"In 1987, my father – Floor de Groot – set off for Japan with just a backpack, determined to change the future of our printing company," says Anton de Groot, director of De Groot Drukkerij.
This story marks the beginning of a long-standing partnership with Komori, one that has transformed the company and elevated it to new heights.
From humble beginnings to global inspiration
De Groot Drukkerij started humbly in 1965, founded by Anton's grandfather, a theologian and publisher. Originally housed in a farmhouse, the printing company steadily grew. In the 1980s, after selling the publishing arm, the company faced the challenge of compensating for the lost revenue. They began producing weekly door-to-door newspapers to keep the printing presses running.
Anton de Groot, Floor de Groot , Yoshiharu Komori & Satoshi Mochida
The Farmhouse
In 1987, Floor de Groot, Anton’s father, made a bold move. He travelled solo to Japan to visit the IGAS trade fair—at a time when international travel was a true adventure and the event was primarily geared toward the Asian market. At IGAS, Floor encountered Komori’s cutting-edge printing technologies.
A trusted partnership built on performance
The introduction of Komori printing presses brought a wave of innovation and growth. De Groot Drukkerij invested in several Komori machines, leading to greater success and efficiency. Over the years, they have acquired more than 10 Komori presses, a testament to their trust in the quality and reliability of these machines.
De Groot’s New Asset: The GL-637
Recently, De Groot Drukkerij added a new machine to their impressive lineup: the GL-637. This advanced press replaces the previous five-colour Komori and offers numerous advantages. The GL-637 uses less material—such as printing plates, cloths, and ink rollers—resulting in cost savings. Its compact size takes up less physical space, which is ideal for the company. The lower energy consumption contributes to the company's sustainability efforts. The ability to save on costs and operate more efficiently makes the machine commercially attractive. Additionally, the automated and upgraded features of the GL-637 are a perfect match for modern printing demands.
"We are extremely proud of the sale of the GL-637 to De Groot Drukkerij," says Jeroen Hulshoff, Regional Sales Director at Komori. "This machine offers significant advantages in efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings. It’s wonderful to see that De Groot recognizes these benefits and continues to invest in innovative technologies to strengthen their competitive edge. Their trust in Komori and our products is a testament to the long and successful partnership we’ve built."
Komori: A Trusted Partner for the Future
The decision to work with Komori has brought long-term benefits. The printing company has been able to leverage the durability and efficiency of Komori machines. Maintenance requires less time and money compared to other brands, which is a major advantage.
The partnership has also fostered a sense of connection and family. Komori’s service is accessible and reliable, with a branch in the Netherlands offering direct support. This has helped strengthen the lasting relationship between De Groot Drukkerij and Komori.
60 Years of Innovation
This year, De Groot Drukkerij celebrates its 60th anniversary—a milestone that highlights its commitment to innovation and quality. To mark the occasion, the company has created a special anniversary logo and is planning a festive celebration later in the year.
"Thanks to my father's vision and determination, our printing company continues to innovate and grow, with Komori as our trusted partner," Anton says. "The new GL-637 is proof of our ongoing commitment to efficiency and sustainability."
