Laser Facilities merges paper specialists First Data Systems and PaperGeni

Laser Facilities, South Africa's leading print and mail bureau and a division of Bytes Document Solutions, has integrated First Data Systems (FDS) and PaperGeni, which it acquired in November last year.

Byes Document Solutions is the authorised distributor of Xerox products and solutions to 24 African countries.

PaperGeni is a specialist envelope manufacturer, while FDS prints and converts specialised paper into tally rolls for the retail and banking sector, supplying ATMs and point-of-sale receipts to most of South Africa's large banks and retail chains. It also sells a range of print cartridges and ribbons for popular desktop printers.

"Moving this division into PaperGeni made good business sense as both companies convert reels of paper into their final product, and it will enable the two factories to gain many benefits, particularly in purchasing power and delivery infrastructure," says Thorsten Sch"afer, GM of PaperGeni, who will manage the combined operation. "The two sales teams will be managed by sales manager Mandy Williams."

All management and employees remained in place when Laser Facilities acquired PaperGeni last year, swelling the staff complement to 270, and the combined operation will also retain all employees, increasing headcount to 350. The combined business will operate side by side in Stormhill Roodepoort from June 2008, following their refurbishment.

Laser Facilities broadens their service and product offering to customers by combining these complementary operations. Customers will now have to access to digital printing and mailing services, print on demand, electronic document delivery, document storage and retrieval, envelope manufacture, digital colour, and tally roll print and conversion.

"We are delighted to add a great team of people to our existing complement and are now able to offer our clients an even more competitive total package," says Konni Hoferichter, divisional manager of Laser Facilities.

"We have increased the range on offer to our customers, supported by a single company, which is a major requirement of some of our customers. We expect growth in the market and with support from Bytes Technology Group, our holding company, we will have the necessary skills and technology to support our plans."

Bytes Technology Group provides a broad range of products, technical skills and specialised services to support enterprise-wide IT infrastructure and telecommunications across Africa and the UK.