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At Labelexpo Guadalajara, CERM is present to showcase its growing commitment to the Latin American market, particularly Mexico. Steffen Haaga, representing the company, shares that this is his fourth visit to the country but the first time exhibiting at the show in Guadalajara. Previous visits revealed a vibrant and promising market, encouraging CERM to invest further and establish a stronger presence. Mexico has proven to be an exciting and significant region for the labels and packaging sector. With a large and growing population, increased demand for consumer goods, and a strong retail presence, the country offers substantial opportunities for companies like CERM. Some of the company’s largest and most impressive clients are based in Mexico, including Etiflex, a massive 500-employee printing facility in Mexico City, which stands out as one of the largest single-plant label operations. The conversation also touches on CERM’s recent acquisition of Swedish-based Omikai, a cloud-based MIS company. This strategic move is not just about expanding market reach but also about accelerating CERM’s technological development. Omikai’s advanced cloud architecture and highly capable team are expected to fast-track CERM’s cloud roadmap by several years. The synergy between the two companies is strong, both culturally and technically, making the integration a natural fit. Looking ahead, CERM sees significant potential in Mexico and across Spanish-speaking markets. With increased demand for automation and digital transformation in printing workflows, CERM is responding by building local capacity, including hiring support and implementation specialists in the region. The expectations for Labelexpo and beyond are high, driven by a belief in the region’s growth and a clear vision for supporting that growth with advanced solutions.
Language: Spanish · Subtitles: Spanish/English At Labelexpo Guadalajara, Nilpeter presents its latest advancements in flexographic printing technology. Martin, the global marketing director, introduces the company's newest press—the FB-Line. Released last year, this machine combines the strengths of previous models like the FB Classic and FA-Line, offering enhanced performance in both 14- and 17-inch widths. Designed as a hybrid of proven features, the new FB-Line reflects Nilpeter’s ongoing commitment to innovation in flexo printing. Flexography remains the company’s core focus. While Nilpeter also engages in other areas, the emphasis is clear: Flexo is the future. This message is prominently displayed at the stand, underscoring the company's dedication to advancing technology and supporting its global customer base. The Mexican market is especially important for Nilpeter. With a long-standing presence in the region, the company notes that Guadalajara has the highest number of Nilpeter press installations worldwide. This strong foothold drives continued investment and outreach to further build relationships and expand the client base. Nilpeter is widely recognized for its high-quality engineering and production standards. The company manufactures its equipment at state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring precision, durability, and reliability. Customers who invest in Nilpeter machines benefit from a trusted legacy of performance and support. The objective at Labelexpo is clear: to generate new business and develop projects beyond the exhibition. While immediate sales are a key goal, establishing long-term connections remains just as important. As the conversation at the stand concludes, a clear message is left behind—flexography is central to Nilpeter’s identity and to the future of the printing industry. LinkedIn profile: Martin Fjordlund Teilberg Interviewer: Nayelli González Menéndez · Revista El Impresor
Language: Spanish · Subtitles: Spanish/English At Labelexpo, the team stops by one of the most impressive and visually striking stands at the show—Kurz's stand—where they meet with Andrea López. She warmly welcomes the visitors and expresses the company's excitement about participating in such a significant industry event. Kurz, known for its expertise in graphic enhancement, is showcasing its full portfolio of solutions that aim to make printed materials more beautiful and impactful in the market. Andrea shares insights into what Kurz presents at the expo, including their wide range of dies for various design enhancements—from micro and nano textures to high-security features like holograms and VOID technologies tailored for the pharmaceutical sector. The stand highlights aesthetic and functional security innovations, offering tools for traceability, counterfeit detection, and customer engagement. With years of experience in the market, Andrea explains that Kurz divides its security offerings into two main areas: physical appearance, which includes simulated holograms and enhanced finishes, and deeper security layers like invisible inks and barcode scanning for full product traceability. These solutions allow brands to monitor where and how their products are bought and used, offering a comprehensive 360-degree approach to packaging and labeling. She emphasizes the importance of finishing touches in label design—what Kurz calls "embellishment"—which help products stand out on the shelf and invite consumers to look closer. With a wide selection of foils in various colors and patterns, Kurz offers brands the tools to differentiate themselves and create a strong visual identity. As the expo starts, Andrea notes the strong attendance and expresses optimism about connecting with existing clients and new potential partners. She invites everyone to visit stand E71, where the Kurz team is ready to share their innovations and welcome visitors throughout the event. Interviewer: Claudia Mendoza Angeles · Revista El Impresor
Language: Spanish · Subtitles: Spanish/English At Labelexpo, the team reconnects with Ricardo Rodríguez, Commercial Director of Domino Printing Mexico, to explore the latest in digital label printing. Ricardo shares insights on Domino’s robust presence at the event, highlighting a growing industry filled with innovation, technology, and expanding demand. Domino Printing showcases its Digital Printing division, featuring advanced systems, including a four-color roll-to-roll digital press and high-resolution single-color printers like the K600 and the new K300. Designed for small-batch, variable label printing, these machines offer impressive speeds and precision—ideal for today’s dynamic packaging needs. Ricardo emphasizes two key trends shaping the label market: digital printing and the increasing importance of QR codes and personalization. He also addresses an industry-wide shift, as upcoming regulations by 2027 will require a transition to two-dimensional codes, such as barcodes and QR codes. Domino’s technology is equipped to meet this demand, providing smart, efficient, high-quality solutions. With over 27 years of presence in Mexico, Domino continues to lead with innovation and customer-focused service. Throughout the expo, visitors are invited to explore their full range of solutions and consult with a multilingual team ready to assist in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Interviewer: Claudia Mendoza Angeles · Revista El Impresor
