As the next step in MPS’ strategy to expand local presence in Asia, the Dutch-based narrow web press manufacturer will establish an official Asia branch office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia early in 2018. Leading operations of the new branch will be Tim Klappe, who joined MPS on December 1, 2017 as managing director Asia Pacific.

Living and working in Asia for over 27 years, Klappe is well-known in the printing industry through his executive positions with Heidelberg, Manroland and Norde International Distributors, representing reputable print-industry brands, including HP Indigo, Kodak, Xeikon and Esko. Prior to joining MPS, Klappe led operations for Ferrostaal Indonesia and OneVision Software in Singapore.

Overseeing sales in the new MPS Asia office will be George Tan, MPS area sales manager. Tan was employed by the company in June 2017, previously representing MPS as an agent at EP Digital. MPS has hired local service engineers to provide service and maintenance to MPS presses in the field, with plans to expand the team further with additional service engineers and sales representatives.

“These are very exciting times for MPS in Asia,” comments Wim van den Bosch, CEO of MPS. “With our official MPS Asia office in Malaysia, a demo center in Japan and regional representation in the complete Southeast Asia region, our presence will be vast with a strong service network for existing and new MPS customers. We are ready to show Asia how MPS is truly ‘Operator Focused, Results Driven.'”

“Asia is a market with significant growth potential, and MPS has already built a reputable name in the Asian label and flexible packaging industry,” adds Klappe. “Needed was elevated local MPS presence and service, which will now be offered. I am honored to be part of this well-respected, innovative organization and excited to help bolster its market share in Asia.”