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Chris Davies · Head of Product Marketing · Epson · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Chris Davies from Epson about the company’s growing presence across multiple print segments, including signage, dye sublimation, DTF, UV printing, and software solutions. Reflecting on the first days of the exhibition, Davies highlights the strong visitor quality at this year’s FESPA, with customers arriving ready to invest and explore new production technologies. The conversation covers several of Epson’s latest developments, including the SureColor V4000 UV printer, the new F20,000 dye sublimation printer, and the G9000 wide-format DTF solution. Davies also discusses Epson’s expansion into workflow and color management technologies through software platforms such as Fiery integration and Epson’s own SD10 spectrometer solution, which allows users to capture and reproduce colors quickly and accurately within production workflows. Together, they discuss how Epson continues to expand beyond hardware into integrated production ecosystems that combine printing, software, color management, and workflow automation. The interview also highlights the growing demand for versatile production technologies across textile, signage, and industrial print markets, as well as Epson’s positive business momentum entering 2026.
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Ken Hanulec · Vice President · EFI · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Ken Hanulec from EFI about the company’s latest developments across signage, packaging, corrugated, and industrial textile printing. EFI presents a broad portfolio of new technologies at the show, including high-speed UV printers, dye sublimation systems, roll-to-roll solutions, and advanced workflow automation tools, all attracting strong attention from visitors across Europe and beyond. The conversation highlights several of EFI’s newest systems, including the FabriVU 340i+ for high-end dye sublimation graphics, the Q3h XP seven-color UV printer, the hybrid M3hX platform, and the wide-format X5r roll-to-roll solution. Hanulec explains how EFI focuses on combining speed, color quality, flexibility, and automation to help customers improve efficiency while delivering highly differentiated graphics for demanding brand applications. Together, they also discuss the increasing role of software-driven automation, production analytics, sustainability, and labor reduction within modern print manufacturing. EFI’s portfolio includes LED curing technologies, environmentally conscious print solutions, and workflow systems designed to optimize factory performance and reduce operational costs. The interview also touches on EFI’s recent EDP Award wins for its roll-to-roll and Nozomi product families, underlining the company’s continued focus on innovation across industrial digital print markets.
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Jacob Hansen · CEO · Robotfactory · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Jacob Hansen from Robotfactory about how robotics and automation are becoming increasingly important within the graphics and finishing industry. Working closely with Zünd for more than 30 years in the Nordic region, Robotfactory specializes in integrating robotic solutions with digital cutting systems to automate loading, unloading, sorting, and material handling processes for print and finishing companies. The conversation explores how modern robotic systems are evolving from simple collaborative robots into highly flexible production tools capable of handling sheets, rolls, stickers, streamers, and a wide variety of materials through interchangeable grippers and software-controlled workflows. Hansen explains that Robotfactory focuses on creating standardized automation platforms that can later be customized and upgraded to meet customer requirements. Together, they discuss the challenges of labor shortages, rising production costs, and the need for easy-to-use automation that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. While robotic systems represent a significant investment, Hansen argues that the return on investment often comes faster than expected, especially as labor becomes more expensive and difficult to find. Both agree that robotics will play a central role in the future of print production, particularly as the industry moves toward more automated, flexible, and lights-out manufacturing environments.
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James Fu · General Manager · Aily Group · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with James Fu from Aily Group about the company’s rapid expansion into the European market and its latest AI-driven UV printing technologies. Based in China with growing operations and support infrastructure across Europe, Aily Group is focused on bringing advanced automation, robotics, and intelligent printing systems to industrial and graphics applications. The conversation centers on the company’s AI-enabled UV flatbed solutions, which combine robotic loading systems, automated positioning, and camera-driven print recognition to create highly automated production environments. Fu explains how the company has spent years developing “non-stop AI” technology that allows continuous automated production with minimal human intervention. The systems are designed to identify products automatically, handle multiple applications, and operate around the clock, particularly for industrial markets such as toy manufacturing and customized object printing. Together, they discuss how labor shortages, rising production costs, and increasing demand for automation are driving interest in robotics and AI-powered print systems. Fu also highlights Aily Group’s ambitions to build a stronger European distributor network while continuing to refine its products through close cooperation with end users and real-world production environments.
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Michael Deflorian · Vice President Kyveris & Software Solutions · Durst · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Michael Deflorian from Durst about the company’s visionary “Kyveris Sandbox” concept, a fully autonomous production environment designed to demonstrate the future of industrial digital print manufacturing. Combining robotics, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), AI-driven workflow intelligence, quality inspection systems, and digital twin technology, the setup showcases how lights-out production is moving from concept to reality. Deflorian explains how the system creates a virtual digital twin of the production environment that continuously monitors and synchronizes with the physical production line in real-time. Materials are automatically transported by AGVs, loaded and unloaded by robotic arms with sub-millimeter precision, printed, quality-checked through camera inspection systems, and sorted automatically without human intervention. The solution is designed to reduce touchpoints, minimize waste, improve efficiency, and support fully automated production workflows across complex print environments. The conversation also highlights how Durst’s open software architecture and Open Software Initiative enable integration with third-party devices, OEM equipment, and external workflow systems, enabling automation across mixed production environments rather than only within a single vendor ecosystem. Together, they discuss how AI, automation, sustainability, and industrial intelligence are rapidly reshaping the future of print production.
