VALEUR’s Print Evolution: Passion, Innovation, and the Komori Advantage
VALEUR, a modern sheet-fed offset printing house in Slovakia, has grown from a small family business into a high-tech commercial printer with a growing presence across Europe. This is the story of how passion, strategic investments, and the right technology partnership have shaped its journey.
From Advertising to Printing: A Personal Journey
Mr. Kmetík joined VALEUR in May 2005, at a time of major modernisation. Before that, he had built a career in media agencies.
"I was working as a senior account manager in advertising, and my career prospects looked excellent," he recalls. "But when my future father-in-law invited me to join VALEUR, I felt it was the right move. Marketing and printing are connected, and the transition felt both exciting and meaningful."
He remembers the moment he first stepped into the printing house:
"From day one, I was captivated by the machines and the processes. The sound of the presses, the knowledge that we were producing something valuable for the world—it sparked a passion that has only grown. It’s not just the scent of freshly bound publications; it’s knowing that the stories and ideas we print serve people, sometimes for work, sometimes for enjoyment. That feeling drives me every day."
VALEUR: From Garage Beginnings to High-Quality Commercial Printing
VALEUR, s.r.o., based in Dunajská Streda, Slovakia, has been delivering high-quality printing solutions for more than 25 years. Founded in 1992 by Zdenek Kugler, the company began in a garage with a few machines and a lot of determination.
By 1995, it became a limited liability company. In 2000, a move to a larger facility enabled significant growth, and in 2005, Mr. Kmetík joined as co-owner, helping shift the company’s focus from single-color paperback printing to full-colour commercial and packaging work.
"Our goal has always been simple," he explains. "Combine decades of expertise with modern technology to deliver printing solutions that meet the most demanding client needs."
Investing in Capacity: Choosing the Right Format for Maximum Efficiency
From 2005 onward, VALEUR invested steadily in technology. A milestone came in 2019 with the installation of the 8-colour Komori GL-837P LED UV offset press.
"We didn’t choose this press just for its configuration," Mr. Kmetík says. "The real difference is the format. Printing 16 full-colour A4 pages double-sided in a single pass halved our post-press work for glued catalogues and hardcover books and significantly accelerated our workflow."
LED UV technology allows sheets to be processed immediately after printing, cutting production time and costs. "This combination of format and LED UV technology gave us the capacity to meet growing European demand while maintaining high quality and competitive pricing," he adds.
"Komori GL-837P LED UV in Valeur is one of the good examples where A1 size shows its benefits,“ Mr. Podhráský says. "Discussion about investment in this format was crucial and we think that we can admit that the cost effectiveness of A1 size is clearly visible. We are glad that Valeur is satisfied with their latest Komori press and we are looking forward to support them and work with them in years to come.”
Entering New Markets: ISO Certification and International Growth
VALEUR has long focused on delivering added value. Beyond quality, price, and deadlines, the company implemented ISO 22000 for food safety management, opening doors to markets previously inaccessible to an offset printer.
"Winning projects from EU markets demanded even more precision and efficiency," Mr. Kmetík notes. "International clients expect the highest standards in quality, cost, and delivery. Investing in top-tier technology allowed us to meet and exceed those expectations."
Why Komori? Choosing the Right Press for Efficiency, Quality, and Support
VALEUR has always prioritised quality, and every machine they purchased was top-of-the-line. The Komori GL-837-P LED UV press, however, offered a unique combination of capacity, efficiency, and advanced features that perfectly suited the company’s production needs.
The press’s 16-page A4 format allows double-sided printing in a single pass, significantly reducing post-press work and accelerating workflows for glued catalogues and hardcover books. LED UV drying technology eliminates the need for coating or additional finishing, cutting production time and costs, while the absence of powdering creates a safer and more comfortable workplace.
Advanced tools like PQA-S and PDC ensure consistent quality and operator efficiency. Combined with Komori’s reliable service and maintenance, VALEUR can maintain high standards and minimise downtime. "Komori is not just a machine supplier—it’s a true technology and service partner," says Mr. Kmetík, summarising why the company chose this press.
Looking Ahead: Adapting to Digitalization and Changing Customer Demands
The printing industry is undergoing rapid transformation due to digitalisation and AI. While printed products will continue to hold value, their role in corporate communication strategies is evolving. Smaller runs, personalised materials, and agile, cost-optimised operations are becoming the norm.
For SMEs like VALEUR, these changes are opportunities. By investing in modern technology and efficient processes, the company is positioned not just to survive but to thrive.
"Our Komori press allows us to innovate and adapt while continuing to deliver high-quality solutions," says Mr. Kmetík, highlighting the strategic importance of their equipment in navigating these shifts.
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