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Wayne talks to Fujifilm partner Christian Hauswald from EyeC about the importance of inspection control for all flexible packaging and how EyeC has developed a system that can spot minor defects at very fast production speeds.

At Fujifilm's FP790 Open House in Lüneburg, Germany, Wayne Beckett speaks with Brian Batease from Quantum Flex Pack, a startup flexible packaging company based in Illinois, USA. The conversation comes at a particularly exciting time for Quantum Flex Pack, which has become the first company in the United States to invest in Fujifilm's FP790 digital flexible packaging press. With production scheduled to begin soon, the company is building a complete flexible packaging operation around digital technology from day one. Having spent more than a decade in the flexible packaging industry, Batease explains why the FP790 stood out from other solutions on the market. For him, one of the biggest advantages is the machine's simplicity. By removing much of the complexity traditionally associated with digital printing, Fujifilm has created a platform that enables operators to produce high-quality flexible packaging efficiently and consistently. Quantum Flex Pack plans to serve a broad range of applications, including pet snacks, beef jerky, packaged meats, baked goods, and other flexible packaging products. Rather than limiting itself to a particular run length or market segment, the company believes the FP790 provides the flexibility to handle both short-run and higher-volume production requirements. The discussion also covers the realities of launching a startup operation, including investments in laminating, slitting, and pouch-making equipment to create a fully integrated manufacturing environment. With equipment already on order and installation plans underway, Quantum Flex Pack is preparing to enter a highly competitive but rapidly growing market. As the first American company to invest in Fujifilm's FP790, Quantum Flex Pack represents an interesting example of how digital technologies continue to open new opportunities within the flexible packaging industry.

Wayne talks to Burt about Helix's continued work with FujiFilm to develop a Digital Front End that can handle greater workflow integration for Converters.

I don't know if the following is 100% accurate. Still, it seems that after Fujifilm and Xerox terminated their partnership, the Fujifilm engineers have worked harder than ever to bring new and exciting products to the market. In this film, I talk to General Manager Scott P. Mackie about the new Revoria B2 toner press, and the inkjet-based Continues Feed printer 1160CF. Enjoy the story and the others already on INKISH.TV.

In the suburbs of Brussels in Belgium, you find Fujifilm Europes facility for education and demos, and INKISH was invited to go there to talk to Head of Digital Solutions EMEA Taro Aoki. Like always, we love these conversations since the length allows us to discuss in details. In this conversation, this takes us from German cars vs—Japanese cars to why the Fujifilm 720/750 is such a good match for many offset printers. Taro Aoki also talks about some of the things he believes Fujifilm could bring to market in the future. As usual. Enjoy!

Henning Rose from Wegner in Bremen, Germany, recently won the Innovation Print Award at a Fujifilm event for an exceptional book project, securing second place in the brochures category and the Global Award for their book. The award is significant for their digital print shop, which specializes in niche projects and uses advanced digital printing systems, including Fujifilm Jetpress and Revorias. The winning book featured intricate details like a transparent foil cover and a keyhole cutout, showcasing their technical expertise. The project, produced on three digital systems, was completed in about eight weeks. This recognition enhances their reputation and is valuable for marketing and attracting new customers.

Our beloved host Pat McGrew travels the world, and in this episode, she brings you wonderfull print samples from a Fuji-Xerox user event in Japan. Pat McGrew is clearly impressed by the samples that not only showcases the technology used but also plays an important role in engaging the participants at the event.

