Friedheim International is bringing a Chinese-made folder to the UK market or the first time. Taking on representation for the Aoqi folder fills a gap in Friedheim’s portfolio produced by Komori’s absorption of its MBO subsidiary. Komori has looked after sales and support for MBO and H+H since the Japanese press manufacturer acquired the business five years ago leaving Friedheim with a gap in its portfolio.
Aoqi calls itself “the leading manufacturer of paper folding machines in China”. It has a particular strength in miniature format folders for pharmaceutical leaflets with up to 20 buckle plates. It can produce a 32x32mm product with a maximum indeed sheet of 600x1000mm.
The company also produces a combination folder for producing signatures in commercial printing with options on continuous roll feeding and pallet feeding. This can cope with a sheet to 780x1200mm and runs to 220m/min.
Signing the deal is the culmination of a lengthy discussion with the manufacturer to ensure that the folder could meet UK requirements, including ease of set up, high productivity, robustness and “highly attractive price points”. A particular area of focus has been that its electronics will meet UK standards. The folder has CE certification.
Discussions began in 2023 with frequent iuteraction since which has underpinned the deal that has now been signed to formalise the relationship.
A machine has been in operation at an undisclosed commercial print site to check that the machine is suitable for UK production conditions. Friedheim will also handle sales and support in Ireland, Denmark, France and Norway. The Chinese company has a showroom in Milan following a deal with an Italian dealer to bring the folders to Europe.
“People want to use the equipment with confidence” says Seth Morgan. “When the need arrives they want someone who is there to come out in minimal waiting.
“We have interest for small format folding from those that specialise in this sector from printers and trade finishers. At what is a very attractive price point.”
The deal could open the door to further Chinese manufacturers, until now focused on die cutting platens like Masterwork from Heidelberg and Young Shin which Friedheim represents.
