“We continuously invest in latest technology”

Would you like to explain “When Imaging Matters”?

Well, this is a slogan Contex started to use last year after the acquisition of the 3D printing company Z-Corp in Boston, USA. The Contex Group controls companies within scanning as large document scanning, medical X-Ray film scanning, DNA scanning and now we are in 3D printing. We approach customers with high demands for quality scanning and printing and this is why imaging matters.

Tell us about Contex?

Contex Scanning Technology is the leading manufacturer of wide-format color and monochrome scanners from 25 to 54 inches, and this year introduced the COPYmate 18 flat bed scanner and the DESIGNmate 3D printer. Contex is also the developer of advanced scan and copy software for these products. Contex delivers solutions for a diverse customer base,

including CAD, GIS, Photography labs, Reprographics, Graphic Arts, document archival, copy shops, POP/ exhibit providers, pre-press, and sign and billboard production, as well as architecture and engineering professionals around the globe.

Contex, founded in 1923, was for many years involved in the design and manufacture of inventive and “time-saving” machines—printing machines, mechanical and electronic calculators, and electrostatic copiers. These machines were distributed and sold worldwide under the Rex- Rotary and Gestetner brand names. The foundation was laid for the establishment of Contex Scanning Technology in early 1980.

In 1986, development of modular scanning technology began, and, in 1988, Contex introduced its first blackand- white (monochrome) large-format scanner and presented a complete line of black-and-white scanners in 1990. The first wide-format color scanners were introduced in 1996.

Anything specific for GIS segment?

Contex digital solutions provide a seamless path to capture technical documents, drawings and other input in order to view, edit, archive, convert files or print the output data for various applications and jobs. Contex scanners also make the perfect wide-format digital copiers by linking a Contex scanner to a large-format printer. Contex solutions are for companies requiring in-house copying; scan to file of large GIS documents, posters and drawings. In August 2005 we acquired Z-Corp. in Boston and two 3D color printers being offered through a select group of distributors, with expansion plans not only in the GIS segment, but in many other areas as well to provide users with the magic like benefits of 3D printing. These new products will start a whole new era in printing techniques.

In addition, Contex Large Format Scanners and scanning solutions are designed for versatility so that they can be used with almost any business working with large documents – including those who need high quality Map Scanners. Most GIS and mapping companies work with ARCH and ANSI standard sizes and will find the Contex 42” and 36” large format scanners perfect Map scanners for digitizing their maps. However, many original maps will exceed these sizes making the 54” scanner a “can’t lose” alternative. But size and scan width is not the only parameter to consider when investigating the market for Map Scanners. They also need high accuracy, colour precision, ability to extract special GIS features, etc.

Would you like to share with us the “Research and Development” at Contex?

Contex has modern manufacturing facilities in Svendborg and Denmark. Contex produces most of its mechanical components using stateof- the-art numerical and computercontrolled machinery and a highly skilled workforce. With self-sufficiency and huge production flexibility, Contex is able to maintain extremely competitive short lead times in its order-driven production capabilities.

Ongoing product development has resulted in a number of patents, providing Contex with a lasting technological platform. A strong emphasis on continued research and development ensures Contex clients of state of-the-art capabilities. Our areas of expertise include digital scanning and imaging software and expansion into other technologies which include 3D printing and medical scanning.

How do you see the market in Asia as different vis-à-vis other parts of the world?

Asia is a very important area for Contex. In many regions in Asia there is a fast growing economy, which will lead to a higher demand for our scanners. Compared with other parts of the world we see countries in Asia, who are very focused on building up infrastructure.

This is a very important segment for Contex. Some of the smaller customers such as copy shops have increased their interest for scanning technology and many smaller engineering companies are now investing in wide format scanners. Compared with Europe and USA we still see a pioneering spirit in Asia. Many local governments are taking serious actions in developing there region. Contex wants to be part of this development. We know that digitizing of large format documents is a part of this process.

How are you different from other players in this segment?

Well, first of all, we are the market leaders in technology and the largest wide format scanner manufacturer in the world. Through a very strong distribution network, we control approximately 80% of the world market of wide format colour scanners. Second, we have a strong development team where 25% of our employees are dedicated to ????. We work together with some strong partners in the scanning business. We are able to reach even the most remote areas of the world and still being able to support our customers in any technical matter.

We continuously invest in the newest technology and our customers can always be assured that they are investing in the latest technology.

Our goal is to continue surfing on the technology wave and always make sure that we are ahead of any competitor. This is how we build our company starting from a small company in Denmark to a multinational company with branches in USA, UK, China and Japan.

Any specific issue you would like to share when you operate in India or similar countries in the region?

The secret behind our success was first to develop an understanding the Indian market and thereafter finding a strong Indian partner. Foreign companies joining forces with Indian partners are really able to create some tremendous opportunities for both parties.

The Government of India have over the past few years been able to increase the economical activity within the country and at the same time opened up for foreign investors. This has given India a high increase of economical growth, which will continue for years ahead of us. Combined with political stability India will without no doubt soon become the land of opportunity.

	Flemming Lindholm is the Sales Managerof Contex for Europe, Asia and Africa region. He was Born in Nigeria 1957 and graduated from the Danish Business School 1982.He worked as international marketing and research consultant, mainly active in Scandinavia and the Northern part of Western Europe