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Print is dead? Long live print! — Great ValueReport Results

May 16, 2015
CEO Talk on Innovation, Digital Transformation, drupa 2016, Multi-Channel Innovation, Trends @ Graphic Communications, Valuable Advice, Value Innovation
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© 2015 by Value Communication AG, Mainz. | Photo: Our Value Communication Fellows Şükran Ceren Salalı and Sudarsha Rambaran, created an amazing video documentation to present their results!

By Andreas Weber, innovation expert and print analyst from the Gutenberg City of Mainz

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Key issues:

  • The medium print does not have any problem today and in the future. Moreover, it is not in any crisis caused by others. 
  • There is nearly no other sector that presents itself in the public eye so awkwardly and badly as the printing sector.
  • Print buyers highly appreciate good counseling and contemporary, proactive market communication specifically on the topic of how printed materials can be designed particularly effective, appealing and interactive. However, this type of service is in short supply.

The good old Johannes Gutenberg has tossed and turned in his grave for ages. While in 2000, the American business elite elected him “Man of the Millennium” and Silicon Valley called him the innovator of modern times (digital pope, Jeff Jarvis, dedicated the book “Gutenberg the Geek” to him), the printer guilt has denied and practically mothballed him. 

Printing has nearly joined the rank of “non-words”. Despite the fact that worldwide hundreds of thousands of companies still make their money by producing printed materials. Many in the commercial printing business are looking to describe their work and what they offer new: whether it is media production respective marketing service provider or cross-media service provider, they increasingly try to avoid being associated with the term “print”. 

Is this necessary? No! — Therefore, it is the goal to deal with the subject matter of “print” in any form other than it has been dealt with for the past 15 years.

  1. The (alleged) end of the Gutenberg galaxy marks the new beginning of “limitless print communication” — for hundreds of years, printed materials were the measure of all things, firmly in the hand of professional printers and publishers. Beginning in the 1980s, desktop publishing and the motto “Everyone his own Gutenberg” cracked their monopoly. Since, totally new players have taken the lead. Key points: a) Apple and Google developed the first e-print functions as new standards, so millions of new smartphone and tablet users can print their digital contents as needed. b) Specialists among others for Facebook and Wikipedia, who come from the development sector for intelligent search engines and algorithms, have created solutions to configure social media data by mouse click and print them automatically (first and foremost pediapress.com from Mainz). In addition, smart online photo print solutions are used by millions of any age groups!
  2. Reality contra misbelief: The thesis “Internet kills print” is false — this is what publishers and print professionals believe and they convey this message to their customers by having debated about the “print crisis”, of which Google supposed to be the culprit, for years.  The following are arguments against this belief: 1. Print publishers caused their crisis themselves and they did not even use innovations in print, and 2. “digital natives” are positive toward print if the contents and the communication offers are relevant, personal, and useful. (See the following reports: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/09/09/valuecheck-the-internet-is-not-the-death-of-print/ und http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/10/03/valuecheck-newspaper-publishers-theyre-left-crying-in-the-corner/)
  3. Communication deficits paralyze the printing industry — the attitude “our products speak for themselves” has an effect as numb feet. Printing companies are ossified in their routines. Even the most innovative products and solutions, which many can offer, are marketed in accordance with the “Old School” principle: using sample maps and machine demonstrations for children and other interesting parties. There is nearly no printing firm that knows how to use professional online and social media communication such as targeting marketing campaigns as shown in an exemplary fashion in England moo.com or snapajack.com . (See YouTube video “How to innovative print business”). — In this context, not only the art of self-portrayal is what counts but also networking such as the example of Print Three from Canada shows. 
  4. Innovation often takes place in print shops while the interfaces to the customers are mostly rather “retro”! — For more than 10 years, print shops have been under a significant cost pressure; however, they are primarily concerned with themselves to optimize their internal processes in order to produce efficiently. Only few of them focus on communicating the effectiveness of their print products, which they (can) produce for customers, offensively and attractively. Social media monitoring shows how much customers, who order printed matters online, have to criticize (they are unhappy about usability, multiple debits, a lack of color reliability, etc. see “printing research results: The Beauty and The Beast”).
  5. There is nearly no other sector that presents itself in the public eye so awkwardly and badly as the printing sector. This must change drastically! — For hundreds of years, print shops have not needed lobby efforts and industry communication. There were monopolists and there was no way around them. Moreover, they could sail on the lee side of machine suppliers. Just like IBM and computing, particularly the label “Technology by Heidelberg” guaranteed high customer confidence. This changed drastically no later than drupa 2012, which brought the breakthrough in digital printing. Many new players are no relevant. Nearly of them come from the imaging and IT sector. However, these companies are so large and different that individual print shops can hardly create any image transfer. This is not really terrible because with today’s media print shops can position themselves easily and effectively. Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus/YouTube and LinkedIn are the best aids, which provide the use of their infrastructure for free. It just requires a bit of training of how to handle it! — By the way, it is a bit embarrassing as well as inspiring that the world’s largest print buyer, IKEA, campaigns for print by imitating the Apple communication expertly. So far, more than 17 million people watched this video! Benchmark!

Conclusion — our take: “Something old needs something new!”

The printing sector should refocus on its old strength and the Gutenberg value system to be able to handle innovation in communication. This is the only way to survive structural change or structural break.  The medium print does not have any problem today and in the future. Moreover, it is not in any crisis caused by others. This is a homemade crisis. It is the outgrowth of business goals, user promises and communication that is no longer appropriate for customers and no longer up-to-date. No one has to do without the expertise, the passion, the flexibility of competent printing experts. Print buyers highly appreciate good counseling and contemporary, proactive market communication specifically on the topic of how printed materials can be designed particularly effective, appealing and interactive. However, this type of service is in short supply. This can easily be changed. Right? — Please check as well pour Value Guidelines for innovation marketing communications via Social Media.

NOTE: Please join #xug15eu conference. And experience the real value of print via innovative #multichannel solutions.

Print ist tot? Es lebe Print! — Erstklassige ValueReport Ergebnisse

May 16, 2015
CEO Talk on Innovation, Digital Transformation, drupa 2016, Multi-Channel Innovation, Trends @ Graphic Communications, Value Innovation
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Sükran and Suri Value Analyse.001

© 2015 by Value Communication AG, Mainz. | Im Bild: Die Value Communication Fellows Şükran Ceren Salalı und Sudarsha Rambaran, die aufrüttelnde Analyse-Ergebnisse gefunden haben und per Videorapport vorstellen.

Andreas Weber, Innovationsexperte und Print-Analyst aus der Gutenberg-Stadt Mainz, zieht ein Jahr vor der drupa 2016 Bilanz.
Lesezeit: 5 Minuten. Halbwertzeit: (fast) unbegrenzt!

Kernpunkte:

  • Das Medium Print hat heute und in Zukunft kein Problem und steckt auch nicht in einer von anderen verschuldeten Krise. 
  • Kaum eine Branche stellt sich so ungeschickt und schlecht in der Öffentlichkeit dar, wie die Printbranche.
  • Gute Beratung und eine zeitgemäße, pro-aktive Marktkommunikation, vor allem zum Thema, wie man Drucksachen besonders effektvoll, wirkungsstark und interaktiv gestalten kann, wird bei Print Buyern hoch geschätzt, ist aber Mangelware.

Der gute alte Johannes Gutenberg rotiert seit Jahren in seinem Grab. Während ihn im Jahr 2000 die Wirtschaftseliten der USA zum „Man of the Millennium“ kürten und das Silicon Valley ihn als Innovator der Neuzeit verehrt (Digital-Papst Jeff Jarvis widmete ihm das Buch „Gutenberg the Geek“) hat die Drucker-Zunft ihn verleugnet und quasi eingemottet. 

Drucken ist nahezu zum Unwort geworden. Obgleich hunderttausende Firmen in aller Welt nach wie vor mit dem Herstellen von Drucksachen ihr Geld verdienen. Viele im Commercial Printing-Geschäft suchen nach neuen Bezeichnungen dessen, was sie tun und anbieten: Ob Media Production respektive Marketing Service Provider oder Cross-Media-Dienstleister — es wird zusehends vermieden, mit dem Begriff „Print“ in Verbindung zu kommen. 

Marktdaten.003

Quellen: drupa Insight Report; Canon Insight Report; SAPPI & YOU.

Muss das sein? Nein! — Zeit also, sich mit dem Thema „Print“ in anderer Form auseinander zusetzen, als das die letzten 15 Jahre geschieht.

