The France-based cartridge and components supplier was created in 1990, and traded in toners, cartridges and components for copiers and laser printers.
It also had a customer base throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Medifill was taken over by Serge and Veronique Lammerant in 2007, who developed the company’s offering to printer products and spare parts, working alongside IR Italiana Riprografia.
Serge Lammerant told The Recycler that increasing pricing competition from Asia, along with the labour costs in France and the shortage of the lifecycle of products, led to their decline. Trading of empties and bulk toners was also made “unprofitable” by the evolution of the euro/US dollar rate.
David Connett, Editor and Publisher of The Recycler, said: “It is always sad when a well-established company like Medifill decides to close their doors. But it is the evolution of a maturing and declining market, and unfortunately Medifill follow in the steps of many other companies, and won’t be the last to close their doors.
“In 1990 the industry was in its infancy, and we all learned and collaborated with each other to build a business and carve a niche in an 100-percent OEM market. If you know how to remanufacture a cartridge you could build a successful business in a growing market.
“Today the challenges are very different, and the economic situation and currency rates are all beyond the influence of small remanufacturers. The closure of Medifill is sad news indeed, and we wish everyone at the company every best wish and success for the future.”
The company has now decided to cease all operations by the end of 2015, with customers recommended to redirect their orders to IR Italiana Riprografia. Medifill’s management is currently offering the last stocks of finished products, including GPI empties and bulk toners, at discounted prices. For more details, contact: management@medifill.com.