Kama Gmbh

What Kama Gmbh does

KAMA GmbH (legal name, also trading as KAMA; previously SCAMAG/Polygraph KAMA) is a Dresden-based German manufacturer of precision finishing machines for commercial and packaging printing. Founded as a GmbH in 1994 by Marcus Tralau on the foundations of the 1894 SCAMAG, the company operates from an ISO 9001-certified 4,000 m² production facility in Dresden-Reick and employs approximately 110 people, with around 10% of headcount dedicated to R&D in cooperation with TU Dresden and HTW Leipzig. The portfolio spans three integrated product families: ProCut 76 and ProCut 58 flatbed die-cutters (including Foil variants for hot-foil stamping and plastic cutting); ProFold 74 and FlexFold 52i folder gluers for folding carton production; and complementary modules (CPX 76/106 camera-based positioning, OptiFoil foil slitting, J.U.L.I.A. dispensing/marking unit), supported by Job-Manager and JobPlanner software for workflow, MIS/ERP integration, and remote service.

The company has installed more than 800 machines in over 80 countries and earns revenue through a mix of one-time capital equipment sales, recurring service and maintenance subscriptions, spare parts and consumables, modular upgrades and retrofits, remote-maintenance managed services, and training/consulting. Pricing is project-based and confidential, sold through a direct enterprise sales organization in core markets, channel partners/distributors in growth and emerging regions (recent additions include VinilSul in Brazil from March 2025 and Printech Trading in the Middle East from September 2024), and strategic OEM co-selling arrangements with leading digital press manufacturers including Fujifilm (showcased at drupa 2024). Customer concentrations span pharmaceutical/healthcare packaging (Nosco), packaging converters (MR Cartonnage Numérique, Morello SA, Halaman, ADD Print), and commercial printers (Druckhaus Mainfranken, Digital Design, Fagtrykk).

Commercially, KAMA pursues a horizontal niche-specialist strategy targeting three primary segments — commercial/job printers, packaging manufacturers (including digital packaging), and finishing/embossing specialists — using horizontal differentiation through productivity features (5-minute job changeover on FlexFold 52i, tool-free SBU stripping, 90% makeready reduction via 4+1 change-plate system), integration with digital print workflows (AutoRegister AR3, B2-format alignment with presses such as Fujifilm Jet Press 750), and Made-in-Germany precision positioning (0.01mm tolerance, watch-grade component benchmarking). The 2017 EDP Award for the FlexFold 52i underlines its positioning around economically producing short-run digital print finishing, with associated partnerships building a peripheral-equipment ecosystem (TRESU, Impack) around its core machines.

Name

Kama Gmbh

Legal name

KAMA GmbH

Website

https://www.kama.info/de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

KAMA GmbH is a Dresden-based German manufacturer of precision die-cutting, hot-foil stamping, and folder-gluing machines for commercial and packaging print finishing, selling globally through direct sales and distributors across 80+ countries with 800+ machines installed.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Printing Finishing Machinery

NAICS

Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (333993)

SIC

Printing Trades Machinery & Equipment (3555)

akta.pro primary industry

Capping, Sealing & Closing Machines (IMAHAOAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Finishing, Converting & Die-Cutting Services (IMALAKAN)

Keywords

• Die cutting machines
• Hot foil stamping equipment
• Printing finishing machinery
• Folding carton gluers
• Embossing machines

Headquarters

HQ city

Dresden

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Industrial Machinery Sales: Sale of die-cutting, embossing, and folder gluing machines. Core revenue stream with two main product families (ProCut die-cutters and ProFold/FlexFold folder gluers). Machines sold with various configuration options and accessories.
2. Service and Maintenance Packages: Structured maintenance programs delivered by experienced technical personnel. Includes regular optimization and transparent documentation for stable production workflows.
3. Spare Parts and Consumables: Supply of spare parts and consumable materials for all KAMA machines including older models. Long-term availability commitment with short delivery times.
4. Upgrades and Retrofits: Modular machine upgrades and new module additions. Software updates delivered via remote maintenance connection.
5. Training and Consulting: On-site user training, advanced training for technicians, sales partner training, machine demonstrations, and production support services.
6. Remote Maintenance Services: Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting via secure data connection. Reduces machine downtime and maintenance costs. Software updates delivered remotely.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Kama Gmbh designs, manufactures, and globally distributes precision finishing machinery for the printing and packaging industry. Its core portfolio covers flatbed die cutters and embossing machines (ProCut 76, ProCut 58, including "Foil" hot-foil variants), folder gluers (ProFold 74, FlexFold 52i), and complementary modules such as CPX positioning devices, OptiFoil slitters, and the J.U.L.I.A. unit, together with JobManager/JobPlanner software for MIS/ERP integration and remote service. The machines enable short- to medium-run die cutting, hot foil stamping, embossing, Braille, and folding carton production for commercial printers and packaging converters worldwide.

