JSE-listed Square One Solutions Group is restructuring its long-standing coding and marking operation to take advantage of growth opportunities in the coding and marking industry, accompanied by a significant increase in the number of international coding equipment manufacturers and solution providers.
Now known as Marking Solutions, a division of Square One Industrial Solutions, the revamped operation is adopting a brand new business approach alongside new company and product branding.
Square One Industrial Solutions commercial director Ted Michel said the new strategy had been planned for some time. It will position Marking Solutions to offer a variety of new coding products and consumables from different suppliers, as well as a range of new service, spares and support models.
"For many years we have been the sole South African distributor, service and support provider for Domino coding and marking solutions, and while we will continue to provide Domino solutions, it will no longer be on an exclusive basis," said Michel.
"South African coding and marking has undergone significant change, primarily in that the business is now all about the best application of coding and marking technology, not about the technology itself.
"Our business differentiation and market advantage resides in the knowledge we have built up over the past 18 years, not in the actual equipment itself. We can apply that knowledge and experience to ensure the best possible solutions for each customer's needs."
Just five years ago there were approximately five major international coding and marking manufacturers; today there are in excess of 14 and the differences in equipment capability and quality are negligible.
Michel added that Square One Marking Solutions has a solid platform in terms of skills, knowledge and experience. It now intends offering the broadest range of "product to pallet" coding and marking solutions supported by advanced financing options and a spread of managed coding services.
"We will have new agencies and products available in October, over and above our existing offerings. This will allow us to provide customers a choice of product, maintenance and support solutions to best meet their particular needs, whereas before we were limited by our sole distributorship."
By the end of November Michel expects Marking Solutions to be positioned as "the coding and marking company" and he expects the broader solutions offering to underpin growth and expansion. Among the range of products and solutions will be inkjet and laser industrial printers, label applicators, metal marking and print and apply equipment.
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Square One Solutions Group is listed on the Software & Computer Services sector of the JSE Limited. It focuses on providing niche, vertically applied technology solutions, has a national footprint and more than 22 years of experience in the South African market. The group's primary solution offerings encompass law enforcement and authentication, industrial printing coding and marking, infrastructure and facility solutions, system integration services and telecommunications and service provider solutions, all supported by a tailored suite of finance and leasing solutions and services. The key target market is enterprise, SME, corporate and government clients and the group focuses on coupling innovation, technology and service to achieve value for clients as well as superior returns and earnings growth for shareholders. For more information, visit www.sq1.co.za.
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