  1. Das (vermeintliche) Ende der Gutenberg-Galaxis markiert den Neubeginn von „grenzenloser Print-Kommunikation“ — Über Jahrhunderte waren Drucksachen das Maß aller Dinge, in festen Händen der Profi-Drucker und Verleger. Mit Desktop Publishing und dem Motto „Jeder sein eigener Gutenberg“ wurde deren Monopol ab den 1980er Jahren gebrochen. Seitdem haben ganz neue Player das Zepter in die Hand genommen. Gipfelpunkte: a) Apple und Google entwickelten die ersten E-Print-Funktionen als neue Standards, damit Millionen neuer Smart Phone- und Tablet-Nutzer ihre digitalen Inhalte bei Bedarf drucken können. b) Spezialisten u. a. für Facebook und Wikipedia, die aus der Entwicklung von intelligenten Suchmaschinen und Algorithmen kommen, haben Lösungen geschaffen, um Social Media-Daten per Mausklick konfigurieren und automatisiert drucken zu können (allen voran pediapress.com aus Mainz). Zudem werden smarte Online-Fotodruck-Lösungen millionenfach genutzt, von allen Altersgruppen!
  2. Realität contra Irrglaube: Die These „Das Internet bringt den Tod von Print“ stimmt nicht — Das Denken nur Verleger und Druckerei-Profis, die das auch noch ihren Kunden gegenüber äußern, in dem seit Jahren über die „Print-Krise“ debattiert wird, die vor allem Google ausgelöst habe. Dagegen spricht: 1. Print-Verlage haben ihre Krise selbstverschuldet und Innovationen im Print gar nicht genutzt; und 2. „Digital Natives“ stehen Print positiv gegenüber, wenn die Inhalte und Kommunikationsangebote relevant, persönlich und nutzbringend sind. (Siehe die Reports: “The Internet is not the Death of Print” und “Newspaper Publishers: They’re left crying in the corner”).
  3. Kommunikationsdefizite lähmen die Printbranche — Die Attitüde „Unsere Produkte sprechen doch für sich“ wirkt wie eingeschlafene Füsse. Druckereien sind in Routinen erstarrt. Selbst die innovativsten Produkte und Lösungen, die viele aufbieten können, werden nach dem „Old School“-Prinzip vermarktet: Per Mustermappen und Maschinendemos für Kunden und Interessenten. Kaum eine Druckerei versteht, professionell Online- und Social Media-Kommunikation einzusetzen, etwa mit Targeting-Marketing-Kampagnen, wie das in England moo.com oder snapajack.com vorbildlich machen. (Siehe YouTube-Video „How to innovative print business“) — Dabei zählt nicht nur die Kunst der Selbstdarstellung sondern auch die des Netzwerkens, wie das Beispiel von Print Three aus Kanada zeigt.
  4. Innovationen finden oft nur Druckerei-intern statt, die Schnittstellen zum Kunden sind derweil zumeist ziemlich „retro“! — Da die Druckereien seit über 10 Jahren unter erheblichem Kostendruck stehen, sind sie vorwiegend mit sich selbst beschäftigt, um ihre internen Abläufe zu perfektionieren, um effizient produzieren zu können. Zuwenige fokussieren sich darauf, die Effektivität der Printprodukte, die sie für Kunden herstellen (können) offensiv und attraktiv zu kommunizieren. Per Social Media-Monitorings zeigt sich, wie groß die Kritik von Online-Drucksachenbestellern ist (bezüglich Usability, Mehrfach-Abbuchungen, fehlender Farbverbindlichkeit etc., siehe „Printing Research Results: The Beauty and The Beast“).
  5. Kaum eine Branche stellt sich so ungeschickt und schlecht in der Öffentlichkeit dar, wie die Printbranche. Das muss sich radikal ändern! — Über Jahrhunderte brauchten Druckereien keine Lobbyarbeit und auch keine Branchenkommunikation. Als Monopolisten führte kein Weg an ihnen vorbei. Zudem konnte man im Windschatten der Maschinenlieferanten segeln. Vor allem das Label „Technology by Heidelberg“ garantierte wie seinerzeit IBM beim Computing, dass Kunden hohes Zutrauen hatten. Mit dem Durchbruch des Digitaldrucks spätestens seit der drupa 2012 hat sich das radikal verändert. Viele neue Player sind relevant, fast allesamt aus dem Imaging- und IT-Sektor. Diese Firmen sind aber so riesig und andersartig, dass die einzelne Druckerei kaum einen Imagetransfer herstellen kann. Was auch nicht schlimm ist, da man sich selbst heutzutage sehr einfach und wirkungsvoll medial in Szene setzen kann. Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus/YouTube und LinkedIn sind die besten Helfer, die in ihrer Infrastruktur zudem kostenfrei nutzbar sind. Man muss nur lernen, wie es geht! — Übrigens ist es sowohl beschämend als auch inspirierend, dass einer der größten Print-Buyer der Welt, IKEA, sich per YouTube-Video für Print stark macht, indem es die Apple-Kommunikation gekonnt imitiert. Bis dato haben mehr als 17 Millionen Menschen das Video angeschaut! Benchmark!

Fazit — Our Take: „Etwas Altes wird etwas Neues!“

Die Printbranche sollte sich wieder auf ihre alten Stärken und das Gutenberg’sche Wertesystem berufen, um Innovationen in der Kommunikation leisten zu können. Nur so kann der Strukturwandel resp. Strukturbruch überstanden werden. Das Medium Print hat heute und in Zukunft kein Problem und steckt auch nicht in einer von anderen verschuldeten Krise. Die Krise ist hausgemacht und ergibt sich nur, wenn die Geschäftsziele, das Nutzerversprechen und die Kommunikation nicht mehr kundengerecht und zeitgemäß sind. Auf die Erfahrung, auf das Fachwissen, auf die Leidenschaft, auf die Flexibilität von kompetenten Print-Fachleuten muss nicht verzichtet werden. Gute Beratung und eine zeitgemäße, pro-aktive Marktkommunikation, vor allem zum Thema, wie man Drucksachen besonders effektvoll, wirkungsstark und interaktiv gestalten kann, wird bei Print Buyern hoch geschätzt, ist aber Mangelware. Das lässt sich einfach ändern. Oder? Die ersten wichtige Schritte zeigt unser Leitfaden für erfolgreiche Kommunikations-Aktivitäten pro Print und via Social Media! 

TIPP: Perspektiven für Print zeigt übrigens die #XUG15EU Konferenz auf, die erstmals am 26. Mai 2015 in Berlin stattfindet.

ValueCheck! — Check out in a minute what is relevant for profitable growth

July 15, 2014
Basic Topics on Innovation, Trend Analysis (in brief), Value Contributors, Value Innovation
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ValueCheck Analysis: Communication, Art and Culture.010

© 2014 by Value Communication AG, Mainz/Germany

 

NOTE: ValueCheck! delivers recently the most comprehensive and effective way to update your business management&communication knowledge. Our Focus: Identify relevant topics to be discussed, put them into the right context and be able to create your own opinion and expertise.

 

Why its worth reading this Blog post:

• Summary of the most relevant ValueCheck! Blog post
• Train your Brain on-the-fly
• Get a very useful access to update your knowledge via ValueLinks and ValueTips

 

+++ ValueCheck! — What is the Value of Value Communication AG?

We deliver a unique method and way by answering two main questions:

  1. How to “Connect Innovation to Profit”!
  2. How to unify “Communication, Art and Culture”!
  3. We call it “ValueCheck!” and cover three areas: Analysis, Audits, Coachings.

Startings point is always a written ValueCheck! Blog post to define the Status quo!

ValueCheck Audits orientates businesses to generate profit and to enjoy outcomes of disruptive innovation and communication.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/07/06/value-check-what-is-the-value-of-value-communication-ag/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — The Secrets of the Age of Digital Transformation

In other words, human side of business transformation should be taken more into consideration as the age of digital transformation puts consumer in the center. This is why Value Communication keeps focusing on using digital technologies based on H2H and a disruptive approach to understand the relationship between technologies and consumer behavior.

ValueCheck! emphasizes the relationship between H2H aspects and the use of digital technologies while analyzing consumer behavior and the company’s approach.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/07/02/valuecheck-the-secrets-of-the-age-of-digital-transformation/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — ’Rent a Brain’ is the perfect way to succeed in Social Biz

What we at Value Communication aim by „ValueCheck!“ is to help business people to become far more successful in their sectors. By answering the questions of „ValueCheck! Audits“, a company can become aware of its abilities and inadequacies in a more detailed way. The important thing is we treat our customers as (best) friends.

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READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/07/10/valuecheck-
rent-a-brain-is-the-perfect-way-to-succeed-in-social-biz/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — Connect Innovation to Profit!

The performance promise: “connect innovation to profit”. Your benefits:

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  • ValueCheck! guides you through the digital world to accelerate your profitable growth.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/06/11/value-check-connect-innovation-to-profit/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — Train Your Brain!

