MKW Graphische Maschinen
MKW Graphische Maschinen GmbH is a privately-held German industrial machinery manufacturer that designs and sells collating machines and downstream booklet-finishing systems for commercial printers, brochure producers, calendar makers, and plastic-card manufacturers worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersUlmen, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What MKW Graphische Maschinen does
MKW Graphische Maschinen GmbH is a privately-held German industrial machinery manufacturer specializing in collating machines (Zusammentragmaschinen) for print finishing and post-press processing. Founded over 20 years ago and headquartered in Ulmen, Germany, the company is led by Managing Director Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Bernhard Klasen and operates as an independent GmbH without external venture or private equity backing.
The core product portfolio comprises the RAPID UT traditional collator, the TRANS UT platform featuring a new drive system and partial automation, the RAPID UT-SC Smart Collator with database-driven job configuration and QR code tracking, and the GIANT UT and MINI-GIANT UT large-format systems that handle sheets up to 145 x 106 cm and paper weights from 80 to 1000 g/m². Supporting modules include the patented DUPLEX function, pre-stacking and non-stop delivery systems, IR/ultrasound quality assurance sensors, and downstream RAPID/TRANS SFT and T20 booklet-making and trimming units. Standard configurations support up to 40 stations, and machines can be deployed as standalone units or as integrated production lines.
Revenue is generated through one-time sales of new machinery, sales of professionally refurbished used equipment with a 12-month manufacturer warranty, and a recurring spare-parts and technical-support stream delivered through direct sales from Ulmen and a global network of trained distributors covering 70+ countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, North America, Central America, and South America. Customer segments span commercial printers, brochure manufacturers, calendar producers, and plastic-card manufacturers, served via industry-aligned channel partners including the Heidelberg Group, Post Press Systems, Baumann, Manroland Benelux, and SMG Systems.
MKW Graphische Maschinen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MKW Graphische Maschinen
- Legal name
- MKW Graphische Maschinen GmbH
- Website
- https://mkwgmbh.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MKW Graphische Maschinen GmbH is a privately-held German industrial machinery manufacturer that designs and sells collating machines and downstream booklet-finishing systems for commercial printers, brochure producers, calendar makers, and plastic-card manufacturers worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where MKW Graphische Maschinen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ulmen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
MKW Graphische Maschinen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- New Machinery Sales: MKW manufactures and sells new collating machines and complete production lines. Machines can be configured as stand-alone units or as part of complete production lines with various delivery systems and aggregates.
- Used/Reconditioned Machinery: MKW sells professionally refurbished used collators and gathering machines with 12 months manufacturer warranty. All components are completely reconditioned or replaced.
- Spare Parts and Service: MKW provides rapid spare parts supply and direct technical support to customers worldwide through their global network of service partners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Used machinery with warranty |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
MKW Graphische Maschinen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MKW Graphische Maschinen GmbH manufactures and sells industrial collating machines (Zusammentragmaschinen) for print post-processing. The portfolio includes the RAPID UT, TRANS UT, RAPID UT-SC Smart Collator, GIANT UT, and MINI-GIANT UT collating systems, downstream booklet-making (SFT) and trimming (T20) machines, and a line of refurbished used machines with 12-month manufacturer warranty. Machines can be configured as stand-alone units or integrated into complete production lines with delivery systems and aggregates.
Product overview
MKW Graphische Maschinen offers a portfolio of industrial collating machines for print finishing/post-press processing. The core products include the RAPID UT (traditional high-speed collator), TRANS UT (innovative faster model with partial automation), RAPID UT-SC Smart Collator (intelligent database-controlled collating with QR tracking), GIANT UT (large-format collating up to 145x106cm), and MINI-GIANT UT (compact version). Downstream equipment includes the RAPID SFT and T20 (booklet-making and trimming), as well as TRANS SFT and T20 variants with automatic format adjustment. Supporting modules include pre-stacking systems, non-stop delivery, high-pile delivery units, DUPLEX function, quality assurance sensors, and inline cover scoring. The company also sells professionally refurbished used machines with 12-month warranty. All products can be configured with various stations, formats, and delivery systems to meet customer-specific requirements.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- MKW RAPID UT Collating System Traditional high-speed collating system in a new design, handling media from 10x14cm to 100x70cm with standard lines supporting up to 40 stations. Configurable with optional DUPLEX function and pre-stacking system for commercial printers and finishing operations.
- MKW TRANS UT Collating System Innovative development of the RAPID model with faster operation, more digital functionality, partial automation, and a completely new drive system. Standard operating range 10x14cm to 100x70cm, ideal for brochures, calendar production, and large print runs.