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Robert Zehnpfenning · Regional Sales Manager · Kolbus · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Robert Zehnpfenning from Kolbus about the growing opportunities in the corrugated packaging market and the company’s latest production solutions. Exhibiting in FESPA’s dedicated corrugated section, Kolbus presents both its Box Maker and Rotary Die Cutter systems, attracting strong interest from visitors across Spain and international markets. The conversation focuses on the Kolbus Box Maker, designed for small to medium production runs of highly customized corrugated packaging. Combining integrated digital printing with servo-driven automation and rapid setup times of around 60 seconds, the system enables flexible and efficient short-run production. Zehnpfenning also discusses the company’s heavy-duty rotary die cutter, built with robust German engineering for medium to large production volumes, emphasizing precision, durability, and high-performance manufacturing. Together, they discuss how automation, intelligent controls, and flexible production are becoming increasingly important within corrugated packaging as converters seek faster turnaround times, greater customization, and more efficient workflows. The interview also highlights Kolbus’ expanding international presence, including installations in markets such as Mexico, and the company’s continued focus on innovation within corrugated production technology.
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Neil Fenton · CEO · FESPA · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, about the strong success of this year’s exhibition and the continued evolution of the event as one of the print industry’s most important international gatherings. Reflecting on the first days of the show, Felton highlights positive feedback from exhibitors on visitor quality, strong footfall, and growing international attendance in Barcelona. The conversation explores FESPA’s expansion into new sectors, including corrugated packaging, personalization, and textile applications, as well as the importance of creating specialized areas and communities within the exhibition. Felton explains how FESPA’s federation structure, supported by 37 national associations and thousands of members worldwide, helps drive engagement and strengthens the event’s community-focused identity. Together, they discuss why Barcelona has proven to be such a successful host city, combining strong industry participation with its status as an attractive international destination. The interview also touches on the future of FESPA, including upcoming developments for Munich 2027, the continued growth of the exhibition after COVID, and the increasing importance of building trade shows around active industry communities rather than simply exhibition space.
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Christoph Schacht · Co-Founder · Printess · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Christoph from Printess about how AI is beginning to transform personalized print products and web-to-print services. The conversation focuses on Printess’ new AI-driven photo book solution, where users simply upload a folder of holiday photos and artificial intelligence automatically selects, analyzes, and designs the photo book based on image quality, facial expressions, focus, and composition. Christoph explains how the solution is designed as an easy add-on service for PSPs and web-to-print providers, allowing them to offer photo books through their existing customer databases without necessarily producing the products themselves. The discussion also highlights how software companies face varying levels of visibility at exhibitions like FESPA, where hardware often dominates attention, even as software solutions remain crucial for automation, customer access, and expanding product portfolios.
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Len Koerts · General Manager · Kornit Digital · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Len Koerts from Kornit Digital about the company’s latest developments in direct-to-garment and direct-to-fabric printing. The conversation highlights Kornit’s new Atlas Matrix platform, which combines cotton and polyester printing capabilities into a single machine and addresses major industry challenges, such as dye migration, through Kornit’s new “Digi Blocker” technology. Len Koerts explains that while Kornit is known for its machines, the company is fundamentally built around ink chemistry and innovation. The discussion also explores how automation, robotics, workflow integration, and software are becoming increasingly critical as labor costs rise and production demands become more complex. Following Kornit’s acquisition of PrintFactory, the company now offers integrated workflow solutions designed to optimize both production efficiency and print-on-demand business models. Together, they discuss how the future of textile printing depends on combining sustainability, automation, software, and high-quality on-demand production to reduce waste and improve profitability.
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Andy Wauters · Sales Director · SAi · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Andy Wauters from SAi about the company’s role in the global large-format print and sign industry. Although often operating behind the scenes through OEM partnerships, SAi has become one of the industry’s major software providers, delivering cloud-based workflow and production solutions for sign making, printing, and cutting applications. The conversation focuses on Flexi, SAi’s flagship software platform, which combines design, print production, and cutting workflows into a single environment. Wauters explains how SAi has evolved from traditional software installations to a fully cloud-based subscription model and how the company integrates with leading OEMs, including Roland, Summa, Epson, Canon, and numerous printer manufacturers worldwide. Together, they discuss the growing importance of software, APIs, automation, and workflow integration in modern print production, as well as SAi’s steady global growth across the sign, graphics, and industrial print markets.
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Chris Schowalter · Global Sales Director · Durst · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Chris Schowalter from Durst about the European launch of the company’s Open Software Initiative, a major step toward creating fully connected, API-driven workflow ecosystems for the print industry. The initiative, built around Durst’s Kyana software strategy, combines web-to-print, ERP, PDF optimization, RIP technology, analytics, and cloud-based workflow tools into an open, modular platform that integrates with virtually any print environment. Chris Schowalter explains how the system is designed to give customers flexibility, allowing them to implement complete end-to-end workflows or select modules as needed. The conversation also explores Durst’s growing software ecosystem, including Smart Shop, Lift ERP, Prepare, and Produce, as well as integrations with GMG, Enfocus Switch, and other third-party technologies. Together, they discuss how openness, automation, APIs, cloud connectivity, and AI-driven workflow optimization are becoming increasingly important as the print industry moves toward more scalable and interconnected production environments.
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Isabell Nope · Product Manager Switch · Enfocus · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Isabell Nope from Enfocus about how automation, AI, and workflow integration continue to transform print production. As Product Manager for Switch, Nope explains how Enfocus uses live demonstrations at exhibitions to showcase the power of connected workflows, app integrations, and automated file processing in real time. One of the highlights at the booth is an interactive football-card application where visitors upload a smartphone image that automatically moves through a complete Switch workflow. The system removes backgrounds, applies AI enhancements, adds graphic elements, and delivers a finished personalized card back to the user within moments. Nope also discusses Enfocus’s expanding App Store ecosystem, now featuring hundreds of integrations, as well as the company’s upcoming AI assistant designed to simplify onboarding and workflow setup for users. The conversation also touches on Griffin+, Enfocus’s award-winning nesting software for wide-format production, which recently received an EDP Award for innovation.
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Peter Wiesendanger · Geschäftsführer · Wiesendanger Medien · Print Symposium ’26

