Conversations keep being one of our most popular formats on INKISH. In these interviews, you get to know the human behind the company - what drives them as individuals, values, and careers, and what we like about the format is that the relaxed atmosphere alone brings the message forward. In this Conversations, we talk to Christian Metz, the third Metz generation owner of the successful group of IST companies.

Christian Menegon, HP Indigo’s global business development manager who joined Indigo in 1995, has been at the forefront of digital technology’s evolution in the label industry for nearly three decades. He discusses HP Indigo’s new V12 and 200K presses.

Sometimes - or actually mostly - what you print and what you fold need to be 100% correct, and with Kaiser Vision on your folding line, you can verify and set actions accordingly. Here the CEO of Kaiser Vision explains how the camera inspection system works on a Horizon bucket folder, typically used for pharmaceutical inlays.

At the Seiko Open Week 2022, Christian Goebel built a test printer to show how Seiko printheads can be used to print in all directions - from the side, from the top, and even from the bottom - quite amazing. ideeGO has among other things build machines that print on all the sides of plastic boxes, to support a comprehensive logistics solution. Jetting from the distance is also one of the things the Seiko printheads are capable of, which you can see in the video jetting on uneven surfaces. Learn!

Christian Engel is the CEO of BHS Corrugated. Together the two brothers have developed BHS Corrugated into a global company. In the 'Conversations' with Engel, we get a behind the scene view of the history, the values, and what drives Christan Engel in his leadership.

German with English Subtitles. The organization Komori is expanding its local presence in Europe and beyond. This a courageous strategy that needs great people on site and, in the case of Germany, also includes a new competence center. In this short interview, our editor Jacques Michiels asks Mr. Baumann - to the point - how he and his organization view this new approach and the expanded collaboration with Komori. -- Die Organisation Komori erweitert ihre lokale Präsenz in Europa und darüber hinaus. Eine mutige Strategie, die tolle Leute vor Ort braucht und im Falle Deutschlands auch ein neues Kompetenzzentrum beinhaltet. In diesem kurzen Interview fragt unser Redakteur Jacques Michiels Herrn Baumann - to the point - wie er und seine Organisation diesen neuen Ansatz und die erweiterte Zusammenarbeit mit Komori sehen.

At Printing United Expo in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH spoke with Chris Schowalter from Durst about his first year with the company and how the software division has evolved under his leadership. Chris joined Durst about a year ago, after working at Fiery. “At last year’s Printing United, I was only four days into the job,” he said with a laugh. “Change is difficult. It’s not just about learning the products—it’s about understanding the people and how things work. But the Durst team has been incredibly welcoming. I actually sent a note on my flight here to thank my colleagues for how open they’ve been. I never had to position myself internally; they were ready to collaborate from day one.” He explained that this openness has been a key factor in the progress the software division has made. “Of course, it’s a team effort, but I can say there’s a lot of me in what we’ve built this past year,” he said. “When I look around this booth, it’s not just a small software corner like you see with most hardware companies. We have our own large stand, a full team, and even a dedicated website that went live yesterday. It shows that Durst is serious about software as a core part of the business.” Chris described how Durst’s approach to software is based on openness and interoperability. “Durst started by investing in companies like Callas and by committing to openness,” he said. “We’re working with other OEMs and even showing that on the floor here. People were surprised to see an HP printer at a Durst booth, but that was deliberate. It’s our way of saying we’re open, we’re connected, and we mean it.” When asked if it had been a challenge to convince the organization to support this approach, Chris said he had expected internal resistance but was surprised by the support. “I thought it would be a tough conversation,” he said. “But there were open doors everywhere. The mindset was, ‘If this is what we want to do, let’s do it and mean it.’ That’s how Durst works—there’s no nonsense, just action.” He went on to describe the Open Software Initiative and how it ties into the company’s Smart Factory ecosystem. “We’ve built easy-to-understand packages that offer maximum functionality,” he said. “We didn’t want overly complex pricing or endless options. For example, Smart Shop and Lift—our web-to-print and ERP solutions—are sold directly because they involve long integration projects. But our new products, Prepare and Produce, are channel-ready and easy to implement. That’s what we’re launching here at the show.” Chris also spoke about the acquisition of Callas and how that strengthens Durst’s capabilities in PDF handling and automation. “We’ve brought in some fantastic people from Callas, and it’s expanding what we can offer,” he said. “When you look at the market, you see many third-party integration platforms like Cocco and Atomyx. We’re not trying to replace them; we’re embracing them. We have extremely powerful APIs across our products, and if a customer wants to integrate with Cocco, for instance, we support that. In fact, Cocco is here at our booth because we see them as a partner, not a competitor.” He emphasized that the goal is to make software integration easier, not more confusing. “We lead with value, not limitation,” Chris said. “We don’t tell customers they have to buy everything from us. They can choose what fits their needs. But once they see how well the modules connect, it often makes sense to use more of them. The key is flexibility.” Reflecting on the journey so far, Chris smiled. “This is just the first step,” he said. “It’s been a year of preparation, and now the real work begins. That’s the fun part.” Morten thanked him for the conversation, noting how the openness and innovation on display reflected Durst’s evolution from a printer manufacturer to a complete technology company. Chris nodded. “Exactly,” he said. “That’s what makes this so exciting.”

