As manroland web prepares to post mid-seven-figure profits for 2015, the company has announced that managing director Joern Gossé is to look for a new job.

Fifty-year-old Alexander Wassermann has been appointed 'second managing director', and will take over responsibility for service, production and human resources next month.

Gossé continues to be responsible for new machinery sales, the company's subsidiaries, technology and finance, but will "look about a new engagement in northern Germany in the medium term," a statement says.

manroland says its sales, order intake and profit before tax all increased noticeably during the year. Sales revenues are expected to be about 240 million Euros, and orders for new machines will be about 140 million Euros, a "significant increase" compared to 2014.

As a result, the company says it worldwide market share will exceed 40 per cent.

Gossé says earnings before tax (EBT) will also be positive, expected at a "median single-digit-million Euros" amount: "Due to the raised order intake level, further improved profits are expected for 2016.

"Our growth is based on market share gains still in a stagnating market environment. Furthermore, we improved our position in the market for digital printing systems achieving joyful growth rates with our digital finishing lines."

Wassermann spent 16 years with the paper machine business unit of Voith, Heidenheim, and was most recently with German envelope-making and wrapping machinery maker Bielomatik Leuze.

Pictured: Alexander Wassermann