Soyang Tech manufactures digital printing materials such as PVC, PVC-free, and PET textile materials linkedin.com/in/waylonwangfor flags, banners, and more. When asked, the Green agenda is also very important to them. Don't be fooled; they have a large presence in Europe/UK (Manchester), holding a stock of around 1 million sq ft. Soyang started its business in 1999, so it's good to hear from them, too. linkedin.com/in/annie-yu-81b98b3a

At C! Print, we speak with Alberto Fernández, general manager of Ferpa Graphic, about the cutting and finishing solutions he presented during the fair and the business relationship he maintains with JINGWEI. ——— En C! Print platicamos con Alberto Fernández, director general de Ferpa Graphic sobre las soluciones de corte y acabado que presentó durante la feria, así como la relación comercial que sostiene con JINGWEI.

Abacuc Maiques Moral, the CEO at PLASTGrommet, spoke with us about the world of promotional products. They manufacture finishing equipment and parts, mainly for banners. Its expansion has already reached the United States market, and hopes to expand to even more countries. ___ Abacuc Maiques Moral, CEO de PLASTGrommet, platicó con nosotros sobre el mundo de los productos promocionales. Fabrican equipos de acabado, principalmente para banners y pancartas. Su expansión ya llegó al mercado de Estados Unidos y espera expandirse a aún más países.

Drewsen Spezialpapiere is an almost 500 years old paper producer based outside Hannover, Germany. Amazing to see how the company has grown over the centuries and how important the company is to the city of Lachendorf. Generations have worked with the company, and the key to success for Drewsen is its specialty paper production. Paper is typically produced on demand and to the specifications required by customers. When BW Papersystems approached the company about the latest edition of the Questec family cut-stackers, the company could hardly believe the promises. 400 meters/minute on 40 GSM, perfect cut and stacked - but after some testing and further development, the machine is now installed and delivered on its promise - and Drewsen Spezialpapiere is very satisfied with the machine, as you can hear. The cut-stacker can also be used on a web-based printing machine and therefore have a broader audience than 'just' the paper industry. But see for yourself - quite impressive! LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthias-rauhut-a2a35066/

BW Papersystems didn't exactly exhibit at Hunkeler Innovationdays, but yet Felix Krüger from BW Papersystems decided to come and check out the opportunities for their newest Questec cut/stacker. We met with Felix Krüger at the Drewsen Spezialitypapierer in Hall 1 at Innovationdays, as Drewsen is the first customer for the machine capable of cutting and stacking at a staggering 400 meters per minute down to 40 GSM - simply amazing!

When a printing company buys a second press from the same manufacturer, it is probably one of the strongest statements you can make about the first one. At Produlith in Montreal, Canada, INKISH’s Morten B. Reitoft meets Brad from Komcan, the Canadian Komori distributor, to talk about a relationship that started when Produlith needed to replace two older presses. The solution was a Komori GLX six-color press equipped with coating and Komori’s PQA camera inspection system. According to Brad, the new press replaced the capacity of two legacy machines while almost doubling Produlith’s production capacity — and reducing the manpower required to operate the equipment. But increased productivity often creates new opportunities. As Produlith continued to grow, take on new customers, and expand its folding carton business, the company once again reached the capacity limits of its pressroom. The answer was a second Komori — this time a GL five-color press with coater, configured specifically for the work Produlith needed it to handle. For Brad, selling presses is ultimately about understanding the customer’s work rather than simply selling a standard configuration. Commercial printing, folding cartons, special applications — the press needs to fit the customer rather than the other way around. Today, only about a year after installing the second Komori, that press is already approaching capacity. So what comes next? Produlith owner Sean has already made it clear that Komori and Komcan are part of the company’s future — and with the growth continuing, another press might not be such a far-fetched idea. Watch the conversation from Produlith in Montreal and hear how productivity, technology, customer understanding, and a strong supplier relationship have helped support the company’s continued growth.

