IN a rare moment of industry camaraderie and strategic evolution, the representation of Comexi – a global leader in CI flexographic presses and converting equipment – has officially transferred from Advanced Packaging Technology to Kamboo Marketing in South Africa.
The announcement was made in May during Comexi’s Africa Open Day at its Spanish headquarters, where customers, agents and partners from around the continent converged for machine demonstrations and strategic discussions.
Gary Kieswetter, director of Advanced Packaging Technology and longtime Comexi representative, had travelled to Spain for a customer acceptance test when the news was shared. ‘I met Hannes [Kritzinger] during the Africa Open Day. We had a great chat and I’m confident that he and his team will carry the Comexi legacy proudly in South Africa and do a fantastic job with it.’
The agency handover – effective from 1 June – marks a significant chapter for both parties. Kamboo Marketing, led by CEO Hannes Kritzinger, is now the official representative of Comexi machines and equipment across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. The shift, as Hannes explains, is part of a broader restructuring under Comexi’s new executive leadership, aimed at aligning regional representation with evolving global strategies.
*Succession planning, market reach and portfolio alignment were central to Comexi’s decision,’ Hannes notes. ‘Because we already represent Alpine and Miraclon – key players in the wide web flexo ecosystem – Comexi saw a strong synergy. We operate offices in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, supported by a nationwide team of skilled technicians – enabling us to deliver responsive, expert service to customers across the country.’
Crucially, both parties have embraced a collaborative handover approach. ‘Hannes and I will communicate and collaborate actively,’ Gary emphasised. “There’s no bad blood -just mutual respect and a shared commitment to supporting the Comexi customer base.’
Hannes echoes the sentiment. ‘We take nothing away from Gary and his team, who’ve done a stellar job over the past 15 years. Our task now is to build on that success, bring in new talent and tap into markets where Comexi hasn’t had a strong presence yet.
For Gary, the future remains bright. ‘It’s business as usual for us with our other agencies like Hudson-Sharp, and we’re exploring exciting new partnerships. Watch this space.’
In an industry often marked by fierce competition, this transition serves as a reminder: change, when handled with integrity and vision, can be a shared success story.
Entries open for SAPRO Awards 2025
ENTRIES are now open for the 2025 SAPRO Awards for the Best Recycled Plastic Products – South Africa’s premier platform for recognising innovation in recycled plastics.
Open to recyclers, manufacturers and brand owners, the competition invites entries across six categories: Flexible Packaging, Rigid Packaging, Agriculture, Household & Leisure, Construction & Building and Creative or Artisanal Solutions.
With entries growing in both quantity and calibre each year, the awards shine a spotlight on circular economy champions and offer valuable exposure to new markets and consumers.
Submissions close on 31 July 2025, and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 27 August at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, where industry stakeholders will gather to celebrate progress in recycled plastics. Polyco is the platinum partner of the event. Entry forms and full details are available on SAPRO’s website: www.plasticrecyclingsa.co.za/2025-sapro-awards