Language: Spanish · Subtitles: English/Spanish At Labelexpo Mexico, INKISH speaks with Andrés Tamez, General Manager of Advisors and Consultants in Color Consultants and Solutions, as the company celebrates its 15th anniversary. Andrés showcases a comprehensive range of color management solutions tailored for the graphic arts and printing industries. From Pantone color guides and light booths for accurate color evaluation under various lighting conditions to precision measurement tools that provide exact color coordinates, the stand covers the full spectrum of color control. Andrés also demonstrates advanced systems for press calibration, including fully automated solutions that control ink levels directly from a console, reducing waste, setup times, and manual adjustments. With tools for every stage of the production process—from design inspiration to final print—his team offers cutting-edge, efficient, and intelligent solutions that improve color consistency and press performance. The booth reflects a deep commitment to innovation, quality, and customer-focused service in the ever-evolving world of color technology. Interviewer: Claudia Mendoza Angeles · Revista El Impresor
Language: English · Subtitles: English/Spanish At Labelexpo in Guadalajara, Morten from INKISH speaks with Duane Pekar, CEO of Mark Andy, about the company's rapid evolution and growing commitment to the Latin American market. Duane highlights the importance of service and local presence, announcing the establishment of Mark Andy Mexico through a new partnership that brings service, parts, and print supplies under one roof. This move strengthens their support for both flexo and digital technologies in the region. With modular press designs and retrofit options, Mark Andy is helping customers in emerging markets transition to digital printing while maintaining flexibility and scalability. Duane also discusses global market dynamics, emphasizing how Mexico offers a level playing field among international manufacturers and has become one of the company’s top five growth markets. The conversation underscores Mark Andy’s global strategy, dedication to customer growth, and ability to adapt to local needs through innovation and strategic partnerships.
Language: English · Subtitles: English/Spanish At Labelexpo in Mexico, INKISH speaks with Dave Telken, Senior Vice President of Mark Andy Print Products. He reflects on his 40-year journey with the company and its evolution from a small, family-run business to a global printing technology leader. Dave shares how Mark Andy’s customer-first, consultative approach has remained at the core of its values, emphasizing transparency, trust, and long-term partnerships. Now leading the division responsible for consumables, parts, and pressroom equipment, Dave explains how Mark Andy is a one-stop shop for print businesses, offering everything from doctor blades to anilox cleaners with competitive pricing and global logistics support. He highlights the company's strategic expansion into regions like Mexico and Europe with local warehouses and sourcing to ensure better service and pricing. With a strong focus on global growth, Mark Andy is positioning itself to support customers in the U.S. and Europe and across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, solidifying its presence as a trusted partner in the ever-evolving print industry.
In this interview, Managing Director Jokin Iruretagoiena Osoro explains some of the advantages of investing in ETI equipment, which allows converters to buy substrate and add features like adhesive themselves. ETI is from Canada and is 25 years old. Besides making the technology to produce selvadhesive and other products, ETI also creatively finds solutions to reduce consumables, saving money for the converter, being more environmentally friendly. Osoro also says that ETI is pretty much alone in the market but expects further competition in the future because what they do is so smart and valuable, he says :-)
Language: Spanish · Subtitles: English/Spanish At Label Expo 2025 in Guadalajara, Siegwerk presents its latest innovations in sustainable ink solutions. Jonathan, the Color Management Specialist for Latin America, shares how the company is advancing in washable inks, water-based inks for food applications, and digitalization tools that support greener printing processes. With a strong focus on sustainability, Siegwerk is bringing German-developed technologies to the Latin American market, including Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala. The company is expanding its eco-friendly offerings beyond offset printing into flexography, reflecting a broader industry shift toward more responsible practices. With dedicated specialists, engineers, and compliance experts, Siegwerk ensures that all products meet rigorous standards, particularly for food-safe applications. Their presence at the expo highlights a commitment to innovation, quality, and environmental care, inviting attendees to explore how sustainable inks can transform the future of packaging. Interviewer: Claudia Mendoza Angeles · Revista El Impresor
Leopoldo Bravo Camposeco manages the DURST business in Mexico and the rest of Latin America - a huge market with great potential. In the interview with Editor Morten B. Reitoft, Camposeco discusses the opportunities, how DURST delivers value from software to hardware, and helps customers develop. Great chat - check for yourself :-)
The Danish Flexo press supplier, Nilpeter, was showcasing their new FB series at LabelExpo - a machine built on the successful FA series. In this chat with Global Marketing Manager Martin Fjordlund Teilberg, we talk about the emerging market, the importance of being present, also at tradeshows like LabelExpo even though Teilberg also talks about customer acquisition cost - but a great conversation - dig in!
In this film, we walk through the BOBST Novacut, a die-cutting machine in several configurations. Area Sales Manager Cody Call shares his vast knowledge with Editor-in-Chief Morten B. Reitoft. The film explains, among other things, how the three paper-handling systems work—all doing a fantastic job but also coming at a price. It's a great walkthrough; we hope you like it!