We proudly present: World’s first Train Your Brain Fitness Check-up to be ready for profitable growth in “The Age of the Customer”!
We are happy and proud to share some thoughts. Based in Johannes Gutenberg‘s hometown, Mainz/Germany, we are dedicated to the rich culture of Art = Innovation = Communication = Human-to-Human!

Value Communication analyses and supports approaches of customers to H2H aspects and then finds the best method to guide them on track of becoming a successful and profit-making companies.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/06/19/value-check-train-your-brain/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — Disruptive Task: “Bust the Silos — Convert the VIRTUAL to REALITY”

But nevertheless we live in a digital world. Social Media and all our Social Activities will never be able to create relatedness. It enables connections. That’s it! — Kill stupidity in business driven by executives who still use their analog thinking in a digital world.

Our message according to all activities based on our disruptive Value Task:
Just do it the smart way. Unify Social & Human-to-Human. ValueCheck! has a disruptive approach that combines advisory, publishing and community.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/value-communications-manifesto/

 

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The strategic analysis is done via ValueCheck! and ValueProfile, which supplies the design of a new communication architecture as a result.

ValueCheck! strategizes a new approach to innovative communication techniques for companies in order to guide them to have more benefits from the market.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2012/07/24/the-value-eco-system/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — Philosophy and Principles of Value Communication

The effectiveness of communication and the efficiency of communication processes are developed with innovative tools and methods by Value Communication such as Value Academy and ValueCheck!.

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READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/philosophy-and-principles-of-value-communication/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — Disruptive and/or Destructive Innovation?

Disruptive innovation is not a threat as it would be perceived by the university management of Harvard Business School based on last debates about whether entering to the business of online education or not. What makes innovation disruptive is the way it makes a product, a service or an idea remarkable with an unusual approach to renew our consumption patterns and lifestyles.

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READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/07/09/valuecheck-disruptive-andor-destructive-innovation/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — ’Rent a Brain’ is the perfect way to succeed in Social Biz

Very successful business owners, emphasize the effectiveness of having help from a mentor or a colleague in order to accomplish their goals.

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READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/07/10/valuecheck-rent-a-brain-is-the-perfect-way-to-succeed-in-social-biz/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — How Social Media leads to Social Business

It is apparent that those B2B service companies require important innovation and transformation in order to satisfy the expectations of their potential customers. Therefore, the importance of „ValueCheck! Audits“are apparent as a solution to check the weaknesses of businesses in Social Selling and Social Businesses. „ValueCheck!“ questions include many related topics so as to strengthen the strategies of companies.

Even many successful companies fail to satisfy customers. ValueCheck Audits provides better perspective to see what is missing on track of keeping good connections with the market and customers.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/07/10/valuecheck-how-social-media-leeds-to-social-business/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — HBS: The Professor’s Innovation Dilemma

Our Take: You can’t do value education without disruptive Value Innovation.

I think, in the age of digital transformation, education needs to get some disruptive innovation as well. Maybe, we can call it “digital education”. Digital Education allows many applicants around the world to benefit from online education platforms via several tools such as iPhone, iPad and other portable instruments. Considering all of these, I am pretty surprised that how as one of the top ranked and most successful universities, Harvard Business School, has a dilemma about entering online education.

ValueCheck! follows the latest trends in order to guide companies in the best way so as to adapt itself and its customers to the age of digital transformation.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/07/09/valuecheck-the-professors-innovation-dilemma/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — Beyond Design: Technology enables H2H interaction

In the future it is more about Interaction & H2H and less about Designers…

The core meaning of the tweet is design matters, nevertheless; it is not solely enough to become very successful. Besides design, key enablers of PARC include other systems such as intelligent manufacturing, model-based reasoning, integrated planning and control, and printed electronics. Moreover, without effective human-to-human interaction and innovative approaches to satisfy customer, a superior design only leads to empty promises, or let’s say “all fur coat and no knickers”!

ValueCheck! emphasizes human-to-human interaction and innovative approaches that guide companies for a better strategy to adapt in future technologies and the market system.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/07/02/beyond-design-technology-enables-h2h-interaction/

 

+++ ValueCheck! — Print in the Digital Age!

In the age of digital transformation, it is a big mistake to limit advertising and marketing based only on printing like we already know it. There are many platforms and social networks to work on in order to advertise a product or a system by drawing attentions. The age of the so called „digital transformation“ needs better rethinking over analogue approaches in order to satisfy consumer needs in a best way.

ValueCheck! also focuses on the importance of social networks and various platforms in order to catch the spirit of the age of digital transformation and distribute it to companies as applicants of ValueCheck! Audits.

READ MORE: http://valuetrendradar.com/2014/07/07/valuecheck-print-in-the-digital-age/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print + Publishing: Mike Hilton’s News Update to Monday 23 June

June 23, 2014
Trends @ Graphic Communications, Value Contributors
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If you would like to send news for consideration for the Graphic Repro On-line Website (ISSN 1814-2915) or to submit comments, please e-mail Mike Hilton at: graphicrepro.za@gmail.com.Our Website urls are:

Graphic Repro On-line News Update to Monday 23 June
Welcome to another week which has seen several positive announcements and developments, both in the local market and elsewhere, along with Laurel Brunner’s Verdigris Blog and a couple of new additions in Online Features. If you haven’t yet downloaded the PDFs from HP with regard to its latest inkjet developments and direction, you should. I think they give a good indication of what to expect in the future in our own industry.Don’t forget that next week will see FESPA Africa kick off on 2 July at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, along with Africa Print, whereas Sign Africa and Visual Communications Africa are both incorporated into FESPA for this year’s event. You’ll find all the news in the FESPA Newsroom on the Website, and the most recent announcements also below.Monday was covered in last week’s update, but to remind you, it began with the announcement from Agfa and Thunderbolt Solutions. In order to return to a Monday – Friday week, I have repeated last Monday’s news below, as next Monday will see our last update until August. I need break during July for a change.

The best of this week’s new happenings and events that I am aware of can all be found below. There have been some really good ones over the past week, including major achievements from Kodak as the first Kodak Prosper 6000C commercial press beta installation is announced at Japs-Olson; from QuadTech with a first in Israel at CLP; from Agfa with 48-page CTP and workflow in Germany; and from Rotolito Lombarda with a Manroland Web Systems 48-page Lithoman with Kodak Stream Inkjet; a Manroland FoldLine for the company’s HP Inkjet Web Presses, and an HP Indigo 10000 B2 Digital Press for book covers – all on Tuesday.

Wednesday saw Sappi Ngodwana Mill’s Specialised Cellulose expansion officially opened in Mpumalanga; as well as a major new software release from Esko of its Suite 14; while on Thursday, Manroland Web Systems took the lead with a new 48-page Lithoman for Aller Tryk in Denmark. Friday began with FESPA Africa which has already been mentioned above, and with the major news coming from HP with the world’s first three installations of its new monochrome HP T260 inkjet web presses to meet demands of the China publishing market at three of Hucais’ printing centres.

Leading today’s headlines: Graphic Label Solutions breaks new ground in sustainability with the first EFI Jetrion LED inkjet narrow web press in the United States. This is followed by KBA at Chesapeake/MPS in the UK with a Rapida 106 B1 press as the ‘cornerstone’ of a £3m investment programme. You’ll also find Horizon with its latest from IFS at B3 printer Herts & Essex, also in the UK.

A double tailender for you this week to make up for missing out last Monday. UPM Kymmene with WWF Finland on Thursday with the promotion of sustainable wood-based biofuels, sustainable forest management and sourcing of raw materials in Finland; and again today, as it signs an agreement for the distribution of UPM BioVerno renewable diesel produced in UPM’s Lappeenranta Biorefinery in Finland.

There’s lots more lower down, including some exciting new software releases.

Until next time, my best regards,

Mike Hilton

_____________________________________________
Our e-News comprises:  Headline News – Online Feature Articles – the Verdigris initiative from Digital Dots. Our Ipex, Drupa and FESPA Newsrooms can be accessed from the Index on our Home Page, as well as News in Review, which provides a weekly overview and listing of all news added to the site. 

Headline News
Over 25,000 news items have now gone online since we launched our Website in September 2001. News for the past 24 months can still be accessed via the Home Page and its continuation news pages Note: ‘next page’ and ‘previous page’ links appear at the top of each News continuation page.