In Montreal, Canada, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH meets with Shawn Desmarchais, President and CEO of Produlith, a family-owned company with a history going back to 1981. What started when Shawn’s father bought his first press and established a small commercial printing company has developed into a packaging business with two production facilities and activities in both folding cartons and flexible packaging. During the visit, Shawn Desmarchais explains why he believes these are good times to be in packaging. Modern equipment has changed production significantly, making machines easier to operate while increasing efficiency, quality, and productivity. Technology also plays an important role when finding and training new employees, as operating today’s presses, die-cutters, and folder-gluers no longer necessarily requires the same traditional craftsmanship as in the past. Produlith has chosen to focus on personalized service combined with what Shawn describes as a world-class production environment. A significant part of the company’s business is within pharmaceutical packaging, where quality standards are high and customers understand the importance of working with suppliers that continuously invest in equipment, people, and production capabilities. For Shawn, profitability and investment go hand in hand, and customers benefit from working with financially healthy suppliers able to develop with their needs. At the folding carton facility, Produlith operates Komori offset presses supplied by Komcan, along with BOBST equipment for die-cutting and folding/gluing. Shawn explains why selecting technology is not only about the equipment itself but equally about the relationship with the supplier. Reliability, service, understanding the customer’s business, and having people available when challenges occur are important parts of the investment decision. The conversation also touches on maintenance, uptime, return on investment, and why Produlith decided to invest in a second Komori press. For Shawn Desmarchais, the logic is quite simple: if the experience with the first press had not been successful, there would probably not have been a second one.

This is the second of two films about leasing by Thomas Grübner from Elbe Leasing. In this second part, Mr. Grübner goes into more detail about the advantages - and how leasing often can be the better financing alternative. Enjoy! Language: German Subtitles: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, French and German.

In two episodes, Thomas Grübner from Elbe Leasing explains why leasing is an attractive financing form. He also emphasizes that an investment strategy must complement a business model or business plan that substantiates the leaser's ability to pay. In the first of the two episodes, Thomas Grübner explains why it's important to preserve equity. We hope you like what you hear, and please remember to watch both episodes to maximize your learning experience. Language: German Subtitles: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, French and German.

Yoji Otsuka is the General Manager, Sales for Screen Graphic Solutions. In this conversation, he speaks over his American name "Joe" that he also uses on his business card, but more importantly how Screen has become one of the leading and most prominent suppliers of Inkjet presses. Screen Graphic Solutions was founded in 1943, but has roots back to 1868 - so what did Screen do before producing Inkjet machines? Yoji "Joe" Otsuka explains that the legacy of Screen's products and services are important elements in why Screen has become so popular. As we mentioned on numerous occasions before - we LOVE the Conversations format where editor Morten Reitoft have a longer and always very friendly conversation with a guest. We met with Yoji Otsuka at the Think Smart Factory event in Kyoto last year - enjoy it. It's a good one!

Welcome to a special episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! We’ve hit episode 10, the dime episode, and I’m thrilled to have Bill Duerr, President of Hatteras, join me for a deep dive into leadership, innovation, and the future of print. Bill shares his insights on how Hatteras stays competitive in a changing industry, the power of listening to customers, and the company’s investment in digital embellishments with the new Harris & Bruno ZRX press. We also get into AI’s role in print, company culture, and Bill’s gnarly 11-day surf adventure in Indonesia because we love a good story. If you work in the printing industry, are a business leader, or love hearing about innovation and leadership, this is for you.