In this film, we walk through the BOBST Visionfold machine—an entry-level folding/gluer that enables customers to produce high-quality boxes with fast setup and medium speed. Edward Ziemba explains the features to Editor-in-Chief Morten B. Reitoft as they go through the machine. Enjoy!
When you contact Infinity Foils and Phillip Guillaume, you get stamping forms made of bronze or brass or hot or cold foils for analog and digital equipment. We got a chance to talk to Guillaume at the BOBST Open House in Santa Fe Springs, and as always, it's great to talk to people who know the market and products and help customers with opportunities.
It must be super exciting for Rob McCann, as he is moving from the US to Switzerland with his family to start a new position with BOBST—namely, the Tooling Director. In this interview, Rob McCann talks about how IoT is not just nice to have but a must to have. We, of course, also ask about how he will be bridging services, tools, new machines, etc., together as the entire ecosystem seems to be more and more integrated. Super interesting interview!
At the BOBST Open House today (November 6th, 2024), we got the chance to talk to Owen Koehler from Böhlerstrip - and if you are in the packaging business, you most likely know the company for being a very competent supplier of knives used for the die cutting forms. Here we learn about the different brands and when customers use the various products. Super interesting, and I must admit, an area that we didn't know much about, but that makes it just even better listening to Owen Koehler.
Klaus Lammersiek has a background with HP and Scodix, and both will be valuable experiences in his only seven-month-old job as Head of Digital Transformation. Digital transformation is as much about educating and bringing staff forward as creating digital solutions for customers. Of course, digital transformation is not only about digital print but also using digital technology to optimize processes—and, well, become more profitable. It was great talking to Lammersiek!
Pete Dolfis, sales VP (Americas) for Tecnau, walks INKISH through the Stack 1212 cut-sheet stacking solution for B2+ format digital print output. The streamlined machine reduces manual handling and requires no guillotine cutting. It's ideal for applications such as letters, books, brochures, postcards, and posters!
In the middle of our presentations from Standard Finishing at PRINTING United, we suddenly see Rosemarie Garvey from Blooming Color. Of course, we ask her for a short statement about Horizon; as we know, Blooming Color focuses on HP, Horizon (sold by Standard Finishing), and Ultimate - so listen to her words here.
At PRINTING United, we got to look at the new Horizon BQ300 - perfectly explained by Paul Steinke. The BQ300 is still a one-clamp solution but still manages 500 books an hour and has been updated to be integrated with the I.C.E. IoT solution from Horizon + a few other interesting things - but listen to Paul Steinke :-)
Johan Laurent from Standard Finishing gives us a presentation of the Stichliner MK V, which was introduced as a web solution only - but at PRINTING United, we get to see the sheet module that makes the stitching solution capable of both web and cut sheet. The Stitchliner has many super interesting features, i.e., individual scoring of every sheet in a book block, variable stitch length, and much more - and fast - not to forget. But listen to Johan Laurent and learn from the master :-)
Kyle Pucci, imageXpert's director of application engineering, says the JetXpert Print Station is an all-in-one inkjet development tool that handles drop-watching, prototype printing, and print. The technology won a 2024 Pinnacle Award.
Screen has long been recognized as one of the leading Inkjet printer OEMs in the market. At PRINTING United, we got the chance to talk to VP of Marketing Mark Schlimme about their continued focus on web-fed Inkjet printing and how the new Truepress JET S320 fits the bill as a machine that can be used as a backup for the popular 520 series. It was great listening to Mark Schlimme, so please enjoy!
Self-proclaimed “women-in-print champion” and visionary Lisbeth Lyons Black talks with INKISH’s Mark Vruno about her first two years at the WIP Alliance. An important new membership initiative kicked off last month.
At PRINTING United, we got to catch up with Holly Steedman from IST Intech. IST Intech is owned by IST Metz, known for its UV solutions for many different types of printing presses, and IST Intech is a UK-based company that focuses on integration partners. So IST Intech is more about a special solution that can be used, not only in the printing industry but in any industry, utilizing LED-UV. IST Intech also entirely focuses on digital print solutions. In this interview, we learn how IST Intech and the Business & Technology Development Director get more and more customers in the American market. Holly Steedman is always interesting to listen to, and you will also often see her speaking at various conferences - so stay tuned!
In this film, Holly Steedman from IST Intech shows us how to control LED-UV lamps. Controlling the lamps will save energy and extend the lamp's expected life span. Still, combining the above with having lamps controlled to the PDF printed may even open up entirely new opportunities. It's super interesting to learn, and as Steedman explains, the technology is already available in many of the lamps supplied by IST but not utilized in the controller software that can have been developed by other people—smart!
Robert Lugg works for the company GIS. GIS is deeply involved in digital inkjet development and delivers hardware and software. As laymen, we often talk about Inkjet as a single and straightforward technology, but it really consists of various elements from the controller, to the driers, to ink, to the ink supply system, to the printhead, and probably many more things. GIS delivers software and ink-supply systems to Inkjet partners, and at PRINTING United, the software that turned the IST Intech lamps on/off, as you could see in the episode with Holly Steedman (IST Intech), was developed by GIS. Listen to Robert Lugg here, and learn :-)
In this interview, we talk to Tom Piere from FourPees and focus on the progress of Atomyx, which we covered in Gent earlier this year. More partners have been unboarded, and even the first paying customers are now onboarded. The company looks pretty confident when listening to Tom Peire in this interview. For those who don't know Atomyx, this is a platform that is built to seamlessly connect web applications and services, so you can have one brand of MIS coupled with a Web-to-Print solution of another brand, coupled with a Workflow system from a third brand and so forth. This is without intense IT investments. This obviously requires that the OEMs enable this functionality, but more and more customers have already done so, and more are on their way. Tom Peire announced a couple of new partners in this interview - enjoy!