- MKW RAPID UT-SC Smart Collator Intelligent collating machine based on the RAPID model with computer-controlled collating from a database. Supports individually configured print runs containing different sets in a single work step, with QR code scanning and tracking for 100% reliability. Includes built-in label printer and linked film packaging machine for inline labeling and bagging.
- MKW GIANT UT Large-Format Collator Large-format collating machine for converting large-format sheets and mixing packaging or cardboard packaging. Acts as a link between printing machines and die-cutting machines. Handles formats from 100x70cm to 145x106cm and paper weights from 80g/m² to 1000g/m², with pallets up to 140cm high and 2.5 tonnes.
- MKW MINI-GIANT UT Collator Compact version of the GIANT for stationery, color sample cards, cardboard, and plastic film. Standard formats of 100x70cm or 115x86cm, processes large-format system pallets into the collating machine in a single step.
- MKW RAPID SFT Booklet-Making Machine Downstream booklet-making machine that starts the brochure finishing process after collating. Features electric servo motors for quick size and format adjustments. Standard brochure formats include A4, A4 landscape, and A3 combinations.
- MKW RAPID T20 Trimming Machine Head and tail trimming machine used together with the RAPID SFT. Features electric servo motors for quick format adjustments. Optional corner perforation and perforation available.
- MKW TRANS SFT Booklet-Making Machine TRANS-range booklet finishing machine designed for large-scale brochure production. Format settings can be adjusted automatically, providing high throughput for large brochure print runs.
- MKW TRANS T20 Trimming Machine TRANS-range head and tail trimming machine with fully automatic format and size adjustment. Designed to work in conjunction with the TRANS SFT for high-volume brochure production.
- Refurbished Used MKW Machinery Professionally refurbished used collating machines and brochure production lines with 12-month manufacturer warranty. All components are completely reconditioned or replaced. Includes models such as RAPID UT8, UT12, UT14, UT16, UT18, and UT32 in various B3 and special-format configurations.
- Spare Parts and Technical Service Rapid spare-parts supply and direct technical support provided to customers worldwide through MKW's global network of trained service partners.
Quantifiable outcome
- Near doubling of output with tandem mode operation
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use MKW Graphische Maschinen
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MKW Graphische Maschinen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
MKW Graphische Maschinen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and regional.
- Post Press Systems Ltd.majorGlobal distributor for Botswana, Eswatini, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Réunion, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and United States. Office: +44 (0) 203 3137 0337
- Heidelberg Group (Various Entities)majorHeidelberg companies serve as distributors in Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
- Heinrich Baumann Grafisches Centrum GmbH & Co. KGcoreRegional distributor for Germany. Located at Oberbieler Straße 1-3, 35606 Solms, Germany.
- Baumann Italia SRLregionalRegional distributor for Italy. Located at Via XXV Aprile, 66, 25038 Rovato (BS), Italia.
- Manroland Benelux n.v.regionalRegional distributor for Belgium and Netherlands/Luxembourg. Located at Koningin Astridlaan, 61, 1780 Wemmel, Belgium.
- SMG SystemsregionalRegional distributor for Gabon and France. Located at ZA du Petit Rocher, 3D Avenue Paul Sémary, 77870 Vulaines sur Seine, France.
- Youssef Allam & Co.regionalRegional distributor for Egypt and Libya. Located at 14, El-Obour Buildings Salah Salem St., Nasr City Cairo, Egypt.
- Afra International DMCCregionalRegional distributor for Gambia, Dubai, Nigeria, and United Arab Emirates. Located at P.O Box No. 233473, Al Qusais Ind Area:4, Dubai, UAE.
- Shenzhen Unifibon Trade Co.,Ltd.regionalRegional distributor for China. Located at Room 313, Building A, Intelg Cyber Park, Jinhua Road, Free Trade Area, Futian, 518000 Shenzhen, China.
- Uchida Yoko Global Ltd.regionalRegional distributor for Japan. Located at HQ Bldg.6F, 2-4-7 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, 104-0033 Tokyo, Japan.
- Teknoset Ltd.regionalRegional distributor for Türkiye and Cyprus. Located at Atatürk Caddesi, Cebesoy Sokak, No 38/1, 34734 Kadıköy / İstanbul, Turkey.
- Loxley Public Company LimitedregionalRegional distributor for Thailand. Located at 102 Na Ranong Road, Klong Toey, 10110 Bangkok, Thailand.
- Samhaber GmbHregionalRegional distributor for Austria. Located at Backerweg 3, 4502 St. Marien, Austria.
- NTS Commerce 2005 srlregionalRegional distributor for Romania. Located at Strada Boișoara 38, 060226 București, Romania.
- Gramag Grafische MaschinenregionalRegional distributor for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Located at Kreuzmatte 1e, 6260 Reiden, Switzerland.