Chris Schowalter worked for EFI/Fiery for 13 years, so it wasn't easy for him to change position - but now it was time. And here you can hear about some of his considerations - super nice interview, but recorded on his second day at DURST - so bare with both of us :-)

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-price-4ba64926/

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-minn/

At Printing United 2025 in Orlando, Wayne Beckett from INKISH sits down with Chris Minn, CEO of Digital Ink, for an open and energetic conversation about marketing, automation, mental health, and the future of print. Chris explains that Digital Ink, founded just a year ago, was built from a shared passion for marketing and print automation. “Our special spot is print software,” he says. “We love solving challenges — finding out how automation can link systems and generate real results. Most of us spent around ten years in web-to-print with Infigo, so we really understand what PSPs need.” The company’s focus is on blending creativity with workflow intelligence, ensuring that the orders and leads it generates don’t get lost once they reach production. This year, Digital Ink has been investing heavily in AI and automation, partnering with Smart Elephant, led by Harrison Bailey, to integrate advanced AI-driven tools into print workflows. “AI isn’t a buzzword for us,” Chris says. “It’s about using it practically to make printers faster, smarter, and more profitable.” After relocating from the UK, Chris and his family are now fully based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, where Digital Ink is headquartered. “It’s a thriving entrepreneurial region,” he says. “There’s a genuine appetite for print here. We’re even collaborating with FESPA to support their upcoming Dubai show.” Chris is also part of the Printing United Alliance All-Stars, stepping in last minute but quickly embracing the role. He praises the show’s Media Day format. “It’s like speed dating for innovation,” he jokes. “You get direct, candid conversations with OEMs and software developers before the chaos of the main show starts. It’s the perfect model — exhibitors get real value, and the media gets real stories.” One of Chris’s biggest personal commitments is She.t For Brains, the mental health and wellness initiative he co-founded with Dakota from GPA, Dave Rosendahl of MindFire, and John Bailey of Precision Proco. “We’re not experts,” he says. “We’re facilitators. Our goal is to connect people in print with the right resources and create a space where they can talk openly. It’s a private LinkedIn group — authentic, raw, and real — because the first step is admitting we have a problem.” Finally, Chris talks about his experience with Printing-Connect Online, calling it “a no-brainer.” “The reach and the quality of audience data are unmatched,” he explains. “The team’s proactive — even when I forget to share something, they’ve already done it. If you want your brand seen globally and effectively, it’s the smartest investment you can make.” The conversation ends with laughter and friendship. As Wayne jokes about darts and future drinks, Chris smiles — embodying exactly what makes him stand out: equal parts business acumen, creativity, and genuine care for people in print.

He has a nose for business. He sees opportunities. He knows his products. He cares about his customers - they are referred to almost like family members. He strongly believes in offset and is the only one constantly bringing machines to tradeshows whenever possible. He has a strong respect for his father, who passed away years ago. His father gave Manley an opportunity and another direction of life that was initially planned. Manley is the distributor of RMGT and other products. This story is about Chris Manley and GraphCo - great story!  