As we arrived at OnPress in our Uber, we immediately noticed that the building seemed to house several different businesses. It quickly became clear, however, that many of the names were actually part of OnPress itself, reflecting the wide range of services the company offers. Back when CDs and DVDs were huge, they represented a significant part of OnPress’ business, and as those markets changed, so did the company. Interestingly, OnPress still produces a considerable number of CDs and DVDs, so despite the obvious decline in demand, these formats remain popular for certain applications and markets. We quickly moved on to the printing side of the business, where a line of Xeikon presses was set up to produce roll-to-roll. As the VP of Book Manufacturing Lance Svoboda explained, these machines are true workhorses. They run almost 24/7, deliver remarkably consistent quality, and rarely require major service, making them ideal for the type of production OnPress handles. The main reason for our visit, however, was OnPress’ recent investment in Meccanotecnica’s perfect binding line. The system is used for both paperback production and producing book blocks for hardcover books, and everything is installed in an impressively compact and efficient setup. I must admit that the print quality from the Xeikon presses combined with the chosen binding technology was a very convincing match. The finished books simply looked great. Talking with Lance Svoboda also made it very clear that he understands technology and knows exactly what he wants from his production. His enthusiasm for the Meccanotecnica perfect binding line was impossible to miss. And that is perhaps particularly interesting when you remember that Meccanotecnica has spent decades building its reputation around Smyth sewing. Moving into perfect binding means entering a market where several competitors have just as much experience in perfect binding as Meccanotecnica has in sewing. That takes commitment, confidence in the technology, and a clear understanding of what customers need. At OnPress, that decision appears to have paid off. The combination of Xeikon digital printing and Meccanotecnica finishing creates a remarkably efficient book production environment, and judging from Lance Svoboda’s enthusiasm, OnPress is a very pleased customer — for sure!

As part of our California Cruising tour, we visited Lahlouh in San Francisco. That was an interesting visit, not only because of the company's technology - ranging from Xerox over Heidelberg to EFI, Horizon, and tons of other equipment but also because Lahlouh is a truly family-operated and owned printing company. The company has a commitment to its customers is second-to-none. With an ever-optimistic approach and willingness to develop new products and services, Lahlouh is in the hotspot of why print has a long and amazing future. Enjoy! LinkedIn Profiles: Catherine Lahlouh https://www.linkedin.com/in/lahlouh/ Tony Lahlouh https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lahlouh-49b20535/

Welcome back to Tactiful Tuesdays! In Episode 9, I’m chatting with the talented Kendra Roberson, a soon-to-be Cal Poly Graphic Communication program graduate. Kendra shares her journey from being a high school graphic design enthusiast to exploring the vast world of print, digital embellishments, and industry networking. We dive into:- How mentorship and industry events shaped her career path- The power of networking in the print & digital space- The role of digital embellishments in accessibility and design- Hands-on experiences at drupa, TAGA, and EPS Connect- Her work with DCR Design and LA Metro. Plus, when available for hire, she shares key advice for aspiring designers. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with someone making big moves in the industry. Connect with Kendra:Email: Kendraroberson03@gmail.comLinkedIn: Kendra Roberson

We've been with SO many printing companies over the years, and though amiable people meet 99% of the time - this one will be something special. Not just because of the superior technology and the products they produce. Not only because you see a company is investing in technology like the gigantic Massivit 3D printer. Not only because the company also invests in the creative side of events (we get to see how they work while here) but also because of the warm people working with CamAd in Toronto. Dan Deveau is highly genuine, open-minded, and friendly, but he touched me when I met his father. Bob Deveau has undoubtedly been a focused businessman. However, handing over the printing company to his son, and still at a high age, almost daily coming to the office to be around and participate in the business decisions, is lovely. Still, it also shows why CamAd is a company where everybody knows each other and does not just SAY family values but live family values. All the above said, Dan Deveau and his team operate a company where they still (but less) work screen printing (analog) but have taken strategic measures to become a digital company with strong craftsmanship - Dan Deveau is not a believer in automation, and you can see that the manual approach does its advantages - for example in how media is handled, but enough written. Watch the film, listen and learn - absolutely one of the better in my mind!

