Ed Hudson has been appointed as the General Manager for the Plockmatic Group’s UK Sales and Service operations, effective from May 1st, 2024. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader growth strategy to address evolving customer needs for increased automation and to refine its go-to-market approach by streamlining the sales of both inline and offline post-press solutions. The appointment coincides with the retirement of Ray Hillhouse, VP of Sales and Marketing Offline, who has decided to take early retirement after a distinguished 40-year career in the print industry.
Ed Hudson’s Industry Background
Ed Hudson brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He began his career in the print industry with Xerox in the mid-1990s, followed by a 17-year tenure with Océ and Canon, where he held various national sales and marketing management positions. In 2014, Hudson transitioned to roles outside the print industry, working in environmental consultancy and later in the power quality sector, where he collaborated with diverse global clients. In late 2024, he returned to the print industry as Sales Director at IBIS Integrated Binding Systems in High Wycombe.
Role and Responsibilities
As the newly appointed General Manager, Hudson will oversee sales, service, and support for both inline and offline post-press products in the UK. He will focus on addressing the challenges faced by the UK client base, including rising employment costs, supply chain uncertainties, and the impact of US tariffs. Hudson aims to provide tailored, cost-effective solutions that align with clients’ business needs, leveraging the extensive range of products from the Plockmatic Group, which includes brands like Morgana, Intec, Uchida, Summa/Valiani, GBC, Mohr, EBA, Citoborma, Hohner, Rhino-o-Tuff, and Cany.
Rebranding and Strategic Focus
As part of its growth strategy, the Plockmatic Group plans to rebrand its UK operations as Plockmatic Group UK, consolidating the individual Morgana and Intec brands. This move mirrors the company’s earlier consolidation of Watkiss Automation Ltd and KGS srl, its PUR binder manufacturing division. The rebranding aims to streamline operations and enhance the company’s market presence.
The Plockmatic Group remains committed to supporting trade events globally. Notable upcoming exhibitions include FESPA in Berlin, Printing United Expo and Amplify Print in the USA, Labelexpo in Spain, All2Print and Sign & Print in the Nordics, SouthPrint and Finish at Brands Hatch (June 25-26), and The Print Show at the NEC (September 23-25).
Ray Hillhouse’s Retirement
Ray Hillhouse’s decision to retire marks the end of a remarkable 40-year career in the print industry. Hillhouse began his career in 1985 as a service engineer at ABDick, a small offset machine manufacturer. He quickly transitioned to sales and later took on marketing roles at the company’s head office in Brentford. In 2010, Hillhouse joined Morgana, where he managed the UK sales team. Following Plockmatic’s acquisition of Morgana, he held various leadership positions, including Director roles, as the company expanded its portfolio by acquiring Watkiss Automation in 2018 and Intec Printing Solutions in 2022.
Hillhouse’s retirement follows an intense period of international travel, particularly to the US, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and upgrading sales and distribution channels. His responsibilities within the Plockmatic Group have been redistributed among the existing management team, with Ed Hudson taking the helm of UK operations.
Future Outlook
Under Hudson’s leadership, the Plockmatic Group aims to strengthen its position in the UK market by offering innovative, automated post-press solutions that cater to the evolving needs of print businesses. The company’s focus on rebranding and consolidating its operations reflects its commitment to delivering seamless, integrated solutions to its clients. By maintaining a strong presence at key industry events, the Plockmatic Group continues to showcase its product portfolio and engage with its global customer base.
Hudson’s appointment signals a new chapter for the Plockmatic Group, as it seeks to build on its legacy of innovation and customer-centricity. With his extensive industry experience and strategic vision, Hudson is well-positioned to drive the company’s growth and ensure its continued success in the highly competitive print and post-press market. Meanwhile, the retirement of Ray Hillhouse marks the end of an era, with his contributions leaving a lasting impact on the company’s development and expansion.
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