- Grafocentro S.A.regionalRegional distributor for Panama, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Located at Urbanización Industrial Los Angeles, Octava Avenida, calle 63, Local # 6, Panamá.
- Joaquin Pujol GarciaregionalRegional distributor for Spain. Located at C/O Donnell 22-1º dcha, 28009 Madrid, Spain. Mobile: +34 609020929
- Polygraph Import Ltd.regionalRegional distributor for Moldova and Ukraine. Located at Tampere 5, 02105 Kiev, Ukraine.
- Graf MASZregionalRegional distributor for Poland. Located at Lopuszanska Str. 53, 02-232 Warsaw, Poland.
- Sommerus S.A.regionalRegional distributor for Costa Rica and Honduras.
- Hagraf S.A.regionalRegional distributor for Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MKW Graphische Maschinen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Duplo International: Japanese-headquartered, global provider of print finishing equipment including collating, booklet-making, and cutting systems. Competes with MKW across multiple finishing categories with broader product breadth and a larger global installed base.
- Müller Martini AG: Swiss-based global leader in print finishing with a broad portfolio spanning saddlestitchers, perfect binders, gathering/collating systems, and mailroom solutions. A larger, established incumbent that competes with MKW across multiple finishing segments and geographies.
- Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG: Global printing press and post-press incumbent; an overlapping competitor in finishing equipment and, importantly, also one of MKW's largest distribution partners across Latin America and the Balkans — a dual channel/competitor relationship.
Direct peers
- Hohner Maschinenbau GmbH: German specialist in collating machines, saddle-stitchers, and post-press equipment for the print finishing industry. Competes head-to-head with MKW in mid- and large-format collating systems sold to commercial and brochure printers across Europe.
- Challenge Machinery Company: US-based manufacturer of print finishing and paper-handling equipment including collators and cutters. Comparable to MKW as a specialized finishing machinery OEM serving commercial and in-house print operations.
- C.P. Bourg (BBPG): US-based manufacturer of collating, sheet feeding, and book-binding equipment, particularly strong in digital-print finishing workflows. Directly comparable to MKW in collator design and serves a similar commercial and in-house print customer base.
- Herzog + Heymann GmbH & Co. KG: German-headquartered manufacturer of collating and gathering machines for the printing industry, with overlapping product categories (sheet collators, large-format systems) and a shared customer base of commercial printers — making it the most directly comparable competitor to MKW.
- Horizon (Standard Horizon / Horizon International): Japanese manufacturer of collating, booklet-making, and print finishing systems with strong global distribution (including through MKW's own Japanese partner Uchida Yoko). Closely comparable product category — particularly in mid-format collating and inline finishing.
- Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG: German manufacturer of bookbinding and print finishing machinery, including gathering/collating lines for hard- and soft-cover production. Comparable to MKW as a German Mittelstand post-press OEM serving overlapping commercial printer and brochure manufacturer customers.
- Watkiss (Renz Group): UK-based manufacturer of print finishing equipment, including collating, booklet-making, and inline finishing systems. Directly comparable to MKW in target customer segments (commercial printers, brochure producers) and product positioning.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
MKW Graphische Maschinen social profiles
Digital presenceMKW Graphische Maschinen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MKW Graphische Maschinen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
MKW Graphische Maschinen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MKW Graphische Maschinen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MKW Graphische Maschinen
What does MKW Graphische Maschinen do?
MKW Graphische Maschinen GmbH manufactures and sells industrial collating machines (Zusammentragmaschinen) for print post-processing. The portfolio includes the RAPID UT, TRANS UT, RAPID UT-SC Smart Collator, GIANT UT, and MINI-GIANT UT collating systems, downstream booklet-making (SFT) and trimming (T20) machines, and a line of refurbished used machines with 12-month manufacturer warranty. Machines can be configured as stand-alone units or integrated into complete production lines with delivery systems and aggregates.
Is MKW Graphische Maschinen a public or private company?
MKW Graphische Maschinen is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was MKW Graphische Maschinen founded?
MKW Graphische Maschinen was founded in 1998. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MKW Graphische Maschinen based?
MKW Graphische Maschinen is headquartered in Ulmen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does MKW Graphische Maschinen make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. New Machinery Sales are the primary driver. The others are used/Reconditioned Machinery and spare Parts and Service.
Who are MKW Graphische Maschinen's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Duplo International, Müller Martini AG and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. Direct peers are Hohner Maschinenbau GmbH, Challenge Machinery Company, C.P. Bourg (BBPG), Herzog + Heymann GmbH & Co. KG, Horizon (Standard Horizon / Horizon International), Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG and Watkiss (Renz Group).
Does MKW Graphische Maschinen have an API?
No public API is recorded for MKW Graphische Maschinen.