The Gravotech Group, world leader in permanent marking solutions, announces new organization with a new logo
After several years of exploring the best business solutions possible, the company has restructured to better meet the needs and requirements of its clientele. Gravotech is now divided into 4 distinct brands: Gravograph, Technifor, Propen, and Type3.
G. Guyard & F. Rivet
Most notably, the company introduced the computer control in 1982, micro-percussion in 1986, laser engraving in 1994, and the GravoStyle driver in 1996.
Gravotech´s success story began in 1938 with the creation of New Hermes in the US, which eventually became Gravograph in Europe in 1950. In 2003, Technifor joined the group and was soon followed by Vision Numeric, the Type3 and 3Design software creator. Gravotech has always distinguished itself through its culture of innovation and its continuous international development. Its global reach continues to grow: a 29th subsidiary will be announced in Dubai in October.
Annual revenues increased by 11.5% in 2011 and 86% of sales occurred internationally. Gravotech is now the undisputed world leader in permanent marking, with 900 employees and a presence in more than 100 countries, whether directly, via subsidiaries, or via a reseller network. ¨We have no competitor in our business that is comparable in size and which can offer the same diversity of solutions and the same level of service throughout the world,¨ says Gérard Guyard, president of the group. There are currently more than 200,000 Gravotech machines in use every day around the world in 60,000 companies.
The Gravotech Group specializes in permanent marking, and its range of equipment covers four key technologies: LASER, mechanical engraving, scribing, and micro-percussion, which are all complemented by a wide range of engraving materials and other compatible consumables.
The four Gravotech brands satisfy all permanent marking needs:
- Gravograph is the world leader in laser and mechanical engraving, and its solutions cover signaling, identification, object customization, and the production of precision parts.
- Technifor specializes in traceability through permanent marking and coding performed directly on parts. Technifor also offers laser and scribing solutions for industrial marking and is the world leader in micropercussion marking technology.
- Propen is the group’s distributor brand and provides simple marking solutions which do not require integration. More than 300 distributors rely on Propen´s 28 branches to better serve their customers’ needs.
- Type3 offers CAD-CAM software, specifically designed for the jewelry industry and artistic creation.
Gravotech´s presence can be felt in all corners of our lives, from the cars we drive and airplanes we take to the cups and key rings we use. Luxury goods manufacturers, such as Jaeger Lecoultre, Diageo-Johnnie Walker, Mont Blanc, and Estée Lauder, also appeal to the advanced printmaking group to produce or facilitate product engraving. And if by any chance the standard marking solution does not meet clients´ requirements, Gravotech´s dedicated teams can customize one to exact customer specifications. Gravotech has provided innovative solutions to industry challenges throughout its history: VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) marking solutions for a large automotive group and customized marking for a major cosmetics corporation.
Optimizing Synergies
For nearly 10 years, the priority has been to merge the best technologies and services of the different company brands in order to offer clients the optimal level of support and most innovative products. The technical know-how of each brand has been put into the service of the others. Three integration steps have been launched or are in the process of being finalized. The first step was to merge the sales and services activities into a unique subsidiary. The second one has been to implement three centers for distribution and assembly: Atlanta for North America, Shanghai for the whole of Asia, and Troyes for Europe and MEA.
The third one was to consolidate all Gravotech R&D activities in a main center in France and a complementary team in China. The aim is to work on technological synergies, which are focused on two key points. First, the company has made laser technology a strategic priority. Secondly, the Group has implemented consistent software solutions for all its ranges. To do this, Gravotech has combined the best of its know-how, enabling them to now offer ultra-high performance solutions for 2D/3D technologies, CO2 lasers, YAG, and fiber. The R&D budget still represents 5% of total Group sales, despite the international economic crisis. ¨Innovation, our solutions, and service quality are at the heart of our strategy,¨ states Franck Rivet, vice president of the group.
Significant benefits for Gravotech customers
Gravotech solutions are very diverse and target the engraving workshops of automobile industry giants and also serve the luxury perfume and leather goods industries. The company´s 60,000 customers in over 100 countries will benefit from Gravotech´s new technological advancements and are guaranteed the following competitive advantages:
- Due to the company´s wide product range, clients can be sure that the best technology will be proposed according to their needs. ¨In other words, we will not try to sell the only technology we have!¨ says Gérard Guyard.
- Gravotech offers the same high quality standard of service and support to all of its global clients. In addition, the company is not merely a machine supplier (machinery only accounts for 50% of Gravotech´s turnover), but also offers software and consumable services. ¨We are organized to deliver on our entire range of products and offer the same service in 30 countries,¨ adds Franck Rivet.
- The Gravotech Group offers real consistency, especially for software and firmware, which allows customers to switch from one marking technology to another while preserving their manufacturing data.
Gravotech is working with the world’s largest corporations, whose needs range from engraving to traceability. The new Gravotech Group can meet all their marking needs, make them more profitable, and give them a competitive edge.
Key facts:
- 2-digit growth for 3 years in a row despite an international economic crisis
- 4 new branches in 2 years
- R&D budget has been 5% of annual turnover for the last decade
- Ability to serve every client around the world through a network of 29 subsidiaries and over 300 distributors