Product overview

KAMA GmbH develops, produces, and exports innovative machines for packaging manufacturers, printers, and finishing operations worldwide. The product portfolio comprises three core machine families: (1) Die Cutting & Embossing - ProCut 76 and ProCut 58 flatbed die cutters, available in standard and Foil versions with hot foil stamping capability; (2) Folding & Gluing - ProFold 74 versatile folder gluer and FlexFold 52i automatic folding carton gluing machine for small runs; (3) Complementary products including CPX 76/CPX 106 positioning systems, OptiFoil foil slitter, and J.U.L.I.A. application module. Software solutions include Job-Manager for machine networking and workflow integration, and JobPlanner for ProFold setup optimization. The machines support 10 different applications including die cutting, embossing, hot foil stamping, Braille, and folding carton production. All machines are manufactured in Germany (Dresden) with certified ISO 9001 quality management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ProCut: Die cutting and embossing machine series including ProCut 76 and ProCut 58 models.
• ProFold
• FlexFold
• CPX
• OptiFoil
• J.U.L.I.A.
• AutoRegister
• JobManager

Products and services

• ProCut 76 High-quality flatbed die cutting and embossing machine in B2+ format (760 x 600 mm) for precise and efficient processing of small to medium print runs. Features quick changeover in approximately 5 minutes and highest register accuracy with the KAMA gripper system. Modern successor for obsolete Heidelberg cylinders.
• ProCut 58 World's first flatbed die cutter for B3+ sheet format (580 x 400 mm), designed for professional finishing in classic digital print format. Compact machine with footprint under 5 m\u00b2 supporting die cutting, creasing, perforating, kiss-cutting, blind embossing, and Braille.
• ProCut 76 Foil Versatile die cutting, embossing, and embellishment machine with 10 applications including hot foil stamping, hologram embossing, and hot stamping of plastic. Servo main drive increases hot foil stamping performance by 50%, with integrated tool-free SBU stripping/blanking system.
• ProCut 58 Foil World's first die cutting, embossing, and embellishment machine for the small format, combining die cutting, hot foil stamping, relief embossing, and hot stamping of plastic in a compact footprint under 5 m\u00b2.
• ProFold 74 Versatile folder gluer with patented tool carrier system and JobPlanner software for fast setup. Handles folding, gluing, dispensing, and filling-depth applications including presentation folders, snap cards, envelope folders, ticket pockets, cross folders, and folding cartons.
• FlexFold 52i First fully automatic folding carton gluing machine for small runs, featuring job changes in under 5 minutes through fully automatic machine adjustment. Capable of producing over 100 jobs per day for longitudinal seam, pillow, and automatic bottom cartons, and integrates inline AutoBraille positioning.
• CPX 76 Camera-based positioning system for fast and precise clich\u00e9 positioning outside the embossing press. Up to 90% setup time reduction via software-calculated, temperature-corrected target position display.
• CPX 106 Digital positioning device for B1 sheet format embossing machines, extending KAMA's positioning technology to larger format presses. Maximum measurement range 820 x 1,120 mm.
• OptiFoil Foil roll slitting device for in-house foil roll conversion. Cuts each foil layer separately for precise winding with correct foil tension, supporting high embossing speeds and reducing consumable costs.
• J.U.L.I.A. Joint Unit for Label, Inlay and other Applications. Versatile integration module for ProFold and FlexFold folder gluers enabling label/tape dispensers, inkjet or laser marking, pick & place, and booklet inserting.
• JobManager Software Industrial PC-based central software hub for KAMA finishing machines. Manages electronic job tickets, creates and transmits setup data, and integrates with customer MIS/ERP systems for paperless order management and Print 4.0 workflows.
• Service & Maintenance Packages Structured maintenance and service programs delivered by experienced technical personnel, covering regular optimization, transparent documentation, and long-term machine performance for KAMA finishing equipment.
• Remote Maintenance Service Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting via secure data connection for all KAMA die cutting and embossing machines from 2012 onwards and for the FlexFold 52i, enabling quick problem resolution and remote software updates.