In this episode of The Digital Embellishment Show, host Kevin Abergel talks with print industry visionary David Drucker, also known as the “Guru of Printing.” Renowned for his innovative use of materials and exquisite finishing techniques, David takes us through his most jaw-dropping luxury print projects—including a copper-embossed, safari-inspired book and box set that truly pushes the boundaries of print craftsmanship. What You’ll Learn: How David evolved from a musician to a master printer in New York City The power of combining traditional print methods with modern digital enhancements Why embossing, engraving, and digital foiling can transform everyday print pieces into works of art Insider tips for designing projects with short-run, high-impact embellishments How to collaborate with suppliers, engravers, and clients to bring complex visions to life Plus, David shares his family’s legacy in print and reveals how his creative experimentation leads to must-see projects that captivate clients and win awards. Subscribe for more episodes of The Digital Embellishment Show, where we celebrate the latest trends and innovators in print technology. Connect with David Drucker: David at GuruofPrinting.com Follow Kevin & Taktiful for more insights into digital embellishments, luxury print, and beyond!

At Koenig & Bauer Durst’s variJET Open House in Radebeul, I sat down with Maik Laubin, and the conversation confirmed something I’ve been thinking every time I’ve seen the machine over the past couple of years. The variJET has moved from development into production. That may sound like a small distinction, but it isn’t. Anyone who has followed digital print knows how long that transition can take. You tweak inks, adjust software, improve handling, expand substrate compatibility, and every time you think you are close, something else needs to be solved. What Maik explains here is that we are no longer in that phase. There are still improvements, there always will be, but the machine is now operating as a production platform, not as an ongoing experiment. One of the biggest hurdles has been substrates. Digital packaging has historically come with compromises, special materials, pre-coating requirements, limitations that made integration into existing workflows more complicated than necessary. The ambition with the variJET has been to remove that friction and allow converters to run the same materials they already use in offset. According to Maik, that ambition is now largely fulfilled, and that is probably one of the most important steps toward real adoption. Because the real story here is not “digital versus offset.” It is how the two technologies work together. The variJET 106 and the Rapida 106 are built around the same format, the same production logic, and the same finishing environment. This is not about replacing one with the other, but about understanding where each technology makes the most sense. And that comes down to cost and application. Short runs are central to that discussion, but not in the way many people still think about them. We are not talking about a few hundred sheets. We are talking about several thousand B1 sheets, where setup time, flexibility, and versioning start to outweigh the efficiencies of conventional production. That is where digital begins to make economic sense, and that is where this platform is positioned. Color has also been a point of discussion for years, particularly in packaging where brand consistency is critical. With a seven-color configuration and extended gamut, the results coming off the variJET are now at a level where comparisons with offset are not theoretical anymore. They are practical. Whether one is “better” than the other is less relevant than the fact that both can now deliver what the market expects. What I find more interesting is how the perception changes once people see it running. There are still customers who approach digital with skepticism, and there are others who immediately understand the implications. Some come with years of digital experience, others have none. That variation is still very present, but it is also clear that the direction is moving toward shorter runs, more complexity, and a need for greater flexibility in production. That is exactly where this type of platform fits. The mistake would be to look at it through an offset lens. If you do that, you reduce it to a slower version of something you already understand. If you instead look at what it enables, how it can be integrated, where it changes the economics, and how it opens up new applications, then the discussion becomes far more relevant. This interview with Maik Laubin is not about future potential. It is about where the technology stands today and how it is being positioned in real production environments.

Horizon presents nothing less than 21 end-to-end solutions; all targeted to different applications and all very real scenarios for the thousands of IGAS attendees. In this film, we talk to Muneki Ban from Horizon International. He shows us a setup that is actually two solutions. The first half is fed with up to B1 sheets, which are folded into typically 16-pages signatures, and where the signatures are moved to the pallet using a robot solution. The second half of the setup in this film is where the signatures are placed in a machine gathering the signatures into book blocks, moved on a conveyor to the BQ500 binding solution, and finally, using a three-knife trimmer delivering finished books - and all handled with only one operator. The solution can even be extended with AGVs that can drive the pallets from a printing press to the feeder and the folded signatures to the gatherer - simply amazing and extremely productive!

