New North America managing director of manroland Goss Dave Soden brings a relationship with the company's predecessors which extends across four decades.

In the 1990s, he had been head of electrical research and development with Heidelberg Web, which had bought web press maker Harris Graphics in 1988 and Stork Contiweb and mailroom vendor Sheridan eight years later.

Soden succeeded Greg Blue, managing director of Durham operations - who moves to a 'transition support' role with the company - last month, and is charged with implementing the new company's solutions-based strategy.

He was previously vice president of aftermarket services for Goss International.

Well known as a leader in engineering and controls systems, he had struck out first to Canadian press drive maker GES Control Systems, and then to his Graphic Automation and Controls, which was sold to Goss in 2017. Meanwhile, Heidelberg had famously sold out of web printing, handing its web division to Goss in which it retained a 15 per cent holding.

Soden says manroland Goss will focus on the group's four areas of competency in North America - new presses, supplying enhancements and upgrades for existing equipment of any brand ('engineered solutions'), service and via its e-commerce solutions, supplying a platform for vendors to provide parts, supplies and components.

He sees the future in the versatility of its offering to users of all brands of presses. "The strength and direction will continue in those areas, as well as taking our expertise to all makes, models and vintages of equipment," he says. "We want to be a complete solutions provider for our customers, providing solutions to fit all their needs regardless of press type."

manroland Goss web systems Americas will continue to operate from Durham, New Hampshire, as its North American corporate headquarters.

Pictured: Dave Soden