Automated Quality Is the Advantage · Thomas Macina · Durst · All in Print China 2026
China is one of the world’s largest printing markets, and for Durst, it represents both enormous opportunities and increasingly strong competition.
At All in Print China in Shanghai, INKISH Editor-in-Chief Morten B. Reitoft meets Thomas Macina, Sales Director Labels & Flexible Packaging at Durst Group, to discuss the importance of the Chinese market, changing customer expectations, and how Durst differentiates itself from increasingly capable local manufacturers.
For Macina, competing in China is not about offering the lowest price. It is about innovation, productivity, sustainability, and, perhaps most importantly, automated quality. Brand owners expect consistent results regardless of operators, shifts, or production dates, and Durst believes its technology can deliver precisely that.
The conversation also explores Durst’s growing installed base in China, the introduction of its new Tau G3 technology to the Chinese market, and the recently announced acquisition of MPS. While flexographic printing is highly competitive in China, Macina explains that Durst’s immediate priority is ensuring continuity and strengthening the MPS operation before considering further international expansion.
Beyond technology, Macina emphasizes something equally important: listening to customers. With frequent visits to China and other international markets, he believes that understanding customers firsthand is essential for developing solutions that remain relevant.
An engaging conversation about competing in China, the value of automation, and why staying close to customers remains central to Durst’s strategy for the future.
Contact
Durst Group AG
39042
Brixen
Italy
Email : info@durst-group.com
Thu October 22nd
Selling Premium Technology in China · Henry ...
China is one of the world's most competitive markets for digital printing technology, and selling premium European equipment requires more than demonstrating impressive specifications. At All in Print China in Shanghai, INKISH Editor-in-Chief Morten B. Reitoft speaks with Henry Cheng, Managing Director of Durst China, about building a market for high-end digital printing solutions. Cheng explains how Durst positions itself at the premium end of the market, where production consistency, high speeds, reliability, and automation must justify a significantly higher investment than many locally manufactured alternatives. When Durst entered the Chinese digital label market in 2020, convincing customers to invest required patience, extensive communication, and proof of the technology's capabilities. Today, with more than 30 installations, Cheng sees how successful early adopters and word-of-mouth recommendations are helping establish confidence in the brand. Interestingly, Durst's first Chinese customer in this segment was not a traditional label converter but a sticker producer exporting to Japan, demonstrating the importance of identifying applications beyond established market segments. Competition is also changing rapidly. Alongside established European manufacturers, Chinese digital press suppliers have made significant technological progress, creating an increasingly demanding competitive environment. The conversation also explores Durst's Kyveris concept and its potential for lights-out production. Cheng believes the vision is highly relevant to China's manufacturing ambitions, but emphasizes that successful implementation requires adapting technology and workflows to local market requirements. An insightful conversation about premium technology, customer trust, localization, and the realities of competing in one of the world's fastest-developing printing markets.