At the Print Symposium in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with Peter Wiesendanger, one of the key people behind the Veit Rudolf Print Symposium and owner of a highly specialized bookbinding operation. The conversation centers on craftsmanship, teamwork, and the passion for producing exceptional printed products through creativity, technology, and close collaboration with customers and printing companies. Wiesendanger explains how his production environment functions like a “construction kit,” in which different machines and finishing processes can be combined to meet even the most demanding customer requirements. He also describes the symposium itself as a product that should reflect the same pursuit of perfection as the company’s printed work. Together, they discuss how the event has become much more than an industry gathering, serving as inspiration, marketing, networking, and a celebration of the people behind print. Both agree that the industry must actively create opportunities, invest in innovation, and demonstrate the emotional and physical value of print if it wants to continue growing and attracting attention.
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Veit Rudolph · Geschäftsführer · Rudolph Druck · Print Symposium ’26

At the Print Symposium in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with Veit Rudolph, one of the driving forces behind the now well-known Veit Rudolph Print Symposium. The conversation reflects on the unique atmosphere of the event, which combines elements of a family gathering, an industry celebration, a learning experience, and a business networking platform for printers, suppliers, customers, and partners from across the print industry. Veit Rudolph explains that the symposium was built by drawing inspiration from the best parts of other events and creating something in which everyone feels equal, welcome, and energized. The event highlights collaboration over competition, encouraging printers to work together, share expertise, and focus on creating profitable, high-quality print products rather than competing solely on price. Together, they discuss the importance of craftsmanship, specialization, positive energy, and attracting new generations into the industry. Rudolph believes the future of print depends on passion, cooperation, and showing the world how creative, emotional, and exciting the print industry can actually be.
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Sascha Knabe · Niederlassungsleiter · Heidelberg · Print Symposium ´26

At the Print Symposium in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with Sascha from Heidelberg, responsible for sales in Southern Germany, about the strength of the regional print market and the importance of keeping enthusiasm alive in the industry. Surrounded by printers, suppliers, and creatives at the “Danger Zone” event hosted by Fight Rudolf Druck, the conversation highlights why Heidelberg supports initiatives that celebrate print and bring the industry together.