Mark's quest for American exhibitors or stories allowed him to talk to Elie Khoury, who talked about a jam-packed show. Alwan Color Expertise shows a spectrometric color management system that enables a printer to match print output with a reference image/color - interesting!
Mark's quest for American exhibitors or stories allowed him to talk to Elie Khoury, who talked about a jam-packed show. Alwan Color Expertise shows a spectrometric color management system that enables a printer to match print output with a reference image/color - interesting!
The interview features Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH speaking with Bruno Müller from Müller Martini about the significant transformations the company has undergone over the past 35 years. Bruno Müller discusses the evolution from his early days in the newspaper division to adapting to major shifts in the industry, particularly the decline in newspaper production and the rise of digital printing technologies. Bruno highlights the company's focus on listening to customer needs and adapting its culture, products, and strategies to market demands. He emphasizes the challenges of managing spare parts for older machines, which were not originally designed to last as long as they have. This has necessitated a shift in the company's approach to production, moving towards modular designs that use common components to streamline operations and reduce complexity. The interview also touches on the recent acquisition of Hunkeler, describing it as a strategic fit that complements Müller Martini's strengths and enhances its product offerings. Bruno Müller notes the importance of evolving business models in response to digital technology advancements, which is crucial for staying relevant and competitive in the printing industry.
In this interview, Pat McGrew talks to Dr. Frank Schaum from Heidelberg about the JetFire. The JetFire is the first Inkjet product launched in collaboration with Canon, and it came as a huge surprise to most at Drupa—even considered the most interesting news at the entire show. Now it's time to listen to Dr. Frank Schaum in his conversation with Pat McGrew!
Tom Baker is responsible for selling MBO post-press equipment in the UK, and he explains in this film that things are pretty OK. The Cobo Stack has also been a success in the UK - but dig in and listen for yourself!
The first time we met Brett Stow was during the planning of our trip to Minneapolis. Still, as there was a snowstorm in Minnesota, we didn't get the chance to meet each other in person, but that changed at Drupa, where we got the chance to meet at two booths of companies represented by Brett Stow—namely KAMA and Perfecta. In this interview, we met with Stow at the Perfecta booth, to discuss how the products fit into an American context—enjoy!
BST is a well-known brand in more than just the printing industry; they provide various inspection systems that ensure printers deliver what's expected. Though a competitive market, Global Sales Director Sajid Malik explains that BST has a huge market share—also because of its long history. Interesting insights!
Reitoft welcomes Taketsugu and thanks him for joining despite the late hour in Japan. Taketsugu, representing Horizon, is busy preparing for Drupa, the major industry show in Düsseldorf. Reitoft expresses admiration for Horizon's continuous innovation and commitment to R&D. Taketsugu affirms that Horizon is still developing new ideas and is committed to achieving its smart factory concept, which began in 2019 and remains a work in progress. They discuss Horizon's use of robotics, AGVs, and robot arms, all integral to their smart factory initiatives. Taketsugu explains that the demand for such technology is growing, particularly in Europe and the US, where automation is sought for repetitive tasks. Although Japan's printing industry lags in adopting new technologies, Taketsugu mentions that labor shortages due to an aging population are driving a gradual increase in demand for automation. The conversation shifts to Horizon's iCE LiNK platform, which integrates both hardware and software, emphasizing the importance of data collection for operational efficiency. Taketsugu highlights the collaboration with software vendors to enhance data utility, which benefits both Horizon and its customers by providing insights and predictive maintenance alerts. Reitoft inquires about data security concerns. Taketsugu reassures that Horizon only collects machine data, not personal data, and emphasizes customer transparency. They discuss Horizon's long-standing partnerships, such as with Hunkeler, which continue despite industry changes like acquisitions. Taketsugu shares that Horizon will showcase 18 different solutions at Drupa, including bookbinding technologies and various automated systems. Reitoft praises Horizon's modular equipment design, which allows for scalability and integration based on customer needs. Reitoft acknowledges Horizon's market-driven approach and the importance of customer feedback in its development process. Taketsugu mentions Horizon's expansive booth at Drupa, which will feature live presentations and demonstrations by knowledgeable staff. Finally, Reitoft and Taketsugu discuss the overall market outlook. While the printing industry's volume may be shrinking, opportunities within specific segments, such as books with increasing titles but shorter runs, are growing. Taketsugu highlights the feasibility of short-run and on-demand printing, which aligns with current market trends.
