In this engaging conversation, the speaker reminisces about their extensive experience with Drupa, the renowned print media fair, starting from their first attendance in 1977 as a young freelancer. Over the years, they have participated in various roles, from exhibitor to consultant and journalist, witnessing the evolution of Drupa from a simple exhibition to a vital platform that shapes the printing industry. They emphasize the importance of communication over products and highlight the transition towards more efficient, automated, and productive printing technologies. The discussion also touches on the industry's challenges and changes, including the impact of digitalization and the need for Drupa to adapt to attract younger generations and remain relevant in the future.

Andreas Weber has been a voice in the printing industry for many years. A man with strong opinions, and seen by some as controversial. In this, 'Over the Skype' session, he explains his background, and the values his communication is based upon. Just a few days before this recording Andreas Weber sends an open love letter to the printing community about his relationship to Heidelberg through many years. You can find the story here: https://medium.com/@zeitenwende007/meine-pers%C3%B6nliche-heidelberg-saga-9952c1d4a8a6 It's in German, but it is easy to understand with Google Translate. As with all our ‘Over the Skype’ interviews, quality is limited to bandwidth, web-cams, and ability to literally LIVE mix the conversations. However, it works, and with Over the Skype, we will bring you more than 20 exciting people, and angles on the industry as it is right now. Enjoy!

Despite being in what’s in Germany called “Ausendienst,” or new sales, Andreas Meissner explains that his relationship with the model train manufacturer Märklin goes back almost 30 years. In the interview, Editor Morten B. Reitoft asks whether being close to a customer can have a negative effect as buyers and sellers have opposite interests. Listen to his great answer and how he sees the opportunities in the market. Language: German Subtitled: English

Andreas Fischer is one of Horizon's Product Specialists, specializing in folding. In this film, Andreas Fischer explains the AFV566 folding machine that brings automation to a new level. Setup time is minimal, and watching skilled people see the presentation is fun - they almost don't believe their own eyes. Enjoy the presentation yourself - it is in so so German, but I will get English subtitles shortly!

You see the marking every day. When you buy anything in a construction market each piece is printed with size, description, and a bar code - and in Europe, quite a few of the printers printing this come from Weber Marking Systems. For years they have used the Seiko Printheads and it seems to be a growing market as more and more can now be marked using inkjet. LinkedIn Profile: Andreas Bluhm https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas-bluhm-81235764/ Herbert Jesse https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-jesse-a90728160/

These days, a new player on the Software scene is being presented—the company's name is CoCoCo, and the founders are well-known people from the industry. In this interview, we get the chance to talk to two of the three founders, Andreas Aplien and Karl Ciz. It's 35 35-minute interviews, but super interesting to learn from - what is CoCoCo, why does it matter, and what benefit does the software provide its customers? In the interview, Aplien and Ciz share an example from one of the company's customers, where it seems apparent that the savings using CoCoCo deliver a truly rapid return to the buyer - but listen for yourself!

Mark Vruno's quest - takes him to Andrea Stefanelli, talking about color management of course :-)

When Andrea Riccardi joined DURST many years ago, his position was different, the HQ was different, and even all the products were different - and the journey has been amazing not only for Riccardi but as we all know, also for DURST. In this long interview, Riccardi and Reitoft talk about this development, but also how DURST not only develops products and technologies following the market demands but also takes leadership and develops technologies the company believes can drive the industry. Super interesting!

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

Andre Soterio of ACTEGA describes their range of adhesives and coatings for the Label and packaging sectors of print. Their global footprint for production allows country-specific products to meet local regulations. Any printer in this space needs to have the right solutions for the variety of substrates their printing presses can manufacture.

They are best known for their photo book technology and machines; we are of course talking about the Swiss-based Imaging solutions. The Fespa show was the chosen location for the launch of their new canvas mounting machine and systems. A very sympathetic André Schlösser is happy to give us some more details, who they are and what they do. Cool talk and super high-quality photo books to show for it.

RISO Sales VP Andre D’Urbano discusses inkjet price points and the shifting print markets. Also: The OEM’s booklet-making partnership with SDD (Smart Dedicated Design).

RISO has, for many years, developed some of the fastest inkjet printers in the industry. In this interview with VP Sales, André D'urbano, he explains that RISO is now emphasizing the inks to offer speed and better quality. Always great to talk to André, so please enjoy!

Lemu Group partnered with Martin Automatic, ETI Converting Equipment, and Lundberg Tech at Labelexpo Americas 2024 to showcase a highly automated and efficient printing and converting line that includes technologies from all four companies. Andre Beaudoin leads the converting equipment manufacturer's operation in the US, where business is booming, he tells Inkish TV.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andr%C3%A9-albrecht-640b20195/

He could see on satellite photos that Russian troops were being prepared in Belarus. A plane was canceled as the cabin crew and pilots refused to fly to Ukraine. He was under the impression that a war in the 2020s would be a cyber war. He and his team hoped for the best but planned for the worst. Here is the story about managing a global software company being attacked by Russia. Very emotional, very good, learn! LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijneier/