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, we sit down with industry veteran Ken Huizenga, a print production expert with over 40 years of hands-on experience. Ken has seen everything from running sheet-fed presses in the ‘80s to embracing cutting-edge digital print and embellishment technology. We dive into: - How print production has evolved over the decades - The growing demand for faster turnaround times and higher-quality print - The role of digital embellishments in shaping the future of print - The skills modern press operators need to succeed - Why preventative maintenance is key to keeping your press running smoothly And on a fun note, we also talk car racing, whiskey, and the thrill of going fast—on and off the press!

To establish a smart factory a digital mindset and 360-degree business solutions are needed. We present our interpretation of a smart factory with the goal of full automation of repetitive task and a self-optimizing production. The scope is not limited to the digitalization of production and print data workflows or to automate production lines with smart and connected machines but includes the sales process, customer communication and enterprise resource planning. To make it tangible, we discuss a potential end-2-end business solution using the example of a personalized face mask and cookie box from the creation of a business idea to the shipped product – from Pixel to Output.

Mergers and Acquisitions take many shapes, and in this film, we talk to Christoph Schacht, who recently left his position as COO from EFI/Direct Smile. Direct Smile is a well-known software used by many print service providers globally. This story is about the company, which Christoph Schacht himself refers to as a 'Pirate' company, and how the failed three times getting to America, how they got in contact with EFI, and how Due Diligence was a process that has been a learning experience about Corporate America for Christoph Schacht. Enjoy - yet another great session about M&As. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-schacht-919aa796/

In our series of films about Mergers and Acquisitions, we in this film meet Gerhard Märtterer, one of Alpha Picture's founders seventeen years ago. Everything developed fantastic until the financial crisis in 2008/09 directly influenced customers and forced Märtterer to file for insolvency. In this film, Gerhard Märtterer openly tells us about the failure, the shame, and the opportunities that eventually ended with Märtterer to buy back Alpha Picture together with two friends. This is an amazing story to learn from! https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerhardmaertterer/

It was supposed to be a behind the scene film from Venlo in the Netherlands and Poing in Germany. Inspired by the openness of Canon, and the amazing opportunity to see everything from how inks are made, to R&D labs with machines in development, to the production of the sold machines is by all means interesting. Regardless this film came to be about the transformation from offset to inkjet - and it is really good - Hayco van Gaal and Hans Schmidbauer from Canon EMEA share their insights. We will, however, shortly also deliver a more behind-the-scenes film, where you get an insight into how Canon works - pretty sure you will be as amazed as we were!

Lee Borns is the Vice President and 2nd. generation owner of Borns Group, Aberdeen, South Dakota, USA. Borns Group has grown over the years and experience that customers demand becomes more demanding. As he says, this changes the philosophy of printing/mailing more; it's about printing/the mailing smarter. To get the business operating as efficiently as possible, the company continues to invest in new technology, from new presses to smart software. One of the partners is Solimar, who delivers software enabling the Borns Group to create more innovative solutions. In this film, we get the opportunity to hear from Lee Borns about how Solimar supports their business.

