SATO acquires inline digital printing leader DataLase

SATO, a leading global provider of Auto-ID solutions that empowers workforces and streamlines operations acquired a 100% share of UK-based inline digital printing (IDP) leader, DataLase.

The two companies first teamed in October 2015 to form the strategic partnership SpeciaLase to introduce the game-changing DataLase IDP technology in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. SATO held a 33.3% share of DataLase prior to this acquisition.

The DataLase IDP solution is the only one of its kind and enables high-speed, fast turnaround printing which is ideal for packaging and product customization and personalization. IDP technology allows printing of variable information to enable real-time marketing to maximize brand owner and consumer value. The system is inkless at the point of printing, thus removing the need for consumables in the production environment at the point of fulfilment.

The acquisition optimizes synergies from the DataLase IDP solution and SATO’s on-site commitment and global network to deliver financial savings, environmental benefits and enhanced marketing capabilities for end users. Application in total track and trace solutions is expected to provide benefits for customers in numerous high-volume, fast-moving industries including manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals and food and beverage.

In 2016, DataLase increased its strategic partnership portfolio across inks and coatings, substrates and print technology to deliver IDP product and packaging solutions for brands such as Ricoh, Xerox, Mundi, KBA-Metronic, Macsa ID, and Pulse Inks. Also in 2016, global print and publishing solutions provider Flint Group became the first licensee of Variprint, a revolutionary DataLase technology that enables real time messaging and variable data on packaging with a selection of monochrome colors.