding the Prati footprint in the region. “We come to market with a number of very sophisticated solutions for professional people in the label converting industry. Australia and New Zealand are very important markets for us in this region. James leads the service team here and is very knowledgeable,” she said.
Paul McCullum, director of Dragon Printing, is a typical Gallus label convertor who’s incorporated Prati inspection systems into the Sydney-based operation he runs with partner, Fareydun Pourshasb. He was pleased to be able to let Chiara Prati know about the performance his machines. “Most people don’t know the amount or the type of equipment we have here. We fly under the radar. It’s good to be able to share our experience with the manufacturers,” he said.
Chiara Prati tries to visit the ANZ region at least once a year and listen to the customers. After her recent tour she’ll be back manning the company’s exhibition stand at the LabelExpo South East Asia in Bangkok in May.
“It’s very important for us to be able to listen to our customers and take their information to the factory. This is how we develop,” she said.