Morten Reitoft and Tim Sterbak discuss IST Metz's preparations for Drupa 2024. Sterbak, from IST Metz, shares his excitement about their participation and reveals that they have extensively redesigned their entire product portfolio, incorporating significant innovations. Sterbak mentions IST Metz's collaborations, such as their work with Heidelberg, where IST lamps are installed on a CX104 and their partnership with Weillberger for sustainable coating solutions. He highlights that IST Metz will showcase various new products, including mercury lamps and LED solutions, which have been redesigned for better efficiency and performance. Sterbak explains that IST Metz is focused on making their products more sustainable and energy-efficient. They produce their lamps in-house, ensuring high quality and longevity. He mentions introducing a new "Free Cure" solution that eliminates the need for inertization and photoinitiators, making the curing process more efficient. Reitoft inquires about the redesign process, to which Sterbak responds that it involves improving heat management and durability. They aim to make their products more efficient and environmentally friendly. He discusses IST Metz's approach to providing tailored solutions for different applications, using a modular system to meet specific customer needs. Sterbak introduces "Smart Cure," an AI-driven system that optimizes the power usage of curing systems based on job parameters. This leads to significant energy savings and extended product lifespans. The system can adjust power levels automatically, ensuring optimal performance and reducing the carbon footprint. Sterbak expresses his enthusiasm for Drupa, noting that it will be his first time attending the event. He invites visitors to IST Metz's booth to see their innovations and discuss solutions tailored to their needs. Reitoft praises Sterbak's presentation and looks forward to seeing IST Metz's contributions at Drupa. The conversation concludes with Reitoft thanking Sterbak and mentioning upcoming events, including the next non-event in December.
Morten Reitoft and Theo Buchmeyer discuss Manroland Goss's participation in the upcoming Drupa 2024. Buchmeyer emphasizes the importance of attending Drupa for the company despite the absence of their "brother" company. He sees it as a key opportunity to showcase new products, meet customers, and build new relationships. Reitoft praises Manroland Goss for adapting to market changes through refurbishment and technological innovations, ensuring the continued relevance of their web offset presses. Buchmeyer confirms the significant install base of over 3,000 active presses worldwide and their plans to support these with retrofits and improvements. They discuss Drupa's role as a statement of commitment to the future of the print industry and the importance of maintaining connections with customers. Buchmeyer highlights the company's efforts to integrate digital tools like VPN and IoT boxes for monitoring press performance and predicting downtime, enhancing productivity through tools like Manroland Sense, an artificial intelligence tool for predictive maintenance. Buchmeyer acknowledges the growth of digital printing but emphasizes that offset printing remains a robust, productive process for mid to large runs. He predicts a coexistence of both technologies, offset retaining its place in the industry for the foreseeable future. Manroland Goss's booth at Drupa will focus on its new VarioMAN packaging press, showcasing its flexibility and cost-efficiency in reducing production costs and carbon footprint. It will also demonstrate maintenance tools and emphasize the importance of sustainability and extending the economic life of its installed presses. Reitoft and Buchmeyer discuss the continued relevance and growth of web offset printing in certain markets, noting that some customers are expanding their volumes through consolidation and new titles. Buchmeyer concludes by emphasizing the importance of supporting the existing install base and showcasing Manroland Goss's upgrades and innovations at Drupa.
Matthias Miederer and Morten Reitoft discuss the developments at KAMA and their plans for Drupa 2024. Miederer, who started working for KAMA as the Head of Product Management earlier this year, explains his role in strengthening the link between sales and development. He introduces KAMA as a supplier of post-press finishing solutions, focusing on tailored solutions for short to medium-run finishing, especially targeting the digital printing market. Reitoft showcases a product from KAMA's customer, Studio on Fire, emphasizing the added value and quality KAMA's equipment brings to print products. Miederer agrees, highlighting the company's commitment to providing efficient finishing solutions that help customers offer more to their clients and gain new jobs. They discuss KAMA's new product, the Hammerhead, a digital embellishment machine capable of coatings/varnishes and metallization. Miederer explains that the Hammerhead continues KAMA's tradition of building solid, robust machines while integrating efficiency and speed for digital embellishment. The machine offers a B2 platform ready for B1 and can run at 5,700 sheets per hour, making it flexible and suitable for various production needs. Reitoft asks about the potential market for digital embellishment. Miederer acknowledges the slow growth compared to digital printing but sees increasing interest and adoption. He emphasizes the need to educate graphic designers and the benefits of digital embellishment in offering flexible, tool-free, and unique finishes compared to traditional methods. They then discuss the FlexFold, KAMA's high-speed folding and gluing machine with a high level of automation. Miederer highlights its quick setup times and suitability for the pharmaceutical market with built-in Braille functionality. He mentions that KAMA will showcase the ProCut 76, FlexFold, Hammerhead videos and samples, and animations of new robotic solutions at Drupa. The conversation wraps up with Reitoft noting the importance of KAMA's solutions and looking forward to seeing Miederer at Drupa in two weeks.