Monday 16 June – Monday 23 June

Mon 16 June…    Thunderbolt forms strategic alliance with Agfa Graphics
Thunderbolt Solutions and Agfa agreement for distribution, service and support of Agfa Graphics range of products in Southern Africa…Disruptive Approach? Make it better by ‘Make it matter’!
HP in Barcelona, by Andreas Weber, Value CEO | Analyst & Innovation Expert, spokesperson of the DigitalPrintingForum and based in Mainz,Germany…Grapho Metronic management move for Manuel Kosok
Manroland Web Systems subsidiary company Grapho Metronic strengthens its management with Manroland Web addition…

Austrian power at Rattpack Group in Vorarlberg
Rattpack Group recently invested ?4m in setting up a centre for high-speed packaging production with a KBA Rapida 106-6-L…

Resl follows Presto II with Alegro and Ventura MC
Tiskárna Resl in the CzechRepublic invests in two more Muller Martini systems hot on the heels of its Presto II purchase…

Thieme closes the gap between screen and digital print
Open digital printing platform for open process development with Thieme’s newly developed modular printing system…

Tue 17 June…    Kodak announces first Prosper 6000C Press to Japs-Olson
Japs-Olson is expanding its inkjet solution capabilities as the first Kodak Prosper 6000C commercial press beta installation…

QuadTech with Israel’s first gravure Inspection System
CLP installs Israel’s first QuadTech Inspection System for the elimination of white ink on Windmöller & Hölscher press…

Sappi confirms disposal of its Nijmegen Mill
Agreement has been reached to dispose of Sappi’s Nijmegen Mill to an affiliate of American Industrial Acquisition Corporation…

Heidelberg Postpress Folding Days in Ludwigsburg
Ideas for new business models – customers encounter special applications for folding machines at Heidelberg Stahlfolder…

Bagel RotoOffset with 48pp CTP and PDF workflow from Agfa
The German web printer adds efficiencies with automatic imposition and 64-bit processing with Apogee Suite 8…

Rotolito Lombarda continues to invest in innovative systems
Rotolito Lombarda adds Manroland 48pp Lithoman, FoldLine, Kodak Stream Inkjet, and HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press to its lineup…

Wed 18 June…   Sappi Ngodwana Mill’s successful upgrade officially opened
Sappi Ngodwana Mill’s Specialised Cellulose expansion bodes well for future growth for the company and for Mpumalanga…

Esko releases Suite 14
Major software release of the next-generation productivity suite for packaging preproduction and management…

New Esko White Paper to download
Identifies five key trends for packaging workflows of today…

New ISO Standard communicates precise brand colours
CGS supports open standard to digitally exchange brand colours with ORIS CxF Toolbox & ORIS CxF Designer along supply chain…

Onyx Graphics launches new Textile Edition software
Onyx Graphics has launched a new addition to its award-winning suite of RIP and print workflow products….

KBA-FT Engineering firms up older Prinovis gravure press
Professional retrofits instead of scrapping a reality due to KBA-FT Engineering’s broad expertise in gravure…

Thu 19 June…    Aller Tryk orders second Lithoman from Manroland Web
The success story continues: Another Lithoman 48-page short grain press for Aller Tryk A/S in Taastrup, Denmark…

UPM and WWF Finland enter versatile co-operation
For the promotion of sustainable wood-based biofuels, sustainable forest management and sourcing of raw materials in Finland…

Rotolito Lombarda acquires Nava Press
Rotolito Lombarda has signed an agreement to acquire the share capital of Nava Press, a branch of Nava Milano SpA…

KAMA solution for short-run folding cartons
Fast changeovers key to finishing short runs of digitally printed cartons, as KAMA demonstrated at Interpack 2014 with HP Indigo…

Heidelberg’s pilot Performance Plus programme at CGS
Heidelberg’s Performance Plus transforms pressroom operations at Contemporary Graphic Solutions in Pennsauken, NJ…

Bell & Bain Glasgow hails X-Rite IntelliTrax success
Solution enables large-format production target densities to be reached in as fast as 20 minutes at Scottish book printer…

Fri 20 June…   Shift up a gear, double your speed with Durst and Kemtek
To be featured at the Kemtek FESPA Africa 2014 stand: the new high- speed Durst Rho P10 HS series with LED pin curing…

Mimaki and GSW with wide-format at FESPA Africa 2014
Innovation first, as Mimaki brings its latest wide-format inkjet printers to the Gallagher Convention Centre from 2 – 4 July…Enfocus releases Switch 12 update 2
Key user requests added to this leading automation solution open up enhanced productivity to business of all types…

HP Inkjet Web Presses for Hucais’ publishing business
World’s first installations of new monochrome HP T260 26-inch inkjet web presses to meet demands of China publishing market…

Polar update for expanding Penrith company
H&H Reed Printers in Cumbria is replacing a ten year old Polar 78X with the latest Polar 78N Plus cutting technology…

Highcon announces updates to the Euclid
Highcon has also expanded with new distribution channels…Mon 23 June…    GLS first in United States with EFI Jetrion 4950lx
Graphic Label Solutions breaks new ground in sustainability with an EFI Jetrion LED inkjet narrow web press…

Chesapeake/MPS Greenford ‘future-proofs’ with KBA
New power-performance, high specification, KBA Rapida 106 B1 press is ‘cornerstone’ of £3m investment programme…

UPM BioVerno renewable diesel to be distributed in Finland
UPM has signed a sales agreement for UPM BioVerno renewable diesel, produced in UPM’s Lappeenranta Biorefinery…

Herts & Essex Printers invests in future with Horizon
Hertford B3 firm chooses Horizon StitchLiner to aid productivity…

CLP Regulations fuel demand for peel and read varnish
Pulse Roll Label Products, has reported increased demand for its UV flexo free radical release varnish…

The Monday lead articles from last week’s update… 

Thunderbolt forms strategic alliance with Agfa Graphics
Thunderbolt Solutions and Agfa agreement for distribution, service and support of Agfa Graphics range of products in Southern Africa…Disruptive Approach? Make it better by ‘Make it matter’!
HP in Barcelona, by Andreas Weber, Value CEO | Analyst & Innovation Expert, spokesperson of the DigitalPrintingForum and based in Mainz,Germany…GraphicRepro.Net e-News  (ISSN 1814-2923) is sponsored and made possible by:

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG  (Heidelberg), The world’s largest printing press manufacturer for the industry worldwide. Heidelbergcustomers enjoy the most comprehensive and extensive sales and service network in the industry for JDF compliant workflow, computer-to-plate, sheetfed offset, Web-to-print, digital printing, digital inkjet for labels and packaging, packaging and finishing, all with complementary consumables.Heidelberg has offices in around 170 countries. Visit the Heidelberg Website for more information.Electronics For Imaging(EFI) is a world leader in digital imaging and print management solutions for the commercial printing market. Its portfolio of integrated solutions span production and superwide format printing, graphic arts, advanced professional printing software, and industrial inkjet systems. Its technologies increase productivity by automating print and business processes To find out more visit the EFI Website.Kodak Commercial Imaging  (Kodak) is a leading provider of innovative solutions for conventional, digital and hybrid print production environments. With the most expansive portfolio for the graphic communications market,  Kodak features technologies, products and services that help print providers streamline processes, optimise efficiencies, broaden services, and grow businesses. To find out more, visit the Kodak Graphics Website.

Online Feature articles 2014
There have been 50 so far this year, as well as seven downloads. There were 92 articles in 2013 which can still be accessed via the Index on the Home Page, with prior years’ via Search Archives (option 2) on the Website.

Downloads available Chapter 01

HP disrupts production printing market with PageWide Technology
PageWide White Paper for download, following HP’s announcement of new large-format inkjet-based PageWide Technology for high-volume quality prints at high speeds and lower costs…

Inks for HP PageWide Technology White Paper
Technical white paper for download as a PDF detailing new HP pigment inks for quality, speed, and reliability…

May/June Chapter 05Rotolito Lombarda continues to invest in innovative systems
Rotolito Lombarda adds Manroland 48pp Lithoman with Kodak Stream Inkjet, FoldLine for its HP Web Presses and HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press to its lineup…Previous…    Austrian power at Rattpack Group in Vorarlberg
Rattpack Group, one of the showcase companies in the Austrian print and packaging industry, recently invested €4m in setting up a centre for high-speed packaging production, which includes a KBA Rapida 106-6-L…

Technology-related articles Chapter 02Heidelberg Postpress Folding Days in Ludwigsburg
Ideas for new business models – customers encounter special applications for folding machines at Heidelberg Postpress Special Folding Days in early June…Previous…    Disruptive Approach? Make it better by ‘Make it matter’!
By Andreas Weber, Value CEO | Analyst & Innovation Expert, spokesperson DigitalPrintingForum and based in Mainz, Germany…

dmax large-format digital varnishing world première
Steinemann Technology, Schmid Rhyner and Druckhaus Mainfranken present the world’s first high-speed large-format digital varnishing machine – the dmax…

New HP Indigo digital presses with increased productivity
The new HP Indigo 7800 sheet-fed and WS6800 roll-fed digital presses offer unmatched performance, as well as simplified colour management…

Kodak announces two brand new Prosper 6000 Presses
Two brand new from the ground up Kodak Prosper 6000 Presses are set to unleash the next-generation of printing to meet diverse customer needs…

Verdigris – Environmental Initiative
Access via our Home Page Index.
Laurel Brunner’s latest weekly Verdigris Blogs

Little by Little, Bit by Bit
The weekly Verdigris blog by Laurel Brunner – Fri 20 June

Previous…    Nano Nano
The weekly Verdigris blog by Laurel Brunner – Fri 13 June
FESPA Newsroom
Can be found in the Index on our Home Page.