• Training & Consulting User training at customer site or KAMA facilities covering basic operation, advanced training for automated workflows, technician training, and sales partner training; machine demonstrations and production support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Makeready time reduction of up to 90% for repeat orders with 4+1 change plate system
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• VinilSul (VS GRAPHICS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2025Strategic distribution partnership with one of Brazil's largest graphic arts equipment distributors. VinilSul, with 30-year history and national presence across southern, southeastern, and central-western regions, will market KAMA solutions including ProCut 76 with tool-free inline stripper and FlexFold 52i. Partnership announced March 2025 to serve the growing digital print and packaging market in Latin America's largest country.
• Printech TradingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 September 2024Marketing and service partnership for the Near/Middle East market. KAMA and Printech Trading signed agreement at drupa 2024 for distribution and support in the region.
• TRESUcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2024Strategic partnership announced at drupa 2024 for new options in digital packaging printing. TRESU, Danish manufacturer of peripheral equipment, and KAMA will collaborate on integrated solutions for the digital packaging market.
• FujifilmflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Workflow showcase partnership at drupa 2024 featuring ProCut 76 with inline stripper integrated with Fujifilm Jet Press 750 for B2 format digital printing. ProCut 76 positioned as perfect match for all B2 format digital presses in terms of format, quality, and productivity.
• TU Dresden (Technical University)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation project for research and development. Partnership ensures rapid knowledge transfer from research to practice in machine development and manufacturing technology.
• HTW Leipzig (University of Applied Sciences)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation project for research and development. Partnership supports innovation and knowledge transfer in printing and finishing technology.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BOBST: Swiss global leader in packaging and converting machinery, producing flatbed die-cutters, folder gluers, and hot foil stamping equipment directly competing with KAMA across all three of KAMA's product families. The most direct large-scale competitor in industrial finishing for packaging.
• MK Masterwork: Chinese manufacturer of flatbed die-cutting, hot foil stamping, and folder gluing machines with global reach in commercial print and packaging finishing. Directly competes with KAMA in cost-sensitive segments and emerging markets.
• Sakurai: Japanese maker of die-cutting, hot foil stamping, and screen printing equipment serving commercial and packaging printers. Overlaps with KAMA's ProCut product line, particularly in Asian and screen-printing niche accounts.
• Standard Horizon: Japanese specialist in folder gluers, perfect binders, and bookbinding/finishing machinery. Directly competes with KAMA's ProFold 74 and FlexFold 52i in folding carton and commercial finishing operations, with strong distribution in Asia and the Americas.
• Kolbus: German bookbinding and folding carton machinery maker headquartered in Rahden. Competes with KAMA in folder gluer and finishing equipment markets, leveraging German engineering brand equity comparable to KAMA's "Made in Germany" positioning.
• Müller Martini: Swiss-German manufacturer of bookbinding, perfect binding, and postpress finishing equipment for commercial printers and packaging converters. Overlaps with KAMA in folder gluing, folding carton, and finishing segments with a particularly strong installed base in Europe and the Americas.
• Brausse: Die-cutting and hot foil stamping equipment brand affiliated with MK Masterwork, focused on packaging finishing. Directly comparable to KAMA's ProCut die-cutting family in terms of functionality and target customers, particularly in Asian and price-sensitive emerging markets.

Broad incumbents

• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen: German sheetfed offset press manufacturing giant with adjacent postpress/cutting solutions and a long-standing global service network. A broader incumbent whose cylinder-based legacy finishing products (referenced in KAMA's ProCut 76 "successor" positioning) compete in overlapping accounts.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kama-gmbh
• Xx.com/kamagmbh

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kama Gmbh