Morten Reitoft and Shlomo Nimrodi discuss preparations and expectations for Drupa 2024. Nimrodi, who recently traveled from Seattle to New York, emphasizes balancing daily business operations with Drupa preparations. He notes that his recent US trip involves meeting with the sales team and potential clients, some of whom plan to attend Drupa, to finalize deals. Nimrodi reflects on the changes in Highcon's team since the last Drupa in 2016, highlighting the positive impact of new team members and their energy. He describes Highcon's strategic pivot towards industrial-scale packaging for corrugated and folding cartons, moving away from more niche markets. This shift aims to mainstream digital die-cutting and meet the market's needs more effectively. At Drupa, Highcon will showcase significant improvements, including a 50% increase in productivity through technological advancements and process changes. They will introduce the Beam 3, the Beam Writer (an offline device for faster job setup), and upgraded versions of their existing equipment. Highcon will focus on customer applications and their products' substantial productivity and efficiency gains. Nimrodi discusses the importance of customer feedback and involvement in product development, particularly with the new Vulcan model. This collaborative approach ensures that Highcon's innovations align with market needs and helps mitigate risks. He also highlights the success of the Beam Writer, which allows customers to increase productivity without the need for additional machines, offering a cost-effective solution. The conversation ends with Reitoft thanking Nimrodi for his participation and expressing mutual appreciation for their ongoing collaboration. Nimrodi acknowledges the value of Reitoft's contributions to the industry and looks forward to seeing him at Drupa.
Morten Reitoft and Julie Watson discuss Ultimate Tech's preparations and excitement for Drupa 2024. Watson highlights the company's recent activities, partnerships, and technology introductions. She explains that while Printing United was significant for introducing new technologies like the AI-driven cutting buddy and new nesting technologies, Drupa remains crucial for showcasing its latest innovations to a global audience. Watson mentions the upcoming releases, including the 2024.1 version of Impostrip with enhanced job organization features and compatibility with PDF X4 from the Ghent Workgroup. She also discusses their container version of Impostrip on AWS, demonstrating their commitment to cloud-based solutions. Ultimate Tech will showcase its full-featured solutions across multiple platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows). Reitoft asks about Ultimate Tech's integration capabilities, particularly with their Ultimate Bindery software, which automates finishing processes and supports over 85 devices. Watson explains that their drivers validate jobs and automate device setups, allowing seamless integration and reduced manual intervention. They discuss Impostrip/Bindery's scalability, highlighting its ability to handle high volumes of short-run digital print jobs efficiently. Watson emphasizes the importance of starting with automation and gradually integrating more processes and devices to enhance productivity. Watson also discusses integrating their solutions with other systems, such as MIS and Web2Print platforms, using APIs for open connectivity. She mentions their collaboration with Omikai to showcase an end-to-end workflow solution at Drupa. Reitoft and Watson conclude by discussing the logistical ease of being a software company at Drupa compared to hardware manufacturers and the historical significance of Ultimate Tech's participation since 1990. Watson shares a personal anecdote about her family’s long-standing involvement in the industry.
Morten Reitoft and John Blyth discuss the upcoming Drupa 2024, reflecting on the excitement and challenges leading up to the event. Blyth mentions that it's been eight years since the last Drupa, and there's a significant amount of anticipation and celebration around the event. He highlights Ricoh's readiness to showcase its innovations and commitment to its client's success through partnership and transformation. Reitoft notes that it's Ricoh's fourth Drupa, emphasizing the company's relatively recent emergence as a major player in the industry. Blyth recalls joining Ricoh 12 years ago when the company was still establishing its presence, and he expresses pride in Ricoh's rapid development and expansion since then. Blyth explains that attending Drupa was an easy decision for Ricoh, as it provides a unique opportunity to showcase their refreshed production printing hardware range, including the Pro Z75 (the world's first B2+ inkjet sheet-fed device with aqueous ink and auto-perfecting) and the new flagship high-speed inkjet Webfed device, the Pro VC80000. Ricoh aims to create a memorable experience with their "House of Hinkaku" theater, featuring a multisensory show highlighting their commitment to transformational innovation. Reitoft asks about the meaning of "Hinkaku," which Blyth explains as "transformational innovation," emphasizing fundamental and far-reaching change. This ethos underpins Ricoh's approach to innovation, which involves collaboration with partners and clients to meet their specific needs. Blyth mentions the importance of aligning their products with market needs through consultation and feedback programs. He recalls the successful launch of the Pro Z75, highlighting the collaborative effort between Ricoh's Japanese R&D team and European staff. Reitoft compliments Ricoh's booth design, noting its contemporary and minimalist style with Japanese influences, including a theater structure reminiscent of a Japanese temple and calming gardens. Blyth confirms the booth's bright accent colors, including pink and purple, and hints at a Japanese flavor in their offerings. The interview concludes with Reitoft thanking Blyth for his time and looking forward to seeing him at Drupa.
Mathew Faulkner and Morten B. Reitoft discuss the upcoming Drupa event and the significance of print technology. Faulkner expresses excitement about Drupa and praises the printed materials being produced for the event. Both reflect on the evolution and impact of inkjet technology, noting its importance and versatility in the industry. Faulkner highlights Canon's advancements in wide-format printing, particularly the UV gel technology and the ability to produce both gloss and matte finishes in one workflow. He discusses the growth potential in digital print for interior decor, packaging, and other applications, emphasizing the opportunities for short runs, customization, and on-demand printing. They also touch on the importance of automation and workflow efficiency in handling personalized print jobs and the role of Web2Print solutions. Mathew Faulkner explains Canon's booth at Drupa, which will feature a sensory experience showcasing the power of print to evoke emotions and transform businesses. Faulkner delves into the emotional impact of print, referencing psychological theories and how print can create meaningful customer journeys. Reitoft appreciates Canon's innovative applications and encourages attendees to visit Canon's booth at Drupa. The conversation ends with Faulkner expressing his enthusiasm for the event and its opportunities for the print industry.
