What Dantex does

Dantex is a privately held, family-owned (Danon family) industrial printing technology company headquartered in Bradford, United Kingdom, founded in 1967 by Richard and Jerry Danon. The company is the largest water-wash letterpress and flexo plate supplier in Europe and manufactures digital UV inkjet label printing presses under the PicoColour and PicoJet 1200 brands at a purpose-built facility in Kettering, England. Its product portfolio spans proprietary digital label presses (PicoJet 1200 hybrid modular platform with Ricoh printheads and PicoColour compact press), water-wash photopolymer plates (Torelief, Aquaflex, Rapidoflex, Varnica), plate processing equipment (AQF processors, Marathon, DigiWash, AQF exposure units, plate cleaners, Rotunda magnetic cleaner), distributed third-party products (Esko Spark imagers, Pamarco anilox rollers, Scapa mounting tapes, sleeve systems), and software (Star Proof, Star Plate, PicoPilot press software).

Dantex generates revenue through a mix of capital equipment sales (digital presses with structured multi-stage payment terms), recurring consumables (plates, chemicals, sleeves, tapes), software licensing (perpetual and subscription), and professional services (installation, training, maintenance via Care Plans). Its go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales through eight wholly-owned regional subsidiaries (UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland, USA plus additional sales offices in Italy, Austria, Holland) with a distributor network serving more than 30 countries, supplemented by demo-driven customer acquisition at facilities in West Yorkshire and Bensheim and participation in industry events such as Labelexpo Americas.

The company's customer base is concentrated in narrow-web tag and label printing businesses serving beverage, food, chemicals, and premium packaging end-markets, with adjacent reach into flexible packaging, dry offset, envelope, tissue, sack and bag, and luxury carton. Second-generation leadership under Benjamin Danon, alongside founder Richard Danon, continues to guide the business without external private equity or venture capital involvement. Underlying platform technology emphasizes solvent-free water-wash chemistry, modular hybrid press architecture, and integrated workflow from plate-to-press-to-software, designed to address environmental compliance and short-run digital production economics for label converters.

Name

Dantex

Legal name

Dantex Graphics Limited

Website

https://dantex.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Dantex is a UK-based, family-owned manufacturer and distributor (founded 1967) supplying water-wash flexo and letterpress plates, digital UV inkjet label presses (PicoJet 1200, PicoColour), and processing equipment to narrow-web label converters and packaging printers across more than 30 countries, primarily in Europe and North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Label Printing Equipment

NAICS

Printing and Related Support Activities (3231), Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510), Printing Ink Manufacturing (325910)

SIC

Printing Trades Machinery & Equipment (3555), Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Prepress, Plate-Making & Artwork Services (IMALAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Packaging Inks (IMAEAHAH)

Keywords

• Digital label printing
• Flexographic plates
• Photopolymer plates
• UV inkjet presses
• Plate processing equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Bradford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Digital Printing Press Hardware: Sale of PicoJet 1200 and PicoColour UV inkjet digital label presses. Equipment sold with configurable options for colour stations, finishing units, and flexo stations. Capital equipment pricing with structured payment terms: 35% on order acceptance, 35% before shipment, 30% prior to shipment.
2. Water Wash Plates and Consumables: Sale of photopolymer plate materials including Torelief, Aquaflex, Rapidoflex, Varnica, and Marathon plates. Consumables include plate mounting tapes, processing chemicals, and water-softening additives.
3. Plate Processing Equipment: Sale of AQF plate processors, exposure units, combination processors, Marathon letterpress processing systems, DigiWash systems, plate cleaners, and Rotunda magnetic plate cleaners.
4. Software Licensing: Licensing of Press Software (Dantex-developed software integral to digital presses), Print Software (third-party RIP software for file preparation), and Standalone Software (third-party print-related software). Perpetual and subscription-based license models available.
5. Professional Services: Installation, implementation, training, maintenance and support services. After-sales care programmes tailored to individual customer needs. Parts and repair services at time and materials rates. Care Plan maintenance terms available.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Dantex manufactures and distributes digital UV inkjet label printing presses (PicoJet 1200 and PicoColour), water wash letterpress and flexographic photopolymer plates (Torelief, Aquaflex, Rapidoflex, Varnica), and related plate processing equipment (AQF processors, Marathon, DigiWash systems). The company serves the label, packaging, dry offset, envelope, tissue, flexible packaging, and luxury carton sectors across more than 30 countries through regional subsidiaries and a distributor network.