From just 15 people working in a garage to one of Mexico’s significant label and printing operations, the ETIFLEX story is about growth, people, relationships—and the importance of knowing exactly what is happening on the production floor. Today, ETIFLEX operates 23 production lines, including 20 flexographic presses and three digital presses. The company produces labels, tickets, tags, promotional products, and RFID solutions for customers across retail, logistics, food, chemicals, health and beauty, textiles, transportation, and entertainment. Mexico offers significant opportunities. With a population of around 130 million people, a strong manufacturing base, and direct access to the United States, the country has become an increasingly important export market. But competitiveness is no longer simply about offering the lowest price. It is about productivity, innovation, quality, service, and the ability to create long-term relationships with customers and suppliers. Measurement has therefore become part of the culture at ETIFLEX. The philosophy is simple: What you do not measure, you cannot fix or improve. Before implementing CERM, ETIFLEX used five or six separate systems for estimating, production control, warehouse management, purchasing, accounting, and finance. The information existed, but the systems did not communicate effectively with each other. Introducing CERM was a major strategic decision. Changing an MIS or ERP platform requires investment, leadership, time, and commitment throughout the organization. However, continued growth demanded a single integrated system capable of connecting the company’s operational areas and providing reliable, real-time information. With better data, the ETIFLEX team can understand the true cost of every job, identify products that may be subsidizing others, reduce waste, improve printing speeds, shorten setup times, and make better decisions about equipment and capital investments. Perhaps most importantly, the data is no longer reserved for management. Employees throughout ETIFLEX can analyze their own processes, identify opportunities, and suggest improvements. With hundreds of people observing production through the same system, operational knowledge becomes a shared resource. The next chapter will include even more automation, robotics, integration, and information. Technology will play an increasingly important role—but people, culture, and the ability to make informed decisions will remain at the heart of ETIFLEX. Watch the film and meet a Mexican printing company that has transformed measurement from a management tool into part of its DNA.

Matthew Allen never planned a career in print, yet he now sees himself growing within the company he got part of years ago. Matthew Allen works at Eurostampa North America, an OMET customer throughout Europe and North America. An interesting journey for Matthew - enjoy the film!

Steve Lynn used to compete against Durst. From the outside, he saw a premium brand, strong technology, highly reliable equipment, and a company that wasn't particularly easy to compete with. So when the opportunity came to join Durst North America seven or eight years ago, he didn't need much convincing. Today, as Executive Director of Durst North America, Steve has watched the company expand its position across labels, large format, corrugated, folding carton, software, and increasingly automation and AI. At LOOP in Chicago, Morten B. Reitoft talks with Steve about what drives that development. One characteristic is ambition. When Durst decides to enter a segment, the objective isn't simply to participate. In labels, for example, Durst made a strategic decision years ago to become a significant player, followed by continued investments in technology, products, people, and customer relationships. And those customer relationships are important. Steve describes how Durst tries to make every customer a reference customer — because whether a company officially introduces a prospect to that customer or not, people in the industry talk. The experience with the technology, service, people, and support ultimately becomes part of Durst's reputation. That feedback also travels back into development. Durst brings R&D and management close to customers in the individual regions, allowing the company to understand requirements that may differ between North America and Europe and use those conversations to influence future technology. But perhaps the biggest change is that Durst is increasingly thinking beyond individual printing systems. Kyveris represents an ambitious vision where machines, software, data, automation, and AI become part of one intelligent production environment. Rather than optimizing isolated pieces of equipment, the objective is to connect the factory and ultimately move toward increasingly autonomous production. For Steve, that responds directly to challenges printers already face: labor availability, automation, productivity, and the many isolated systems currently solving individual parts of the production process. And it is a bold promise. Kyveris isn't simply another machine with a specification and a price tag. It is a longer-term strategy for how production could operate — and one that will require not only technology development, but also close cooperation between Durst, its regional teams, and its customers. In this INKISH film, Morten talks with Steve Lynn about Durst's culture, customer relationships, competition, labels, software, future packaging opportunities, and why Kyveris may represent one of the company's most ambitious commitments yet. Because the next step isn't necessarily building a faster press. It may be making the entire factory smarter.

Visiting a company like ColorDynamics is an experience in itself. The entrance is impressive, and the company's design makes it interesting, with gardens, courtyards, and space. The history of ColorDynamics is also fascinating, as it was founded in Chicago but moved years ago to Allen in Dallas and has since grown through excellent management and acquisitions. We learned all this from Brian Stone and David Dey, along with how the company reduced their four wide-format digital printers to two new Agfa wide-format printers, delivering more than anticipated and higher quality. ColorDynamics is a fantastic printing company specializing in trading cards and providing solutions using their Heidelberg and HP presses and web-offset machines with tailor-made finishing - super lovely company!