Brunner (the German organisation of Spandex) the one-stop supplier of complete and innovative solutions to the digital printing and signmaking industries has appointed Klaus Wertz to the position of General Manager, overseeing the company’s 160-strong team based in Achern.

Wertz joins Spandex from sanitary and bathroom furniture manufacturer Duravit, where he spent seven years in sales management for the Middle East and Africa. In that role, Wertz oversaw the company’s sales development in these key global growth markets, with a remit including creation of a subsidiary infrastructure in leading territories, and development of regional aftermarket sales, service and support.

Brunner holds a unique position as a leading supplier to German visual communication professionals, offering nationwide next-day delivery of over 26000 stock items from leading materials brands including Avery, 3M, Orafol, Mactac and ImagePerfect. Brunner also offers a range of digital wide format printers and finishing equipment from Epson, Gerber, Mimaki, Mutoh, Keencut, Sprint and Rollsroller.

Wertz comments, “The industry dynamics in my previous industry and in signage and digital wide format are quite similar, especially where customer profile and requirements are concerned. I’m excited about the development scope for Brunner and our customers as the signage and graphics sector continues to evolve and embrace digital.”

He continues, “The competence and know-how of the Brunner team is second to none, and our service promise is at the forefront of the market, with next-day delivery nationwide, across a market-leading multi-brand portfolio. My focus now will be to ensure that we leverage further Spandex’s global organisational reach, while using our local market knowledge to offer superior service to German customers.

“The insights I’ve gained working with architects and interior designers can also help to take Brunner’s business forward in these areas, which can be profitable growth applications for signmakers and graphics producers using our expanding range of décor materials.” Prior to Duravit, Wertz had a four-year tenure with global hardwood specialist Danzer Group, during which time he completed an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) from Schiller International University. Wertz also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in International Management & International Marketing from ESB Business School in Reutlingen, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from DHBW (Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University) in Mosbach. Fluent in German and English, Wertz can also communicate in French and Arabic.

Spandex Vice President Guido Moresi comments, “We’re delighted to appoint such a dynamic and energetic business leader for this important part of our global organisation. Klaus’s experience in other sectors will bring fresh perspectives to Spandex, and we’re confident that his energy and drive will help to take Brunner to the next level, building on the strengths of the business today, and helping more German printers and signmakers to reap the benefits of our extensive product offering and world-class support.”