Ryobi, xpedx End Distribution Agreement

xpedx and Ryobi Ltd. have agreed to end their distribution relationship in the United States and Canada. Effective October 1, Ferrostaal AG will be master distributor for Ryobi offset printing presses in these markets.

xpedx has distributed Ryobi offset presses in the United States since 1978, and in Canada since 2009. Ferrostaal is a worldwide brand operating in more than 40 countries. The company has supplied the graphic arts industry for 50 years and has been a Ryobi distributor since 1996. Today, Ferrostaal distributes Ryobi presses in South Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

“xpedx has enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Ryobi Ltd., and has been proud to be associated with Ryobi’s superior performance, reliability, and ease of operation,” said Dan Watkoske, xpedx’s executive vice president, sales. “As we evaluate how to bring the greatest value to our customers in this evolving marketplace, we have chosen to exit the offset press market and focus on the things that will enable xpedx to support our customers’ growth.”

xpedx will continue to provide sales support until Oct. 1, 2011 and during that time, John Torrey, vice president and general manager, xpedx Technology Center, will lead the transition of the Ryobi business from xpedx to Ferrostaal. After Oct. 1, Ryobi press owners will have three service options: xpedx, Ferrostaal and independent service providers.

“Ferrostaal has represented Ryobi’s offset press line for more than 15 years, expanding our reach across continents by providing excellent sales and support,” said Bernd Ahlmann, senior vice president, Equipment Solutions, Ferrostaal AG. “Last year, we took on distribution activities for Ryobi products in the Middle East and we are now very pleased to follow this success story with Ryobi in the United States and Canada.”