Sascha explains that Southern Germany remains one of Heidelberg’s strongest markets, with thousands of printing companies and a long tradition of high-quality print production. While the industry has faced crises ranging from COVID and energy costs to economic uncertainty, he believes the greatest danger is losing passion for the business. Both discuss how the print industry still struggles to promote itself effectively to governments, agencies, brands, and end customers, despite print being one of the most sustainable and emotionally engaging communication channels available today.
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Rudolph Druck · Geschäftsführer · Butz & Bürker · Print Symposium ’26

At the Print Symposium in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with Thomas Karcher, a printer, podcaster, and growing voice in the German print industry, about how print can reconnect with customers through passion, craftsmanship, and digital communication. The conversation explores how printers often forget the unique value of what they create, from fine papers and laminations to bindings and finishing techniques that most customers have never experienced before.

Thomas Karcher explains how online printers changed the market by simplifying ordering processes and improving transparency, while traditional printers still have enormous opportunities through specialization, creativity, and customer relationships. Together, they discuss how print and digital media should not compete, but instead work together in an omnichannel approach where each medium supports the other. Social media, storytelling, and physical print samples are all seen as essential tools for inspiring customers and demonstrating the emotional and tactile power of print.
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Thomas Grübner · Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter · Elbe-Leasing Print Symposium ´26

At the Print Symposium in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with Thomas Grübner from Elbe-Leasing about the financial challenges facing the print industry. In the “Danger Zone” discussion, they address how banks and financial institutions increasingly hesitate to finance printing companies, while also highlighting the industry’s innovation, creativity, and importance as a medium of communication. Grübner argues that the industry itself, printers, associations, finance companies, and media, must work together to better communicate the value and future of print.
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Frank Lorenz · Regional Sales Lead · Ricoh Deutschland · Print Symposium ´26

At the Print Symposium in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with Frank Lorenz from Ricoh about the company’s journey in professional print, from its early drupa appearances to today’s high-speed inkjet developments like the Pro VC80000. The conversation explores how Ricoh listens closely to customers and focuses not only on print quality and speed, but also on process simplification, automation, and investment security for printers facing growing market pressure. In the “Danger Zone” discussion, they address shrinking print volumes, competition from digital media, labor shortages, and increasing demands for productivity and sustainability. Frank Lorenz emphasizes that partnerships across the industry, from paper manufacturers to software companies and print providers, are essential for innovation and future growth. Both agree that the print industry still has enormous opportunities, but success depends on collaboration, communication, and understanding customer needs beyond technical specifications.
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David Schmedding · Chief Technology & Sales Officer · Heidelberg · Print Symposium ´26

At the Print Summit in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with David Schmedding from Heidelberg about the challenges and opportunities facing the global print industry. As one of the sponsors of the event, Heidelberg supports initiatives like the “Danger Zone,” where printers, suppliers, and industry experts openly discuss market pressures, creativity, and the future of print.

The conversation touches on everything from hypothetical supply chain crises to the need for stronger industry collaboration and more visible marketing of print’s value. Schmedding highlights how events like this create the right spirit for the industry, bringing together printers, manufacturers, and suppliers to inspire new ideas and make print more tangible and relevant. Both agree that the industry must become better at communicating the emotional, physical, and branding power of print to new audiences and customers.
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Carmen Garbisch · Sales Manager · Gebr. Schabert · Print Symposium ´26

At the Print Symposium in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with Carmen Garbisch from Schabert, a long-established distributor of bookbinding materials founded in 1946. The conversation focuses on the future of books, print, and the role materials play in creating premium printed products. In the “Danger Zone” discussion, Garbisch shares her concerns about a fully digital future where books could lose relevance, while also emphasizing that the book market has remained surprisingly stable. Together, they discuss the importance of the industry becoming more proactive in promoting print and publishing, not only within the industry itself, but also toward publishers, bookbinders, and consumers. Garbisch explains how events like the Print Symposium help connect suppliers, printers, and publishers, creating inspiration, collaboration, and new opportunities for the future of print.
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