Paul Densley, Managing Director of Castle Color, shares his journey from the newspaper print industry to leading one of the UK’s most respected and technically advanced packaging companies. In this film, Paul talks openly about Castle Color’s philosophy of people, process, and technology, and how that mindset has shaped everything from investment decisions to customer relationships. He explains why Castle Color focuses on being an embedded supply partner, how continuous training and process understanding sit at the core of the business, and how technology is used to enhance people rather than replace them. The conversation goes deep into Castle Color’s expertise in fiber-based packaging, including cartons, advanced barrier coatings, and highly specialized blister card technologies that are guaranteed to seal. Paul outlines the company’s diverse customer base across food, healthcare, hygiene, personal care, and sporting goods, and explains why the type of packaging matters more than the size of the customer. Paul also reflects on Castle Color’s disciplined approach to machinery investment, including rigorous testing, supplier comparisons, and the long-term impact of choosing the right technology partner. He shares real-world experience of consolidating production onto fewer presses while increasing productivity, retaining and retraining staff, and building strong, long-term relationships with suppliers. Looking ahead, Paul discusses the future of fiber-based packaging, sustainability, and how Castle Color plans to continue pushing the boundaries of packaging technology and design over the next decade.

We spoke about the changes Bui has seen in Hunkeler Innovation Days over the years and how this growth benefits its business partners. We covered Screen's Truepress Jet 520HD mono press and the opportunities it opened up in the pharmaceutical industry. It offers offset-quality printing, meeting all readability standards. Its Primer- free, high opacity ink coverage on thin papers as well as automatic defect removal with complete traceability

Before drupa, INKISH had a LONG but exciting trip in the US, and on a cold (very) Saturday morning, we met up with Buddy Kramber (VP Operations, The Bernard Group) and Erik Norman (President, SwissQprint North America) for an interview about the acquisition of SwissQprint printers. The Bernard Group is one of the most amazing printing companies we have visited - and this was our second visit to Chanhassen-based printing- and much more. Six years ago, we saw an incredible automated company with incredible growth that has continued and, according to Kramber, will continue. Investing in SwissQprint along with the AGFA and EFI printers (as far as we remember), the SwissQprint adds a layer of gamut to the production as it can produce with special colors and superior quality. Interesting to see how customers also look at options that can only be produced on the SwissQprint printer.

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, CEO Bruno Müller from Müller Martini speaks with Editor-in-Chief Morten B. Reitoft about the vision that is the driving force within the company. In 2000, the faster roll-based digital printers entered the market and Bruno Müller defined the vision of how to make machines that could do products of one. We, of course, ask if this isn't where we are now, and Müller smiles and says it can still be much better - so dear printers and binders, more to expect in the future - excited :-)

This session "Over The Skype" is the opportunity to discover IMPRIFRANCE, a network of independent French printers spread over the whole territory which gathers 68 members including 1 school of graphic and multimedia professions. Bruno Barbier, its president, describes the profiles of the printers within IMPRIFRANCE, how new members are recruited, and the advantages for a printer to be part of such a group. Buno Barbier also presents us with a summary including the update of the Imprifrance.fr website and a brief review of current actions... This session is also an opportunity to understand, thanks to Bruno Barbier's analysis, the primary concerns of IMPRIFRANCE printers in this context of health, economic and social crises following the Covid 19 pandemic which is still raging in France, to learn how IMPRIFRANCE, particularly through its collective strategy, its partnerships within the group, provides support and solutions to the network's business leaders. Bruno Barbier concludes by giving us his vision of the printing industry with the increasing importance of the cash flow, whether in the short term for the survival of printing companies or in the medium term to relaunch the return to activity once the crisis is over, but also the importance of becoming increasingly agile for these companies, especially to respond to the new behaviors of customers who will emerge from the crisis with an even stronger negotiating power. This interview is very rich in information as the groups are important today to enable printing companies to respond to the current crisis and the challenges of tomorrow. So don't miss this interview and the fascinating analysis of Bruno Barbier!!! --- Cette session « Over The Skype » est l’opportunité de découvrir IMPRIFRANCE, réseau d’imprimeurs français indépendants répartis sur l’ensemble du territoire qui regroupe 68 adhérents dont 1 école des métiers graphiques et pluri média. Bruno Barbier, son président, nous décrit les profils des imprimeurs au sein d’IMPRIFRANCE, comment se font les recrutements des nouveaux adhérents, et les avantages pour un imprimeur à faire partie d’un tel groupement. Buno Barbier nous présente également un résumé notamment la mise à jour du site Imprifrance.fr et un bref bilan des actions en cours… Cette session est aussi l’occasion d’appréhender, grâce à l’analyse de Bruno Barbier, les préoccupations premières des imprimeurs IMPRIFRANCE dans ce contexte de crises sanitaire, économique et sociale suite à la pandémie du Covid 19 qui sévit toujours au sein de l’hexagone, d’apprendre comment IMPRIFRANCE, notamment par sa stratégie collective, ses partenariats au sein du groupement, apporte son soutien et des solutions aux chefs d’entreprise du réseau. Bruno Barbier conclut en nous donnant sa vision de l’imprimerie avec une importance de plus en plus grande de la trésorerie que ce soit à court terme pour la survie des imprimeries ou à moyen terme pour relancer le retour à l’activité une fois la crise passée, mais aussi l’importance de devenir de plus en plus agile pour ces entreprises notamment pour répondre aux nouveaux comportements des clients qui sortiront de la crise avec un pouvoir de négociation encore renforcé. Cette interview est très riche d’informations tant les groupements sont aujourd’hui importants pour permettre aux imprimeries de répondre à la crise actuelle et aux défis de demain. Alors, ne manquez pas cette interview et l’analyse passionnante de Bruno Barbier !!!