FESPA Africa 2014Shift up a gear, double your speed with Durst and Kemtek
To be featured at the Kemtek FESPA 2014 stand: The new high-speed Durst Rho P10 HS series inkjet printer with LED pin curing…

Mimaki and GSW with wide-format at FESPA Africa 2014
Innovation first, as Mimaki brings its latest wide-format inkjet printers to the Gallagher Convention Centre from 2 – 4 July…

Previous…    FESPA Africa 2014 attracts major industry players
FESPA Africa 2014 is set to be the largest exhibition in the region to date after securing commitment from major industry players…FESPA News 2014

Previous…    FESPA progresses regional re-investment programme in Turkey
50,000 Turkish Lira to print education for next-generation Turkish printers underlines FESPA’s ‘Profit for Purpose’ commitment in Eurasia…

Drupa Newsroom
Our Drupa Newsroom with news from Messe Düsseldorf and for Drupa 2016 can be found in the Index on our Home Page.

 

The Graphic Repro On-line Website is supported and sponsored by:Antalis South Africa, Dainippon Screen,  Drupa 2016,  EFI and EFI Vutek, Esko,  Epson Europe BV,  FESPA. Goss International Inc, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG,  HP Graphic Solutions,  Kodak, Koenig + Bauer AG,  Kemtek Imaging Systems,  Konica Minolta,  Krause-Biagosch,  Leonhard Kurz Stiftung,   Manroland Web Systems GmbH,  Muller Martini AG,  POLAR-Mohr, QuadTech Inc,  Quark Inc,  Ricoh Europe,  Sappi Limited,  Sappi Printers of the Year,  Print Process Champions Group,  Thunderbolt Solutions, and UPM-Kymmene.

If you would like to send news for consideration for the Graphic Repro On-line Website (ISSN 1814-2915) or to submit comments, please e-mail Mike Hilton at: graphicrepro.za@gmail.com.Our Website urls are:

GraphicRepro.Net e-News (ISSN 1814-2923)  provides weekly updates from the Graphic Repro On-line Website and is  compiled and
published by Mike Hilton, graphicrepro.net, PO Box 10 Peterburgskoe Shosse 13/1, 196605 Pushkin 5, St. Petersburg, Russia.
e-mail graphicrepro.za@gmail.com

Graphic Repro On-line News Update to Friday 25 April

April 27, 2014
Valuable Advice, Value Contributors
Leave a comment

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If you would like to send news for consideration for the Graphic Repro On-line Website (ISSN 1814-2915) or to submit comments, please e-mail Mike Hilton at:graphicrepro.za@gmail.com.

Our Website urls are:

http://www.graphicrepro.co.za
http://www.graphicrepro.net

GraphicRepro.Net e-News (ISSN 1814-2923)  provides weekly updates from the Graphic Repro On-line Website and is  compiled and published by Mike Hilton,graphicrepro.net, PO Box 10 Peterburgskoe Shosse 13/1, 196605 Pushkin 5, St. Petersburg, Russia.
e-mail graphicrepro.za@gmail.com

Graphic Repro On-line News Update to Friday 25 April

Welcome to another roundup of news for the past week, together with Laurel Brunner’s latest Verdigris environmental Blog, and a couple of nice new additions in Online Features: from Heidelberg with Hartmann in Spain, as they celebrate 50 years of co-operation with increasing success as the Spanish market as investment in new kit picks up once more. From Pim Print in The Netherlands with Callas Software; and from Muller Martini in Leipzig, where the Mönch bookbindery now stitches thread-sewn books with shorter signatures using the Ventura MC sewing machine with the Tween option, instead of by hand, for which it was renowned for many years. As to be expected, you will also find half-a-dozen of the latest FESPA Digital-related announcements in our FESPA Newsroom, including the latest product launches from Screen and Xeikon.

Although it was a short week again this week due to the Easter long weekend, there have been a number of important announcements, both locally and elsewhere.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Interpack 2014, which takes place from 8 – 14 May in Düsseldorf, took the lead with major announcements from Esko with packaging preproduction to address today’s brand needs; and HP Indigo with digital printing solutions for folding carton, flexible packaging, labels and corrugated packaging applications. On Wednesday and Friday you will also find the latest relating to the Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations event in Lier, Belgium, taking place from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 May. On Wednesday, KBA announced that experienced restructuring expert, Dr Andreas Plesske, has been appointed to its management board with responsibility for the group’s realignment programme.

Thursday’s headlines were led by Screen, which has appointed Ipex Machinery in Johannesburg as its Southern Africa reseller for the complete range of Screen Truepress Jet digital inkjet presses and printers. This is a superb fit in the Ipex Machinery portfolio, which already includes Hunkeler among many others, and which are complementary to Screen’s high-speed inkjet presses. It will also equip Ipex to address the growing large-format flatbed, high-quality UV inkjet market as well with the Inca-manufactured Screen printer range.

On Friday, Kodak announced a further major investment in a new and additional plate line for its Sonora process-free plates at its plant in Columbus, Georgia, in the United States. This follows the announcement in early March of similar investments in both Osterode, Germany, and at its Xiamen, China plant. Also on Friday, UPM Raflatac announced a EUR 13 million investment in new production capacity for filmic labelstock, and a restructure of its sheet labelstock production in Europe.

A whole selection of nice sales and installations again this week: on Tuesday from EFI, and from Heidelberg with Linoprint digital; also from KBA with an eight-colour Rapida 105. On Wednesday from Heidelberg UK with a Speedmaster CX 102 five-colour press with coater; from Epson with its first digital inkjet label press for Scotland; and Callas Software with pdfToolbox Server. On Thursday, from Heidelberg UK again, with a thermal CTP Suprasetter; and then Polar, as an Austrian bookbindery extends its cutting capacity with a high-speed Polar N 137 Plus cutter. On Friday, we have Muller Martini with the world’s first FlexLiner state-of-the-art inserting technology in Germany, to finish the week nicely.

There’s a lot of new inkjet kit this week, particularly out of ISA International Sign Expo in Orlando, from EFI, Durst and HP, all with new or greatly enhanced inkjet printers, and also from SAi, all in the news on Friday, as well as from Epson on Thursday with debuts lined-up for Sign & Digital UK this coming week. Agfa Graphics will show its latest UV-curable wide-format inkjet printers at FESPA Digital; while Screen will debut the higher speed version of its Truepress Jet UV flatbed inkjet printer for the first time at FESPA in Munich next month.

There’s more if you scroll down carefully, including an award for Ricoh on Thursday.

The tailender this week goes to So-opak and a very enterprising lady by the name of Carol Jiang, who is the first ever to put her short-run offset printing packaging firm online, and which dazzled attendees at the SIAL Canada 2014 show held in Montreal earlier this month. You’ll find it in the news on Tuesday, with some stunning examples of what they are doing!

I think that’s about it again for this week, so until next time.

My best regards,

Mike Hilton

 

___________________________________________________________

Our e-News comprises:  Headline News – Online Feature Articles – the Verdigris initiative from Digital Dots. Our Ipex, Drupa and FESPA Newsrooms can be accessed from the Index on our Home Page, as well as News in Review, which provides a weekly overview and listing of all news added to the site. 

Headline News
Over 24,000 news items have now gone online since we launched our Website in September 2001. News for the past 24 months can still be accessed via the Home Page and its continuation news pages Note: ‘next page’ and ‘previous page’ links appear at the top of each News continuation page.