Product overview

Dantex offers a comprehensive portfolio of digital label printing systems and traditional printing solutions. The core product lines include the PicoJet 1200 and PicoColour digital UV inkjet label presses (built on a modular hybrid platform), complemented by water wash letterpress and flexo plates (Torelief, Aquaflex, Rapidoflex, Rapidoflex M3, Varnica). Supporting infrastructure includes AQF plate processors, Marathon automatic processing systems, DigiWash cleaning systems, Esko Spark imagers, Pamarco anilox rollers, and sleeve systems. Software offerings encompass Star Proof proofing technology, Star Plate imaging software, and PicoPilot press operating system. The portfolio serves the label, packaging, dry offset, envelope, tissue, flexible packaging, and luxury carton sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PicoColour: Small footprint digital UV inkjet label press built on the PicoJet platform, offering print width of 254mm/10", print speed of 50m per minute, and resolution of 600x600 dpi
• PicoJet 1200
• Aquaflex
• Torelief
• Rapidoflex
• AQF
• Esko Spark
• Star Proof
• SCAPA Tapes

Products and services

• PicoJet 1200 High-speed digital UV inkjet label press built on a modular hybrid platform, offered as reel-to-reel or bespoke hybrid configuration with options for die cutting, lamination, cold foil, and flexo stations. Features 2.5pl droplet size with 1200 dpi effective resolution, CMYK plus WHITE/ORANGE/GREEN/VIOLET colour configurations, and speeds up to 75m/minute for commercial label printers producing short runs and premium shelf-appeal work.
• PicoColour Compact UV inkjet digital label press built on the PicoJet platform, with 254mm/10" print width, 600x600 dpi resolution (1200 dpi effective), 2.5pl minimum droplet size, and speeds up to 50m/minute. Available with optional compact inline finishing including full rotary die cutting, targeting entry-level label printers.
• Torelief Polyester-based water wash letterpress plate available in analogue and digital formats, offering high resolution capability up to 200lpi with excellent ink release properties, fast washout, and long press durability for letterpress label printers.
• Aquaflex Water wash flexographic plate for analogue and digital printing, featuring naturally formed flat top dots for improved ink transfer, 1-99% gradations at 175lpi, HD Flexo and Esko specialized certifications, and approximately 30-minute processing time using water with Aquawash surfactant.
• Rapidoflex UV Flexo water wash plate for narrow web label printing with 18-minute A2 plate processing time, screen range up to 200lpi at 200dpi, and excellent press durability with low energy costs. Marketed as the fastest UV Flexo plate processing system for the narrow web label market.
• Rapidoflex M3 VOC-free, environmentally friendly UV Flexo plate system where processing waste water requires no filtration and can be sent direct to drain. Features 15-minute superfast make-ready time and high-volume production capability for narrow web label printers.
• Varnica Flexo plate dedicated to coating and varnish applications, particularly spot varnishing, compatible with the dry film system that eliminates the need for an imagesetter. Processes in approximately 15 minutes using the Dantex dry film system.
• AQF Plate Processors Water wash plate processor for solid sheet photopolymer printing plates, delivering exceptional plate quality with minimal maintenance and reliable operation. Available in AQUA 760/920/1100 models with chain drive system and adjustable surfactant dosage for flexographic and letterpress plate production.
• AQF Combination Processor Compact combination system for water wash flexo plates combining exposure, washout, and dryer functions in one unit. Designed for Aquaflex and Rapidoflex plates with built-in filtration system, supporting plate formats up to 635x762mm.
• AQF Exposure Units Exposure units for letterpress and flexo printing plates, available in AQF A2 (520x770mm max) and AQF A1 (920x1200mm max) sizes, with integrated UV light output, lamp temperature control, and electronic lamp failure detection.
• Marathon Automatic letterpress processing system with ultra-high speed washout, true solvent-free operation, and up to 80% less water usage and 75% less energy consumption versus conventional systems. Available in 1000M and 600M models for plates up to 900x1200mm, with automatic brush head lifting and online connectivity.

