Ball & Doggett to expand Metamark portfolio following acquisition by UPM Raflatac

L-R Steve Warn Ball & Doggett, Pravin Krishnan Metamark Malaysia, Rob Brussolo Ball & Doggett

Following the recent acquisition of Metamark by UPM Raflatac in a deal valued at GBP 146 million in February this year, local distributor Ball & Doggett is poised to expand the Metamark product portfolio, leveraging access to a broader range of technology.

"The consolidation brings significant technological advantages we can leverage across the group, particularly when it comes to new products," explains Rob Brussolo, GM Sign Display and Digital. "In addition to Metamark's broad product portfolio of high-quality self-adhesive colour films, print films for large format colour printing, laminates and wrapping films, we now have access to a wider range of products and technologies, including Grafityp's state-of-the-art casting technology. They also have a range of sustainable PVC-free white films and are currently one of the very few manufacturers globally to offer PVC-free coloured monomeric films."

More choice in Automotive

"Ball & Doggett plans to increase the colours in the Metacast MCX automotive colour wrap range. MCX is made from 100-micron dual-layer cast film, which provides excellent conformability and resilience on complex curves and surfaces. It features MetaGlide Air Release Technology, which utilises microchannels that enable bubble-free application, easy repositioning, and faster installation. It offers up to 12 years of external durability, covered by the MetaSure Warranty. The Metacast MCX premium film was launched in 2023 and has performed well both in Australia and globally, creating a strong foundation for further growth", says Brussolo.

Architectural Films Open New Revenue Streams

"We are also expanding the MiA (Metamark Interior Architectural) film range, bringing in a range of additional colours that were launched at FESPA in May this year. Ball & Doggett launched the MiA range at Visual Impact in Brisbane last year. MiA Interior Architectural films are designed for use on a wide range of substrates, allowing the surface finish to be recovered. Typical applications include kitchen, bedroom and bathroom doors, lift doors, office doors, hotel walls and fixtures, washroom partitions, health club locker doors and domestic use. This product has gone extremely well for us in Australia, and we've seen our sign and display customers diversify their portfolios into architectural applications, giving them another avenue for new customers and additional revenue," observes Brussolo.

"Looking to the future, we will continue to innovate and develop the Metamark brand. Not only in terms of colours and finishes, but also in terms of new products, such as PVC-free solutions, which align with the growing environmental consciousness among end customers. There's always a question when companies get bought out regarding what happens to the brands, but this is a buy-and-build strategy, with many more new products to come under the Metamark brand," concludes Brussolo.