Editor Morten B. Reitoft welcomes the audience to the final pre-Drupa Live event, the fourth in a series. He acknowledged previous technical issues in Casablanca and hoped for a smoother session - which we got :-) The program will feature Matthew Faulkner from Canon as the first guest and will be broadcast on multiple platforms (LinkedIn, Inkish TV, YouTube, and Facebook), encouraging audience engagement through questions. Reitoft discusses the impact of Drupa's cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19 and the industry's anticipation for the 2024 edition, which is two weeks away. He describes the planning process, which began a year ago, and the creation of a physical brochure called "Drupa 24" featuring high-profile industry figures like Montserrat Peidro, Ulrich Stetter, Anthony Thirlby, François Martin, John Sommers, Paul Hudson, and Sarah Kilcoyne-Guilliam, offering their perspectives on the event. A daily segment called "Bonjour," a casual show featuring industry guests over croissants and coffee, is mentioned, with hosts like Pat McGrew. Key guests for these segments include Dr. Andreas Pleßke, Annette Friskopp, Daniel Erni, Ralf Sameck, Christoph Gamper, Julie Watson, Yasu Taketsugu, Jennifer Kolloczek, Volker Leonhardt, Diego Dias, Jordi Giralt, Erik Normann, and Tim Sterbach. Reitoft highlights the extensive coverage planned for Drupa, with over 300 films and episodes featuring industry insights on technology, business, sustainability, IoT, robots, and workflow. INKISH and its content partners will be key sources for updates on the event. They also introduce the INKISH In-Flight magazine, a 144-page printed publication available as a physical copy or a digital file, with an option to have it delivered to hotels for €15. The speaker expresses excitement for Drupa and its opportunities for networking and technology showcases, transitioning to the first guest, Matthew Faulkner, with a brief introduction.
The conversation is an interview with Andreas Weber, discussing his involvement with the printing industry and his contributions, including writing a book on Drupa. Weber mentions his experience of being a part of Drupa multiple times and his excitement about it. He highlights the significance of Drupa in the printing industry, its historical context, and its impact on the German economy. Andreas shares insights on the book he co-authored to celebrate Drupa's 40th anniversary, reflecting on the exhibition's history and its role in advancing the machinery business in Germany. Weber and Reitoft discuss various topics, including the internet's influence on trade shows and the printing industry, the importance of cross-media campaigns, and the challenges of adopting innovation in the industry. Andreas stresses the need for the industry to evolve with new business models and embrace print and digital media. Weber also points out the industry's reluctance to adopt innovative ideas, citing an example of an on-demand newspaper project that failed to gain publisher support despite clear demand. The conversation touches on the economic importance of trade shows like Drupa and the changes in visitor numbers post-COVID. They also discuss the value of print media in an increasingly digital world and the potential threats and opportunities posed by digital transformation. The interview concludes with Andreas Weber expressing the need to reanimate the pioneering spirit of Drupa's founders to support the industry's future.
ROQ has come to Fespa with a 100% digital presence! This might seem odd for a longstanding and well-known supplier of screen printing equipment. Roq has managed to address the needs of its customers, who are looking for fast turnaround and automation in direct-to-garment (DTG). This DTG setup can output +200 photo-quality prints per hour, João Sá explains, and only one operator is needed for loading and offloading.
Arlon is an American established name within the broad fleet and vehicle graphics solutions segment. Their offering varies from full or partial vehicle wraps, fleet markings, and window films. Arlon has its EMEA headquarters in The Hague (NL) and therefore plays a home match here in Amsterdam. In our pleasant conversation with their Vice President, Adam Bratter, we learned that Quality is at the core of everything they do, and that is reflected in their products. A pleasant introduction to Arlon Graphics.
Dynamic companies have dynamic staff, so we meet Carmen Eicher, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the swissQprint group. As a Swiss-based supplier of high-quality printing and cutting solutions, they have given their best and emphasized their brand's impeccable quality and reliability, resulting in a 36-month full warranty as their new promise to the industry. Now that many new players are entering the market, this is a welcome and strong KPI for end users. So, let's find out more about this bold "move" and strategy.
The owner. The CEO. The Boss, and despite all the titles, he is also the one who has the vision for where his new company and software, atomic, should be in the future. Promises are given, and expectations can be high, yet Tom Peire is humble - maybe because of his Belgian background? Maybe because he and his team recognize that this software COULD be a game-changer, and yet they want the results to speak for themselves. Make your mind up. Listen to Tom!
We claim that Bernd Zipper is the number one in Europe, which he denies, but listen to him in this interview, you get a clear idea that his knowledge and experience are beyond most. Mass Customization is not just a word but the necessity of where print is developing. With interesting examples, like his shoes, his shirt, and his jacket, Bernd Zipper talks about mass customization - and if you want to know more, Online Print Symposium is the place: https://online-print-symposium.de/en/
David Zwang, speaker, consultant, and writer, gave a super nice presentation at the Atomyx event in Gent this morning. He spoke about the Cloud and whether it is a viable technology for workflow/automation. He also spoke about how the different Industry X versions change more and more rapidly, making it very visible to the audience how the world is changing and requiring faster and faster decisions. In this interview, we talk about whether the technology or the mindset is the real show stopper - but listen for yourself, and remember to enjoy!