Quantifiable outcome

• PicoJet 1200 delivers 2.5pl droplet size with effective 1200 dpi resolution
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• Pamarco Global GraphicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPamarco Global Graphics is the world's largest supplier of anilox rolls. Dantex is Pamarco's exclusive distributor in Germany, France, Poland and several other countries. Pamarco's EFlo, ThermaFlo, and EFlo UV anilox cell technologies are distributed through Dantex to the European market.
• RicohcoreTechnology or IntegrationRicoh provides printhead technology powering the PicoJet 1200 DRS (Digital Resolution System) digital label press. The PicoJet 1200 is powered by Ricoh print technology for UV inkjet label printing applications.
• EskostrategicTechnology or IntegrationEsko Spark imagers (1712, 2120, 2420, 2530, 4835, Crystal 4835) are distributed by Dantex for flexo plate imaging. Dantex recommends Esko Spark imagers for use with Dantex plates and Aquaflex processing equipment. Esko Crystal 4835 provides basis for reducing plate room complexity.
• ScapacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScapa supplies foam and solid mounting tapes for flexographic plate mounting. Dantex distributes Scapa products including Exafit series tapes (43201HP, 43211HP, 43221HP, 43231HP, 43241HP) with different hardness levels for various printing requirements.
• APS GraphicsminorOthersAPS Graphics installed a PicoJet 1200 DRS digital label press as part of Dantex's digital labels expansion initiative. Justin Nowell, digital director at Dantex, noted the press was engineered as a production platform to support printers in scaling, diversifying, and competing globally.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Xeikon: Digital label printing press manufacturer (now part of Durst Group) competing head-on with Dantex's PicoJet/PicoColour UV inkjet offerings. Xeikon serves the same narrow-web label converter customers with toner-based and inkjet digital presses, making it a direct substitute in Dantex's primary segment.
• Durst Group: Italian industrial inkjet press manufacturer with a Tau label press line directly competing in digital label printing. Durst's broader portfolio spans ceramics, glass, and packaging printing, but its Tau UV inkjet narrow-web system targets the same customers as Dantex's PicoJet with overlapping technology (Ricoh-based printheads).
• Nilpeter: Danish narrow web flexo and digital label press manufacturer with a product portfolio directly overlapping Dantex's PicoJet and PicoColour lines. Both serve the same label and tag printer segment with comparable modular flexo+digital hybrid platforms and target short-run, variable-data label production.
• Gallus Group: Swiss label printing press manufacturer (owned by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen) producing narrow web flexo and digital hybrid presses. Gallus serves the same label printer customer base as Dantex with comparable modular platform designs and competes directly in flexo + digital label production.
• Heaford: UK-based manufacturer of flexo plate mounting and processing equipment (flexible dies, plate mounter/automatic mounters). Heaford competes with Dantex's plate processing equipment range and serves overlapping narrow-web label printer customers with comparable pre-press and platemaking workflow solutions.
• Mark Andy: US-based narrow web flexo and hybrid digital label press manufacturer offering a comparable value proposition to Dantex in short-run label production. Mark Andy's Performance Series presses directly address the same label-printer pain points (quick changeovers, premium shelf appeal, variable data) that Dantex targets.

Broad incumbents

• Bobst: Swiss packaging printing and converting equipment manufacturer producing flexo presses, digital presses, and related equipment for labels, folding cartons, and flexible packaging. Bobst competes with Dantex in narrow-web flexo label presses and adjacent packaging conversion equipment with a much broader portfolio.
• Asahi Kasei (Photopolymer Division): Japanese chemical company whose photopolymer division (formerly Asahi Photoproducts, now part of Asahi Kasei) manufactures water-wash and solvent-based flexo plates. Asahi's flexo plates directly overlap with Dantex's Aquaflex and Rapidoflex product lines, serving the same flexographic printing customers.
• Flint Group: Global printing inks and consumables company (nyloprint, FlintGroup Printing Plates) offering both flexo plates and printing inks across packaging and label markets. As a broad incumbent spanning inks, plates, and consumables, Flint Group competes with Dantex's plate portfolio and adjacent consumables for the same label and flexo printer customers.
• DuPont Cyrel: DuPont's Cyrel division is the global market leader in solvent-based photopolymer flexo plates for packaging printing. Although Cyrel uses solvent processing rather than Dantex's water-wash chemistry, DuPont is the principal competitor Dantex must displace to grow water-wash plate share in flexo.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dantexglobal

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Dantex