Tuesday 22 April – Friday 25 April
Tuesday 22 April…   Esko at Interpack 2014: 8 – 14 May in Düsseldorf
Packaging preproduction addressing today’s brand needs with colour accuracy, faster time to market and regulatory compliance…

Agfa’s latest UV-curable wide-format inkjet at FESPA
Agfa Graphics to present next generation UV-curable wide-format printers, workflow and inks, at FESPA Digital 2014…

What’s up, drupa?
Value Talk with Sabine Geldermann, director at Messe Düsseldorf responsible for drupa trade fairs, by Andreas Weber…

So-opak first to put folding carton business online
So-opak, new online short-run offset printing packaging firm, dazzled attendees at SIAL Canada 2014 earlier this month…

Clarkeprint adds EFI OPS (Online Print Solutions)
EFI’s Web2Print brings the full power of e-Commerce to Clarkeprint; full campaign management augments print services…

Advantage Linoprint: with Prinect Digital Press Manager
Prinect Digital Print Manager locks in quality and lowers costs and more for Heidelberg’s growing Linoprint digital press users…

Leading packaging printer adds third KBA Rapida 105
Spring arrival in southern California for new KBA Rapida 105 eight-colour 41-inch press at K-1 Packaging Group…

 

Wed 23 April…   HP to show game-changing solutions at Interpack 2014
HP digital printing solutions for folding carton, flexible packaging, labels and corrugated packaging applications to be on show…

Dr Andreas Plesske to implement KBA restructure
KBA appoints experienced restructuring expert to management board with responsibility for ‘Fit@All’ realignment programme…

Xeikon Café on Packaging Innovations 20 – 22 May
Spotlight on self-adhesive labels as programme completed with Kohlpharma to inform on benefits of digital label production…

ThermoFlexX to also take part in Xeikon Café
ThermoFlexX will be a key player at the forthcoming Xeikon Café event in Lier, from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 May…

UPM decreases work-related accidents by 60% in two years
Focus on improving workplace safety produces great results…

G&H switches to Speedmaster CX102 technology
G&H Printing adds B1 Speedmaster CX 102-5+LX five-colour press with coater, with further investment plans later this year…

Label Tec invests in an Epson SurePress L-4033A
First digital inkjet label press for Scottish firm ticks all the boxes for high quality, consistent colour and affordability…

Pim Print automates workflow with Callas pdfToolbox Server
The Callas pdfToolbox Server, isn’t that the workflow package that is especially suitable for larger companies?…
Thu 24 April…   Screen appoints Ipex Machinery for Truepress press range
Screen appoints Ipex Machinery as Southern Africa reseller for its range of Truepress Jet digital presses and printers…

Screen launches Truepress Jet 3200UV HS flat-bed
Higher speed version of the acclaimed UV flatbed inkjet printer to be shown for the first time at FESPA Digital in Munich…

International Data Corporation accolade for Ricoh
IDC names Ricoh top high-speed inkjet placement vendor six years running in the continuous feed market…

Epson to debut SureColor wide-format at Sign & Digital
Versatile, high-speed 4-colour wide-format printer range features nine models offering choice of widths…

Esko to sport a racing theme at FESPA Digital
Esko Sign & Display companies next-generation prepress, workflow and digital finishing solutions at FESPA Digital in Munich…

More from Mimaki Europe for FESPA Digital 2014
Theme of ‘Together We Create’ expresses Mimaki Europe’s approach to the sign and display graphics business in Munich…

FESPA Digital 2014’s educational programme
Dives deeper into digital print; New keynote plus expanded line-up of topics and speakers announced for Digital Hub…

Douglas moves to thermal with a Suprasetter A75
The Bishops Stortford company is switching from visible light to thermal CTP to improve handling and environmental impact…

Bookbindery Immerl trusts once more in Polar
Austrian bookbindery Immerl extends its cutting capacity with another high-speed Polar N 137 PLUS cutter…

Fri 25 April…   Kodak to add new Sonora plate line in Columbus, Georgia
Increased Sonora process-free plate sales continue to drive targeted regional manufacturing strategy for Kodak…

Heidelberg and Hartmann: Over 50 years together in Spain
The Spanish market is on the road to recovery, where print shops are modernising their machine parks with Heidelberg…

UPM Raflatac to restructure production in Europe
UPM Raflatac to invest EUR 13 million in new production capacity in filmic labelstock and restructure sheet labelstock…

SKN Druck in Emden: A world first from Muller Martini
When the world’s first FlexLiner state-of-the-art technology meets with premium products at SKN in Emden, Germany…

EFI debuts new ‘green’ entry-level LED printer at ISA
EFI propels print business competitiveness with new inkjet and workflow innovations at the ISA International Sign Expo…

Durst launches two new machines at ISA in Orlando
Durst Phototechnik launches new Rho P10 HS high-speed series and Durst Rho 312R roll-to-roll printer at International Sign Expo…

HP enabling wide-format customers to break boundaries
New HP Latex 300 Printer series and HP Designjet Z-series production printers debut at ISA to help customers grow businesses…

SAi FlexiPRINT bundled with new HP Latex Printers
SAi FlexiPRINT signmaking software bundled with new HP Latex 300 series, enables fast, effective RIPping…

Xeikon Café to show digital heat transfer labelling
Xeikon Café on Packaging Innovations to showcase digital heat transfer label production with UK partner Diamond Photofoil…

Hybrid Software shows digital press links at Xeikon Café
As an Aura Partner of Xeikon, Hybrid will demonstrate its Packz and Cloudflow suite at the forthcoming Xeikon Café…
The Thursday lead articles from last week’s update…

EFI Record First Quarter of $189m, up 10 per cent
Recurring Revenue up 16% Driven by 25 per cent growth in UV ink volume and continued strength in software bookings…

EFI acquires Group Rhapso in Les Ulis, France
EFI adds to growing MIS/ERP portfolio with acquisition of Group Rhapso corrugated printing and packaging solutions in Europe…

GraphicRepro.Net e-News  (ISSN 1814-2923) is sponsored and made possible by:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG  (Heidelberg), The world’s largest printing press manufacturer for the industry worldwide. Heidelberg customers enjoy the most comprehensive and extensive sales and service network in the industry for JDF compliant workflow, computer-to-plate, sheetfed offset, Web-to-print, digital printing, digital inkjet for labels and packaging, packaging and finishing, all with complementary consumables. Heidelberg has offices in around 170 countries. Visit the Heidelberg Website for more information.

Electronics For Imaging (EFI) is a world leader in digital imaging and print management solutions for the commercial printing market. Its portfolio of integrated solutions span production and superwide format printing, graphic arts, advanced professional printing software, and industrial inkjet systems. Its technologies increase productivity by automating print and business processes To find out more visit the EFI Website.

Goss International Corporation  (Goss) is a global leader in web offset printing solutions, with a complete product range of newspaper, commercial and packaging press systems, as well as mailroom and postpress equipment. With quality accredited global design and manufacturing, Goss offers the widest range of web offset press systems, enhancements and lifetime service capabilities.  To find out more visit the Goss International Website.

Kodak Commercial Imaging  (Kodak) is a leading provider of innovative solutions for conventional, digital and hybrid print production environments. With the most expansive portfolio for the graphic communications market,  Kodak features technologies, products and services that help print providers streamline processes, optimise efficiencies, broaden services, and grow businesses. To find out more, visit the Kodak Graphics Website.

Online Feature articles 2014
There have been eleven so far this year. There were 92 articles in 2013 which can still be accessed via the Index on the Home Page, with prior years’ via Search Archives (option 2) on the Website.

Downloads available Chapter 01

Turbo Charge your Variable Print Productivity
The free guide, edited by Martin Bailey, CTO for Global Graphics and the primary UK expert on the ISO committees, shows how to ‘Do PDF/VT Right’ to maximise productivity and minimise turnaround in the variable data world…
March/April Chapter 04

Heidelberg and Hartmann: Over half a century of success in Spain
The Spanish market is once again on the road to recovery: Print shops are modernising their machine parks with Heidelberg and Hartmann…

Pim Print automates workflow with Callas pdfToolbox Server
The Callas pdfToolbox Server, isn’t that the workflow package that is especially suitable for larger companies?..
Technology-related articles Chapter 02

Mönch in Leipzig: A pioneer in shorter signatures
The Mönch bookbindery now stitches thread-sewn books with shorter signatures using the Muller Martini Ventura MC with the Tween option…

Previous…    KBA Group at Interpack 2014
Tailor-made print solutions for many types of packaging from the KBA Group under the banner ‘The Right One’ and with the visual banner of the ‘Frog King’…

Verdigris – Environmental Initiative
Access via our Home Page Index.

Laurel Brunner’s latest weekly Verdigris Blogs

Getting Energy Levels Down
The weekly Verdigris blog by Laurel Brunner – Fri 25 April

Previous…    More than a Lottery Win
The weekly Verdigris blog by Laurel Brunner – Thu 17 April
FESPA Newsroom
Can be found in the Index on our Home Page.

