From its beginning as a graphic arts company called EskoArtwork, Esko has built itself into the leading global player in packaging production and supply chain solutions, with its headquarters in Gent, Belgium, and R&D and manufacturing facilities in five European countries, the United States, China and India.
Its direct sales and service organisation covers Europe, Middle East and Africa, the Americas and the Asia Pacific, Japan and China regions plus a network of distribution partners in more than 50 countries.
Now Esko has made a move to become an end-to-end supplier in the packaging world following its acquisition of the leading digital asset management (DAM) company, MediaBeacon.
MediaBeacon, Minneapolis, Minnesota USA, produces and distributes its suite of DAM tools through direct distribution and strategic OEM partnerships in various industries ranging from retail and consumer packaged goods to media, print and the public sector. Currently, it serves the US primarily.
Udo Panenka, Esko president, explained the thinking behind the acquisition, “It is Esko’s strategy to digitise and integrate the entire packaging production workflow from design all the way to finished packs and displays in the store. With this acquisition, we further our transformation from a prepress solution provider to an end-to-end supplier in the packaging world. Increasing pressure on error-free and timely production of brand expressions across a diverse media range like packaging, in-store displays and online and printed advertising, turns an integrated DAM solution into a cornerstone for both print service providers and brand owners. Adding MediaBeacon tools and expertise expands the Esko Software Suite and brings to market a production workflow solution that keeps pace with the challenges of organizations around the globe.”
Jason Bright, chief executive officer and founder of MediaBeacon, will take on the role of chief technology officer. Bright’s reputation as a forward thinker is highly regarded in his industry. He will work closely with the Esko R&D teams to drive software integration efforts and to ensure ongoing development of the MediaBeacon DAM software. Brett Robertson will assume responsibilities over daily operations as the general manager of MediaBeacon. Robertson was previously the director global product marketing, servo motors with Kollmorgen.
“The prospect of adding MediaBeacon’s development and go-to-market efforts into Esko’s global operations in packaging workflow is very exciting and provides us with a solid platform for growth,” Robertson commented. “Esko’s expertise with packaging assets, including structural design and 3D virtual mockup technology, broadens the scope, depth and breadth of the integrated solution dramatically and will surely also excite our customers.”
Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