At Printing United in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH met with Chris Manley, president of Graphco, to discuss how the company continues to innovate and help printers expand into higher-margin opportunities. The Graphco booth once again reflected Manley’s energy and creativity, centered on a clear theme: “The Unfair Advantage.” That phrase, Manley explained, defines Graphco’s mission to give its customers a real competitive edge—enabling them to outproduce and outprofit their peers through smart investments. One of the standout demonstrations was the SD AUSTA F-150R2 hybrid CNC routing and cutting system, made in Italy. The machine was shown producing high-value signage in just a few minutes, turning roughly $25 in raw materials into finished products that sell for around $200. Designed for automation and ease of use, the system can cut, route, and automatically weld studs, allowing even non-specialized operators to create complex, ready-to-install signage. Manley emphasized how this kind of productivity and profitability is exactly what printers need in a market where 10–15% gross margins are typical. For about $5,000–$6,000 per month in lease payments, he explained, a print service provider can own a system that generates products with far higher returns than traditional print work. Graphco also showcased the Foilnex Touris 53044 laminator, built in the Czech Republic, which can laminate both sides of a 12x18" sheet at nearly 8,000 sheets per hour. Manley noted that it is ideal for digital and offset printers alike—particularly those producing menus, covers, and other laminated applications requiring high throughput and premium finish quality. Another highlight was the FoldStream folder-gluer from Hanover, Germany. Compact, easy to use, and built for short- to medium-run packaging and pocket folders, the FoldStream provides automation and productivity typically reserved for much larger, more expensive systems. Priced at roughly half of competitive equipment, it opens opportunities for smaller printers to enter the folding carton and packaging market. Manley described convergence—the blending of commercial print, signage, and packaging—as a central growth opportunity. He stressed that short-run packaging is especially promising because it brings repeat business and strong margins, unlike many traditional print segments. True to Graphco’s philosophy, Manley underscored that every piece of equipment they sell must help customers make money. His guiding principle, as he put it, is simple: “As we serve, we succeed.” For him, Graphco’s growth is directly tied to helping printers thrive through automation, creativity, and the pursuit of profitable new markets.

President Chris Manley explains why he’s SO excited about Graphco’s one-year-old distribution partnership with SD Italy for its cutting/plotting technology. It’s all about communication, Manley says.

RMGT is a success in North America, and Graphco has a huge share in the success. CEO and owner Chris Manley explains why and how - also positioning in an American context - super great interview by INKISH member Mark Vruno. Great work!

In this film, we visit 'Executive Mailing Service,' or, in short, EMS in the Chicago area, and this is a great experience for many reasons. The company specializes in mailing, and when you enter the facility, you see mailboxes as long as you can see - it's quite a large operation. Though you see many machines everywhere, you also realize the number of people working. In the print room, you have a combination of toner-based printers and the newer MCS Inkjet machines - and in the film, we learn how more efficient the MCS Inkjet machines are - and why EMS is replacing the toners one by one. During the visit, you easily understand how great the collaboration is between EMS as a customer and MCS as a supplier - and as this is our first filming with MCS, we are also learning quite a lot. MCS has an intense focus on mailing, and when we later visited their Chicago-based operation, we got a walkthrough that you can see here: https://inkish.tv/inkish-video/mcs/ - it was a great day, and great meeting dedicated people from both sides of the production!

Chris Knighton is the PSP Global Head of Sales at HP Solutions, and that is actually a role that is relatively new to him. Together with a business partner Chris Knighton ran his own company from 2013 where the vision was to create a software solution that would enable global brands to connect to their PSP's wherever located. More than 600 companies and global brands have already taken this path, and recently HP acquired the company and merged it into the software solutions already known. Great story and great to understand what HP Site Flow is capable of plus great to hear what the visions have been throughout the years. 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!   For further information - please reach out to GSBsolutions@hp.com

SiteFlow is nothing but an amazing workflow solution. Though delivered by HP, the software is Vendor Agnostic, as PSP Global Head of Sales and Business Development, Chris Knighton, explains in this 'Learn with Us' session. Amazing software, and presented as a role-play between HP and a printing company. Looks really cool!

Chris Harrington shows a couple of new products delivered by Canadian-based Graphic Whizard. Dig in :-)