At the HP PreDrupa event, the new HP Indigo 120K was released - a machine offering high quality and higher productivity than previous generations. 6,000 B2 sheets an hour, and many new AI features built into the machine, making it even easier to operate. Anat Ruhrberg and I have a walk while we talk about the 120K and the new 18K - two impressive machines targeting two different markets. Jump in :-)  

AMS Spectral is one of the leading manufactures of LED-UV lamps for a range of printing machines. Meet AMS at www.argosinspirationdays.com in Brussels - can't wait :-)

AMS Spectral UV was acquired by Baldwin Technology Company almost a year ago and INKISH got the opportunity to go to River falls in Wisconsin to talk to President Steve Metcalf and more people from the company that used to be known as Air Motion Systems. AMS Spectral UV is one of the world's leading developers of LED-UV curing systems and has been extremely successful over the past years. In this film, we get an insight into the potentials the acquisitions give AMS and also how it has influenced Steve Metcalf who has spent a major part of his life in the company. We hope you like the film!

Arriving at the Windles Group headquarters in Thame indicated that this printing company is above most - and we weren't disappointed. Windles Group has specialized in the production of greeting cards and other, well, let's say, more complicated printed products that include covers and other products where you need to go the extra mile to get what you want. The brand new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 printing press is a perfector press. Still, it has built-in multiple curing systems - one is the AMS Spectral UV LED curing system, which we will hear and learn more about as the nice folks from AMS Spectral UV sponsor this INKISH film. The four curing systems on the press give Windles Group options to pick the right dryer or the right combination of driers to create stunning prints with PMS colors, foil, embossing, even metal dust, and more. Miles Podmore is the 3rd. Generation, head of production, has a new engineering degree and is now very pleased about his job, where he can combine his education with his passion for hands-on production. Super nice visit - and shout out to Jack Fischer - our new filmer - who filmed this project - Ziga still mastered the editing :-)

On the final day of Printpack India, Wayne Beckett from Inkish catches up with Amitabh, Managing Director of Print and Supply, to discuss the show’s success and the state of the Indian print market. Despite a slightly lower footfall than expected, Amitab emphasizes the quality of visitors, noting that the attendees were highly relevant industry professionals seeking valuable insights and business opportunities. A key topic of discussion is Print and Supply’s role as the Indian representative for Edale, the renowned British manufacturer of flexographic and digital hybrid printing presses. While importing UK-made equipment presents cost challenges due to high exchange rates, Amitabh highlights Edale’s reputation for top-tier engineering, often called the "Rolls-Royce of the printing industry." The company focuses in India on sales, after-sales support, and marketing, ensuring strong local representation for the brand. Wayne and Amitabh also delve into the rapid growth of India’s label and packaging sector, which has surged in recent years. Amitabh attributes this expansion to the country’s strong economic performance and consistent year-on-year growth despite global challenges. Another major development is Print and Supply’s partnership with Xeikon, which was formalized at Drupa last year. Amitab explains that there is no conflict of interest between Edale and Xeikon. Canon-owned Edale specializes in flexographic technology, while Xeikon focuses purely on digital presses. This allows Print and Supply to offer a complementary portfolio, addressing India's increasing demand for digital printing solutions. With a bright future ahead and the increasing adoption of advanced print technologies, Amitabh is optimistic about the Indian market’s trajectory. As the show wraps up, he returns to finalize deals, reinforcing the strong momentum built during Printpack India.

At Printpack India 2025, Naresh Khanna speaks with Amit Ahuja, Managing Director of Multitec, about the company’s latest innovations and its growing influence in the global flexo printing industry. As India’s leading manufacturer of flexo label presses, Multitec has expanded beyond narrow-web flexo into wide-web solutions, setting new benchmarks in automation and production efficiency. Ahuja highlights the two presses showcased at the exhibition: a 450mm press designed for labels, shrink sleeves, and select flexible packaging applications and a 670mm press built for full-scale flexible packaging production. With top-of-the-line automation and real-world speeds of up to 200 meters per minute, these presses deliver unmatched performance for modern packaging needs. Multitec’s global presence continues to grow, with recent exports to Hungary and Switzerland and an established footprint in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its transition to flexible packaging solutions, catering to brands that require shorter runs and greater production flexibility. Ahuja discusses how Multitec ensures seamless service and support for its international customers with a distributor network spanning 17 locations worldwide. Remote installations during the pandemic demonstrated the reliability of its systems, while continuous advancements—such as double servo presses and ultra-efficient job setups—reinforce Multitec’s leadership in flexo technology. For those interested in the latest flexo printing innovations and the future of inline packaging production, this conversation provides valuable insights into Multitec’s cutting-edge technology and global strategy.

Amir Shalev is responsible for market development, which also includes what we would call pre-sales activities with customers - understanding the needs the investment needs to address. That's what Amir Shalev and his team do. We also get to discuss "more" the Landa payoff for drupa. 'More' must be understood broadly - but listen to Amir Shalev and learn more!

Ken Bach is Business Development Director for Aberdeen Fabrics in North Carolina, USA. The company exhibit at EFI Connect 2022 and use this opportunity to promote American-made fabrics, but also very much a sustainability agenda.