Atomyx will add value to Omikai's MIS solution and offer more functionality to our customers, as Atomyx offers deeper and more than similar solutions in the market. CEO Mathias Erlandsson from OMIKAI is very pleased working with Atomyx and trusts the future relationship. Projects involving Atomyx are already in the pipeline!
David van Driessche is the CTO of Atomyx, and in this interview, David, among other things, talks about how difficult it is not to talk about a product you have worked on for a long time. Being the CTO of a software company, of course, requires input - lots of input. Enjoy!
It was a great pleasure to meet Toon Van Rossum in Gent, now as Product Manager for Atomyx. Many may remember Toon from the many interviews we have done with him while he worked for Enfocus - but now he is back in the printing industry responsible for Atomyx. In this interview, Toon speaks about the platform, but also how he bridges input from customers to developers. Enjoy!
Back in the printing industry, Cindy Van Luyck is now positioning ATOMYX for the future. In this interview, we talk to her about being back in the industry after trying something completely different, but also how she and her team will communicate ATOMYX. This is, of course, part of our Launch Event coverage!
Four Pees is finally revealing its new software platform - ATOMYX, and we are covering the event. During the day, we will share stories about the platform - what it does, its implications, and its potential. More than 100 people from Europe and the US are here to see, learn, and network and I wouldn't be surprised to sign up for the SDK kits that are available for the platform. Read more at www.atomyx.io
In this interview we talk to one of the owners of Realisaprint.com, Rafael Mari. Realisaprint delivers online print in France, North Italy, and Spain, with plans for even more countries. The entirely digital company decided to become a launch customer with Ricoh on their new Pro Z75 inkjet printer. In this interview, we discuss digital print, finishing, and how Realisaprint came to the Pro Z75 decision.
Nothing like friendly competition between the UK, Germany, and France being the most important markets for Ricoh in Europe - and seriously, all markets are important :-) In this interview with Jean-Manuel Jenn from Ricoh France, we learn more about Ricoh and how the market develops. Enjoy!
In the Ricoh PRO Z75 launch introduction, Sander Sondaal talks about partnerships and how important it is. Rafael Mari - one of the two founders of Realisaprint, joins the conversation and confirms how important a partnership is - and - well, listen and learn!
Today, Ricoh officially launched the new PRO Z75 to the market - a B2+ size water-based Inkjet printer. An amazing machine focusing on the Commercial print space, but with its print on substrates up to 600 microns, is also interesting for packaging printers. With 1200 x 1200 DPI and the ability to print up to 4500 sheets an hour, Ricoh has taken a huge step into the cut-sheet market with a machine that can compete with offset and toner-based printing. In this walkthrough, Sander Sondaal gives you an idea about how the machine has been built up and works - also with space for expansion in the future. All-in-all a super nice introduction to the PRO Z75. Thank you for having INKISH on-site with Realisaprint in Contes to learn and document :-)
Always interesting to understand a technology about the market it addresses - and in this interview, we ask whether the Pro Z75 addresses the existing toner market, the competition in the inkjet space, or even the offset space. Listen to Sander Sondaal to learn his perspective on this :-)
Delivering a new and very anticipated machine is interesting, and in this interview with Sander Sondaal from Ricoh Europe, you will get insights about the journey. Why did it take longer time than anticipated? How does Sander see this in the market - which will also be dived deeper into in a separate film on INKISH - but listen, and enjoy! Soon we will also have the walkthrough we refer to in this film :-)
In this interview with Sander Sondaal, Editor Morten B. Reitoft asks questions that explain how the machine delivers. From the B2 sized drawers to options with pallet feeding, to the print technology inside the PRO Z75, and also for whom the machine is for. During the day you can see samples, more details of how the machines work, and more - so stay tuned!
In this almost 30-minute long walkthrough of the new AGFA SpeedSet 1060, you will learn a lot. According to specialists like Sean Smyth and Jeff Wettersten, it is super interesting technology and a machine that will be a game-changer in the digital packaging industry! Enjoy the walkthrough with Matt Brooks from AGFA and Editor Morten B. Reitoft.
Rita Torfs is the Product Manager of the new AGFA SpeedSet 1060 inkjet machine, which just launched at the Unboxing SpeedSet 1060 event. In this interview, you'll get a chance to hear about the project and the effort that goes into developing products over the years. Super nice meeting Rita Torfs!
Matt Brooks is the head of AGFA's Digital Packaging Solutions division, and for years, he and his team have been working on the SpeedSet 1060. An amazing technology. In this interview, you will get an overview of the development of the market, and in our Walkthrough, you will learn more about how the machine works and what makes it special - watch both of them!
Super interesting interview with Arnaud Calleja from AGFA. As you may recall, AGFA changed strategy a couple of years ago, sold off its offset division (now ECO3), and turned towards an entirely digital strategy - still combined with other business units within chemical, medical, radiology, green hydrogen, and other super interesting areas - in this interview with VP of Digital Printing Solutions Arnaud Calleja, Editor Morten B. Reitoft a chance to understand more about how AGFA is changing. We are sure you will like it :-)
At the AGFA Unboxing event, we met Roy Oomen from Highcon - and as both Highcon and AGFA deliver solutions for digital packaging as such, not a huge surprise - A growing partnership is on its way, and Highcon even presented their finishing solutions to the audience - but listen to what Roy Oomen has to say in this interview Cambridge.