At Printing United 2025 in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH meets Chris Harrington from Graphic Whizard, one of the busiest exhibitors at the show — so busy, in fact, that the interview had to be postponed until the final hours because, as Chris put it, “We’re selling too much right now.” Chris, who has spent decades in the print finishing industry, including his entire career working with guillotines, shares how Graphic Whizard’s latest product line brings both tradition and innovation together. “We launched our new series of guillotines about a year and a half ago,” he explains. “We showed them for the first time at Printing United 2024, and now they’re in full production, with installations happening all over North America.” Before becoming a company leader, Chris began his career as a technician, and that hands-on background has deeply influenced his design philosophy. “When you’re standing at a cutter for hours, you realize comfort matters,” he says. “It’s about ergonomics — the button placement, the height, where the foot pedal sits. Operators spend all day at these machines, so it needs to be easy on the body.” The new Graphic Whizard guillotine line includes both hydraulic and electric models. The electric versions, available in 18- and 20-inch formats, are compact, efficient, and ideal for smaller digital environments, while the hydraulic models are suited to heavier production settings. “Electric cutters have come a long way,” Chris says. “If you keep your blade sharp, they’ll last just as long as a hydraulic machine — with a smaller footprint and easier maintenance.” He explains that automation and user assistance are now central to Graphic Whizard’s development philosophy. “We know labor is tight, and skilled operators are harder to find,” he says. “So, our software now includes interactive prompts that guide users step-by-step — where to cut, how to rotate, and how to stack. It gives less experienced operators confidence and helps maintain precision.” Chris also highlights the company’s evolution beyond guillotines. “We’ve become one of the leaders in the slitter-cutter-creaser category, and that complements our cutters perfectly. You can automate a lot of the work that used to wear people out at the guillotine. But the cutter still remains the heart of the finishing department — every print shop needs one.” Discussing Graphic Whizard’s growing reputation, Chris points out that many of the company’s machines are now installed in major national print chains and corporate-owned operations. “We’ve proven that our equipment performs at the same or higher level than much larger brands,” he says. “Before pricing even comes into the discussion, the durability and productivity speak for themselves.” He adds that Graphic Whizard’s model — combining in-house technology with trusted manufacturing partners — allows the company to deliver quality, reliability, and consistency across a wide portfolio. “Ten or fifteen years ago, when someone said they had a Graphic Whizard, they meant they owned one machine,” Chris smiles. “Now, we visit shops that have seven or eight Graphic Whizard systems — guillotines, slitters, die cutters, binders. Once they’ve had a good experience with the first one, they come back for more.” As the show winds down, Morten congratulates Chris on what appears to be a record event. Chris laughs and gestures toward the booth, where half the machines have already been sold. “It’s been a great show,” he says. “A lot of orders, a lot of conversations — and a lot of these machines are heading straight from the floor to their new homes.” Morten smiles and concludes, “That’s the best kind of problem to have — too much success.”

Always great starting an interview with good news, and having sold 200 machines to one customer must be a fantastic experience. Chris Harrington from Canadian-based Graphic Whizard can't hide how happy and proud he is, but not being able to talk about the customer is, of course, a bummer :-) In this interview, we look at the machine they sold - able to slit, crease, cut, and perforate in a very compact and automated way. In the film, Chris Harrington shows you some of the features. Enjoy!

A laminator debut and two laminator workhorses on display with Graphic Whizard - and, as usual, a Chris Harrington that presents the machines, so we easily understand the differences. It was first later the same day that I realized that Harrington started many years ago as a technician and, therefore, has the same passion for diving deep into his and competitors' products. As usual, filming with Chris Harrington, and the Micro (new) and the two other laminators seem to be a good fit for many, so check them out - here on INKISH.

Growth is given at Fotofabriek in the northern Netherlands, and with an increased order intake, technology needs to adapt. Chris De Jonge was featured on INKISH a year ago, and with more than 15,000 daily orders, Fotofabriek is very happy with Ultimate Tech. Chris De Jonge explains how Impostrip, Bindery, and the dynamic scaling of the solutions help them achieve growth :-) Enjoy!  

At Printing United Expo in Orlando, Wayne Beckett from INKISH speaks with Chris Davis, Head of Sales for Hoenle America, about the company’s rebrand, its business divisions, and the future of UV curing in print and packaging. Davis, who has been attending major U.S. trade shows since 1997, emphasizes the continued importance of in-person events. “People buy from people,” he says. “Trade shows give us a chance to connect, understand customer needs, and show what’s new.” He explains that Hoenle recently unified eight brands under one name — Hoenle in English, Hönle in German — to strengthen visibility and simplify how customers understand the company’s broad technology portfolio. The business now operates across three divisions: Adhesive Technologies, Disinfection Systems, and Curing Solutions. Davis’s focus is on the curing side, which serves sheetfed, web, and industrial markets. Discussing the advantages of UV curing, Davis highlights the flexibility of Hoenle’s systems, which include UV, LED, and IR technologies. Printers can finish sheets immediately off the press, enabling embellishment or downstream packaging processes without delay. For existing presses, Hoenle also provides retrofit solutions, an increasingly popular option as more printers convert from conventional to LED or hybrid UV systems. Hoenle’s approach, Davis explains, is deeply technical but highly collaborative. The company supports customers throughout the process — from application testing in its R&D labs to system design, installation, and performance analysis. “We don’t just sell curing units,” he says. “We run the coatings, measure the cure, and make sure every system performs to spec.” Looking ahead, Davis points to ongoing R&D investments aimed at expanding high-powered LED systems, optical precision, and next-generation UVC solutions. These developments will allow printers to use traditional UV ink sets while still benefiting from modern curing efficiency. With a new global identity and a wave of innovation underway, Davis says the mood within Hoenle is optimistic. “We’ve got a lot happening — new branding, new products, and great engagement here at the show. The industry keeps evolving, and we’re proud to evolve with it.”