Garant Expands Presence in North America; Vladimir Unruh to Build and Strengthen Service Structure
Garant, a subsidiary of the Windmöller & Hölscher Group and premier manufacturer of paper bag making equipment, is expanding its presence on the North American market by opening a sales and service office at W&H headquarters in Lincoln, Rhode Island, USA.
Vladimir Unruh and Mike Reinhardt, Garant's team based in Rhode Island, USA
"Paper bag manufacturing is growing in North America and around the world,” says Torsten Berding, Managing Director of Germany-based Garant. “We recognize the need and potential for paper as well as plastic packaging solutions. The paper side of the business is where Garant complements W&H, and we have created a local team to strengthen our support and service in the North American market.”
“Vladimir Unruh, one of our most experienced service consultants, will now be based in Rhode Island and dedicated solely to the North American market. He will team up with Michael Reinhardt, a W&H veteran, who will be responsible for new Garant equipment sales in addition to his position as Product Sales Manager for W&H printing presses. The team will be supported by Peter Hoffmann, who has extensive experience in the Americas, along with Marvin Williams. Both are based in Germany,” added Berding.
Products made on the MATASIM machine from Garant
In his new position as Technical Service Consultant, Unruh will create a general service infrastructure, including a spare parts inventory for next day delivery. Additionally, he will be on-site at customer plants to address and respond to technical questions, resolve issues, and make recommendations for getting the most out of the Garant equipment.
Unruh has been with the W&H Group for 10 years, the first three servicing flexographic presses at customers plants around the world and the final seven working on Garant equipment, the MATADOR (flat and satchel bag machine) and TRIUMPH (square bottom bag machine). At Garant, he has been responsible for installation, commissioning, and maintenance of the machinery along with training operators.