FESPA Digital 2014

Xeikon to show innovative wall-coverings at FESPA Digital
Digital ultra-high quality wall-coverings which open up new possibilities and opportunities to be shown at FESPA in Munich next month…

World Wrap Masters for FESPA Digital 2014
Adrenalin fuelled feature speeds back with new format…

Screen launches Truepress Jet 3200UV HS flatbed
Higher speed version of the acclaimed UV flatbed inkjet printer to be shown for the first time at FESPA Digital in Munich…

Nazdar Ink Technologies’ lineup for FESPA Digital
Nazdar announces plans for FESPA Digital 2014, including launch of new 202 Series inks for Roland XF, XR, and VSi printers…

FESPA Digital 2014’s educational programme
Dives deeper into digital print: New keynote plus expanded line-up of topics and speakers announced for the Digital Hub…

More from Mimaki Europe at FESPA Digital 2014
Theme of ‘Together We Create’ expresses Mimaki Europe’s approach to the sign and display graphics business in Munich…

Previous…    FESPA Digital marks European debut of Kongsberg C Series
Esko Sign & Display companies next-generation prepress, workflow and digital finishing solutions at FESPA Digital…

Agfa’s latest UV-curable wide-format inkjet at FESPA
Agfa Graphics to present next generation UV-curable wide-format printers, workflow and inks, at FESPA Digital 2014…
Drupa Newsroom
Our Drupa Newsroom with news from Messe Düsseldorf and for Drupa 2016 can be found in the Index on our Home Page.

Drupa 2016 Specialist Feature Articles

What’s up, drupa?
Value Talk with Sabine Geldermann, director at Messe Düsseldorf who is responsible for drupa trade fairs, by Andreas Weber, Value Communications AG…

Drupa 2016 News from Messe Düsseldorf

Previous…   drupa Global Trends Report: now published
Global investment in the print industry will be stronger in the next 12 months as confidence returns…

drupa Globaler Trend Bericht: jetzt veröffentlicht
Druckdienstleister wollen in diesem Jahr in Technologien und die Schaffung neuer Services investieren…

The Graphic Repro On-line Website is supported and sponsored by:

Antalis South Africa,  Dainippon Screen,  Drupa 2016,  EFI and EFI Vutek,  Esko,  Epson Europe BV,   FESPA.  Goss International Inc,  Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG,  Kodak,  Koenig + Bauer AG,  Kemtek Imaging Systems,  Krause-Biagosch,  Leonhard Kurz Stiftung,   Manroland Web Systems GmbH,  Muller Martini AG,  POLAR-Mohr, QuadTech Inc,  Quark Inc,  Ricoh Europe,  Sappi Limited,  Sappi Printers of the Year,  Print Process Champions Group,  Thunderbolt Solutions, and UPM-Kymmene.

If you would like to send news for consideration for the Graphic Repro On-line Website (ISSN 1814-2915) or to submit comments, please e-mail Mike Hilton at: graphicrepro.za@gmail.com.

Our Website urls are:

http://www.graphicrepro.co.za
http://www.graphicrepro.net

GraphicRepro.Net e-News (ISSN 1814-2923)  provides weekly updates from the Graphic Repro On-line Website and is  compiled and
published by Mike Hilton, graphicrepro.net, PO Box 10 Peterburgskoe Shosse 13/1, 196605 Pushkin 5, St. Petersburg, Russia.
e-mail graphicrepro.za@gmail.com

 

Graphic Repro On-line News Update

April 24, 2014
Valuable Advice
1 Comment

Image

If you would like to send news for consideration for the Graphic Repro On-line Website (ISSN 1814-2915) or to submit comments, please e-mail Mike Hilton at: graphicrepro.za@gmail.com.

Our Website urls are:

http://www.graphicrepro.co.za
http://www.graphicrepro.net

 

GraphicRepro.Net e-News (ISSN 1814-2923)  provides weekly updates from the Graphic Repro On-line Website and is  compiled and published by Mike Hilton, graphicrepro.net, PO Box 10 Peterburgskoe Shosse 13/1, 196605 Pushkin 5, St. Petersburg, Russia.
e-mail graphicrepro.za@gmail.com

 

 

 

Graphic Repro On-line News Update to Thursday 17 April

 

Welcome to another roundup of news for the past week, together with Laurel Brunner’s Verdigris Blog.

Rather a short week this week, due to the Easter long weekend in most countries, and another short week ahead, too. Therefore, I shall also try keep it brief this time.

Lots of good pre-FESPA news for this year’s Digital and Fabric events which take place in Munich from 20 to 23 May; as well as from Xeikon for its planned Xeikon Cafe on Packaging Innovations to be held at its premises in Lier, Belgium, at the same time – from 20 to 22 May. Then there’s Sign & Digital UK which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK from 29 April until 1 May; Metpack in Essen, Germany from 6 to 10 May; and the really big one which many have been waiting for will be Interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany from 8 to 14 May. Don’t miss KBA and the Frog King leading the headlines on Wednesday! On the other side of the pond, International Sign Expo will also take place in Orlando from 23 to 23 April.

In addition to the above, on Thursday, Muller Martini issued an invitation to attend its 50th anniversary Open House at its new web printing Print Technology Centre in Maulburg, Germany, on 6 and 7 May, so we have a very busy month ahead of us to look forward to in the Merry month of May!. And although it is a little more than two years away, you will find the latest article relating to drupa 2016 from Andreas Weber in our drupa 2016 Newsroom, featuring an exclusive talk with Sabine Geldermann, drupa’s new director at Messe Düsseldorf.

Breaking news this week from EFI on Thursday, when the company revealed its latest financial results and a record first quarter, followed by its latest acquisition, in Europe for a change. On Tuesday, KBA subsidiary KBA-MePrint AG, announced the appointment of Sven Michael as its new CEO, and an internal promotion, which is always nice to hear. On Thursday, Sappi Europe SA announced the appointment of Stephen Blyth as its new Chief Financial Officer from 1 July 2014, and once again, a promotion from within.

Another major announcement this week came from Kodak and Manroland Web Systems as they inked an Authorised Reseller Agreement for integrated high-speed Kodak Prosper S-Series inkjet systems, whereby Manroland Web Systems now offers inkjet upgrades and makes variable printing even more attractive and accessible for the newspaper market. Kodak Prosper S30 heads with Stream inkjet technology run at full web offset production speeds. You’ll find links to another four related articles in the announcements made on Thursday.

As for the most recent sales and installations this week, don’t miss Screen on Monday with a Truepress Jet W1632UV in The Netherlands at Aelen & van Leeuwen; Screen again on Tuesday with a Truepress Jet 520 at Baumer AG in Switzerland; and then UKP Worldwide in the UK, with a Ricoh Pro C751 digital press. On Wednesday, Nela disclosed several recent installations for automated plate production systems for newspapers in Germany, Switzerland and Norway; and TG Print & Design in Woolwich Arsenal, London pushes into the ultra-high quality market with a LumeJet S200 inkless digital printing system. Newcastle, Australia print company WHO, has installed a new Heidelberg SX52 press; and Danish company Skanket has expanded its capacity with a second MPS EF UV flexo press. On Thursday to complete the week on a high note, Liverpool-based company S Barber is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with the installation of a Heidelberg Speedmaster SX 74-5.

In Online Features, you will also discover Pim Print in The Netherlands, which has successfully adopted the Callas pdfToolbox Server, the workflow package that some consider to be only suitable for larger companies.

The tailender this week goes to Antalis South Africa (Monday), as the company scooped two awards from Kodak. The Outstanding Performance of Workflow Sales, and the Outstanding Performance Processless Plate Sales in the EAMER Region. The awards were presented to Ronnie Louw, Antalis’ regional manager Western Cape in Istanbul, Turkey. At the same event, Kodak also named Korozo as its first Certified Partner in Turkey, Middle East and Africa for Kodak Flexcel NX Plates.

I think that’s about it for this week, so until next time.

My best regards,

Mike Hilton

Our e-News comprises:  Headline News – Online Feature Articles – the Verdigris initiative from Digital Dots. Our Ipex, Drupa and FESPA Newsrooms can be accessed from the Index on our Home Page, as well as News in Review, which provides a weekly overview and listing of all news added to the site.  

Headline News
Over 24,000 news items have now gone online since we launched our Website in September 2001. News for the past 24 months can still be accessed via the Home Page and its continuation news pages Note: ‘next page’ and ‘previous page’ links appear at the top of each News continuation page.

