Sihl develops, produces and sells media for large and small-format digital colour printing using the inkjet and dielectric methods as well as special products for technical and graphic applications. It also manufactures flexible data carriers for registration and identification purposes. In 2003 Sihl became a member of the Italian Diatec group which specialises in the business segments "paper for technical drawings" and "paper for textile processing". Sihl AG consists of three production sites in Germany (Düren) and Switzerland (Bern and Zürich) and sales offices and branches in countries throughout the world. At the Düren site, over 290 members of staff produce wide-format paper (photo, film, specialities), paper for small office/home office applications (inkjet, copy/laser) and semi-finished products and information carriers (tickets, labels, records). The Düren factory with its 11 coating machines of the latest generation is one of the most modern and biggest coating plants in Germany. Also based in Düren is the Research and Development Department. At the Application Centre, all Sihl media is comprehensively tested with the latest types of printers. Sihl's German sales strategy currently concentrates on direct sales for which a specially established organisation, Sihl Di:rect, is responsible. Alongside direct sales, Sihl also plans to build on partnerships with the specialist retail trade. Another important area of production is the plant in Bern with its 90-strong workforce. Three modern coating systems produce inkjet specialities such as Vinyl & Banner, Canvas, Backlit or Artist. Over 7000 jumbo rolls are processed a year. The plant in Bern is also the home of an application centre for optimum image processing and the company's own research and development department. In 2003, Sihl became a member of the Italian Diatec Group which specialises in the business divisions "Paper for technical drawing" and "Paper for textile processing".