2005-10-14: Relocation to Gersthofen - technotrans enters a new dimension
Relocation from Stadtbergen to Gersthofen following completion of 8-month construction project / tripling of capacity creates space for growth

Only eight months after the ground-breaking ceremony, this weekend technotrans is moving into the new plant in Gersthofen on schedule. Representing the biggest real investment in the company's history, within a very short period it has constructed a facility offering over 7,500 m² of office, production and store area on a site covering almost 18,000 m². technotrans has consequently tripled its capacity at this location in South Germany, thus paving the way for the production of products for the new product area of Cleaning Systems, in addition to the Ink Systems product area.

A delighted Alois Scharf, Head of the South German technotrans plant, commented: "The relocation naturally represents a quantum leap for us and reflects just how much potential we believe this location has. The production range specifically here, in particular the new cleaning systems, are an elementary component of the group strategy, on the basis of which we are aiming to double our revenue by 2010!"

As the leading systems supplier of peripheral equipment for offset printing presses, technotrans has been systematically extending its product range over many years. The new, substantial area of cleaning systems (blanket cleaners for cleaning the printing cylinders on a printing press) now taps fresh market potential worth in excess of 100 million euros. "Development work on our blanket cleaners is nearing completion, according to schedule. We expect to be receiving orders for further test installations shortly. Depending on customers' requirements, we will be able to commence volume production straight away," remarked Scharf, adding: "We already have the space, and we could even imagine doubling the number of employees. And if necessary, we can even extend the buildings - because this new location still offers leeway for adding 30 percent more capacity."

This is an unprecedented situation of envisaging the next phase of expansion, scarcely has the new building been occupied. Yet Alois Scharf and his workforce of around 75 employees appear to be convinced of the success of this venture. First of all the new workplaces will be occupied this weekend at the blue and white new building in Gersthofen. Then customers, suppliers and visitors will be able to keep a lookout for a new construction sign going up.

"More technotrans per printing press" For many years now, technotrans has been successfully pursuing the strategy of gradually tapping fresh potential for growth through new products, based on the ambition to achieve "more technotrans per printing press". Its aim remains to secure a world market share of at least 50 percent in every product area. Starting later on this year, the new cleaning systems will be contributing towards the future growth of the company. As a systems supplier to the printing industry, technotrans is tapping into an entirely new market that has a worldwide market volume of EUR 120 to 150 million with a product development of its own.

technotrans, as a systems supplier to the printing industry, has two production plants in Germany. The group has nearly 700 employees, around two-thirds of them based in Germany. The target consolidated revenue for 2005 is in the region of EUR 120 to 125 million.

Planning: Altefrohne Planungsgesellschaft mbH, Warendorf
Contractor for turnkey construction: Probst company, Oelde
Investment volume: Over EUR 6 million


These press releases contain forward-looking statements which are based on assumptions and estimations by the management board of technotrans AG. Even though the management board is of the opinion, that those assumptions and estimations are realistic the future development and the projected results may deviate substantially from the forward-looking statements. Those deviations can be due to several factors including but not limited to changes in the macro-economic situation, in the exchange rates, in the interest rates and in the graphic arts industry. technotrans AG gives no warranty and does not assume the liability for any damages in case the future development and the projected results do not correspond with the forward looking statements.