Wide-format manufacturer Durst Group has acquired textile printer maker Aleph, enhancing its position in water-based and sustainable printing technologies and providing a link to Como, Italy, the centre for textile design and high-quality applications.
Established in 2000 in Lurate Caccivio (Como), Aleph has transitioned from a software house and distributor of textile consumables – and at one stage, Mimaki textile printers – to an independent manufacturer of machines for digital water-based printing, including textile and other printer types.
In 2017, Wise Equity entered Aleph’s capital with the Wisequity IV fund, alongside the three founders Alessandro Manes, Roberto Manes, and Roberto Temperini, to support the internationalisation journey, with the goal of positioning itself in special applications in both the textile industry and adjacent sectors such as billboard printing. Today, the company generates over 60% of its revenue outside Italy, in more than 20 countries.
‘We are delighted to welcome Aleph into the Durst family,’ said Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of Durst Group. ‘Their expertise in sustainable, water-based applications, their software for high-end textiles, and their creative solutions for water-based poster printing align perfectly with our vision of pushing the boundaries of digital printing technology. Together, we will strengthen our market position, expand our product portfolio, and enhance value for our global customers.’
Durst notes that In recent years, markets for digital printing technologies with water-based ink applications have experienced rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for environmentally-friendly and customisable products. Meeting this demand requires not only high-performance printing systems with eco-friendly ink systems but also extensive process knowledge and integrated software solutions, which both companies aim to combine optimally through this merger.
‘Collaborating with Durst Group marks an exciting new chapter for Aleph,’ said Alessandro Manes, CEO of Aleph. ‘Our shared passion for technological innovation, the pursuit of excellence, and the commitment to true sustainability define this collaboration. Together, we have the opportunity to make significant advancements in the digital textiles, exterior and interior decoration sectors.’
The acquisition aims to leverage synergies between the two companies by combining Durst Group’s global presence and extensive procurement network with Aleph’s expertise in sustainable digital solutions – both machines and software – for textiles and decoration.