Tell us about Bruce the Bat Dog - what a question to start with! It's a story about how Flower City Group supports Veterans as part of their CSR. But, of course, the interview also touches upon stuff like tariffs, the market, technology, and how Flower City Group positions itself in a competitive market. Enjoy!

Books of one, way before that term was even invented. Over capacity on purpose, and with the intention of being the best, the largest, the fastest, and the strategy paid off. Bridgeport National Bindery is still binding books one, but today, with the newest and most innovative technology, and with a huge bindery, the company can produce pretty much everything. Everywhere in the plant, you see signs in multiple languages, also showing the many different cultures working side-by-side under one roof, but we are here to talk to Bruce F. Jacobsen. Despite his age, he knows pretty much all processes, and though he could stay home and enjoy his third age, he comes to work every day, and seeing him supporting workers on every station with his knowledge is a blast - but why not, enjoy the film we did?

In this Coffee Break session from Bronte's booth at Innovationdays, Francesco Crotti speaks with Jan Friedrich from Hunkeler. Friedrich explains how important Bronte is as a glue between the customer and the ability to produce books of one. Interesting views!

In the '10 Minutes Coffee Break' at Bronte's booth, Francesco Crotti hosts a short interview with different people. The first is with Editor Morten B. Reitoft, talking about the necessity of automation in book production. Always fun to be the person being interviewed; during the following days, you will see industry specialists from McGrew Group, HP, and Hunkeler.

In this episode from Bronte, Francesco Crotti throws a very difficult yet interesting question to Ashley Gordon from HP. How is the publishing industry changing? Though you may not get all the answers in this Coffee Break from Innovationdays, you'll learn enough to get you thinking. Enjoy!

What was supposed to be our California Cruising tour also took us to Dallas in Texas, and lucky us, as this allowed us to meet with Jim Singer from Brodnax21C. Brodnax is a General Commercial printing company with both digital and analog equipment. The company has specialized in trading cards and high-end printed products, and as they are an Eagle Systems customer, Mike King and Ellen Manning asked to stop by to see how they utilize the Eagle. And that was a great experience to see and understand why Jim and his team invested in cold foiling. Brodnax has also agreed to invest in a Landa Press in a new DURST vast format machine and has on order a new SCODIX 106 HD machine - and I understand from Jim Singer that even more signatures are on their way for more equipment. Efficiency and a firm belief in the future are what I see when visiting Brodnax - Super lovely people, and super great to see print striving.