Monday 14 April – Thursday 17 April

Mon 14 April…   Esko European debut of Kongsberg C Series at FESPA
Esko to show next-generation prepress, workflow and superwide digital finishing solutions at FESPA Digital 2014…

Fujifilm steams ahead in UV inkjet ink development
Variety of new UV inkjet inks to be launched at this year’s FESPA Digital 2014, set to take place in Munich from 20 – 23 May…

Zünd cutting systems at FESPA Digital in Munich
FESPA Digital 2014 provides perfect stage for Zünd to demonstrate time-saving features and supercharged productivity…

Xeikon Café on Packaging Innovations 20 – 22 May
To highlight potential of digital folding carton production; hosted in collaboration with Xeikon’s Aura Partners…

Antalis South Africa gains two Kodak EAMER accolades
Kodak Awards symbolic of environmental and cost considerations, as Antalis SA scoops two Outstanding Performance awards…

Aelen & van Leeuwen accelerates drive for better quality
The Screen Truepress Jet W1632UV at wide-format digital and screen printing company prints products not possible before…

Heidelberg USA introduces new Flexibleservice
Heidelberg Systemservice helps companies manage costs of incidental service with custom-designed service programmes…

Epson announces first dye sub transfer paper for textiles
DS Transfer Production Paper complements SureColor printers and UltraChrome DS inks for fashion and soft signage…

Tue 15 April…   New CEO appointed at KBA-MePrint AG
Sven Michael takes over the helm as Axel Thien leaves the company in Veitshöchheim, near Würzburg at his own request…

Baumer AG invests in colour Screen Truepress Jet 520
New Screen continuous inkjet press meets colour quality, productivity and ROI criteria for Swiss print services firm…

Heidelberg’s XL 75 Anicolor launch exceeds expectations
Heidelberg North America threw a hotly anticipated coming-out party for its groundbreaking XL 75 Anicolor digital offset press…

Korozo becomes first Kodak Certified Partner in Turkey
Kodak names Korozo as the first Certified Partner in Turkey, Middle East and Africa for Kodak Flexcel NX Plates…

ContiTech to debut new blanket at Metpack in Essen
Self-adhesive printing blankets for metal packaging…

Sun Chemical Metal Packaging Inks at Metpack 2014
Sun Chemical will demonstrate its expertise in metal decorating to brand owners, can makers and printers at Metpack in Essen…

Ricoh Pro C 751 delivers first class benefits to UKP
UKP Worldwide, a specialist in international distribution, is seeing the benefits of investing in a Ricoh Pro C751 digital press…

Wed 16 April…   KBA Group at Interpack 2014 in Düsseldorf
Tailor-made print solutions for many types of packaging from the KBA Group under the visual banner of the ‘Frog King’…

Top product launches and prizes at Sign & Digital UK
From 29 April to 1 May 2014 in Hall 2 at the NEC, Birmingham…

FESPA China 2014 from 19 – 21 November
Transforming business with print innovation; Global companies line up for second exhibition in Guangzhou Poly World Trade Centre…

Excellent first quarter of 2014 for Nela
Several automation projects signed as trend towards automated plate production in the industry set to continue in 2014…

TG Print & Design opts for LumeJet S200 printer
City printers TG Print & Design in Woolwich Arsenal, pushes into ultra-high quality market with LumeJet S200…

WHO Printing adds new Speedmaster in record time
Newcastle print company installs new Heidelberg SX52 press…

Scanket adds second MPS press for self-adhesive labels
The Birkerod-based Danish company has expanded its capacity with a second MPS EF UV flexo press to meet production growth…

Thu 17 April…   EFI Record First Quarter of $189m, up 10 per cent
Recurring Revenue up 16% Driven by 25 per cent growth in UV ink volume and continued strength in software bookings…

EFI acquires Group Rhapso in Les Ulis, France
EFI adds to growing MIS/ERP portfolio with acquisition of Group Rhapso corrugated printing and packaging solutions in Europe…

Varied opportunities with web offset from Muller Martini
Muller Martini invites you to its 50th anniversary Open House at its new Print Technology Centre in Maulburg, Germany on 6 and 7 May…

Kodak and Manroland Web in Prosper Inkjet agreement
Kodak and Manroland Web sign Authorised Reseller agreement for integrated high-speed Kodak Prosper S-Series inkjet systems…

Manroland Web and Kodak: Reseller inkjet co-operation
Manroland Web Systems now offers inkjet upgrades and makes variable printing even more attractive for the newspaper market…

New CFO confirmed for Sappi Europe SA
Sappi Europe SA announces the appointment of Stephen Blyth as its new Chief Financial Officer from 1 July 2014…

S Barber celebrates its Centenary with a new press
The Liverpool-based company is celebrating its 100th anniversary with the installation of a Speedmaster SX 74-5…

Cutting straight to the savings with Esko
Hardware and Software solutions that cut costs and boost profitability to be showcased by Esko at Sign and Digital UK 2014…

KBA remote maintenance is secure!
KBA remote maintenance is not affected by ‘Heartbleed’ bug…

Auraia granted digitally modulated screening patents
Hamillroad Software’s Auraia DM Screening granted first Two US Patents for ground breaking imaging technology…

The Friday lead article from last week’s update…

First short-grain 64-page Lithoman for Germany
Manroland Web Systems introduces new commercial configuration in gravure printing dimensions for a German customer…

GraphicRepro.Net e-News  (ISSN 1814-2923) is sponsored and made possible by:

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG  (Heidelberg), The world’s largest printing press manufacturer for the industry worldwide. Heidelberg customers enjoy the most comprehensive and extensive sales and service network in the industry for JDF compliant workflow, computer-to-plate, sheetfed offset, Web-to-print, digital printing, digital inkjet for labels and packaging, packaging and finishing, all with complementary consumables. Heidelberg has offices in around 170 countries. Visit the Heidelberg Website for more information.

Electronics For Imaging (EFI) is a world leader in digital imaging and print management solutions for the commercial printing market. Its portfolio of integrated solutions span production and superwide format printing, graphic arts, advanced professional printing software, and industrial inkjet systems. Its technologies increase productivity by automating print and business processes To find out more visit the EFI Website.

Goss International Corporation  (Goss) is a global leader in web offset printing solutions, with a complete product range of newspaper, commercial and packaging press systems, as well as mailroom and postpress equipment. With quality accredited global design and manufacturing, Goss offers the widest range of web offset press systems, enhancements and lifetime service capabilities.  To find out more visit the Goss International Website.

Kodak Commercial Imaging  (Kodak) is a leading provider of innovative solutions for conventional, digital and hybrid print production environments. With the most expansive portfolio for the graphic communications market,  Kodak features technologies, products and services that help print providers streamline processes, optimise efficiencies, broaden services, and grow businesses. To find out more, visit the Kodak Graphics Website.

Online Feature articles 2014
There have been eleven so far this year. There were 92 articles in 2013 which can still be accessed via the Index on the Home Page, with prior years’ via Search Archives (option 2) on the Website.

Downloads available Chapter 01

Turbo Charge your Variable Print Productivity
The free guide, edited by Martin Bailey, CTO for Global Graphics and the primary UK expert on the ISO committees, shows how to ‘Do PDF/VT Right’ to maximise productivity and minimise turnaround in the variable data world…

March/April Chapter 04

Pim Print automates workflow with Callas pdfToolbox Server
The Callas pdfToolbox Server, isn’t that the workflow package that is especially suitable for larger companies?.

Previous…   The first KBA Rapida 164 with double coater in Europe
A big step at Holbox in Echt in The Netherlands, to celebrate its new highly-automated four-colour large-format KBA Rapida 164…

Technology-related articles Chapter 02

KBA Group at Interpack 2014
Tailor-made print solutions for many types of packaging from the KBA Group under the banner ‘The Right One’ and with the visual banner of the ‘Frog King’…

Previous…   The Label Says it All
Security logistics labels from Schreiner ProTech showcase the label industry’s expertise in product authentication…

Heidelberg invests in the digital future
Heidelberg is offering its customers the opportunity to run offset, digital, and inkjet technologies in parallel…

Heidelberg extends its digital inkjet and software portfolio
Heidelberg Digital: Focusing on market requirements today, tomorrow, and in the future with inkjet and toner-based systems… 


Verdigris – Environmental Initiative
Access via our Home Page Index. 

Laurel Brunner’s latest weekly Verdigris Blogs

More than a Lottery Win
The weekly Verdigris blog by Laurel Brunner – Thu 17 April

Previous…   100th Blog & Counting
The weekly Verdigris blog by Laurel Brunner – Fri 11 April

FESPA Newsroom
Can be found in the Index on our Home Page.

FESPA Digital 2014

FESPA Digital marks European debut of Kongsberg C Series
Esko Sign & Display companies next-generation prepress, workflow and digital finishing solutions at FESPA Digital…

Agfa’s latest UV-curable wide-format inkjet at FESPA
Agfa Graphics to present next generation UV-curable wide-format printers, workflow and inks, at FESPA Digital 2014…

MTEX set to Wow at FESPA Digital next month
The Portuguese-based manufacturer, as a market leader in direct-to-textile digital printing plans new product launches for the show…

Brett Martin at FESPA Digital in Munich
Brett Martin to inspire printers to make a change at FESPA with diverse range of high definition wide-format applications…

Hotronix Dual Air Fusion to debut at FESPA Digital
Stahls’ Hotronix to debut and demonstrate this latest addition to the Hotronix heat press line-up for direct-to-garment printers…

Onyx Graphics at FESPA Digital 2014
Onyx Graphics to deliver powerful colour management advice and latest solutions at FESPA Digital in Munich…

Drupa Newsroom
Our Drupa Newsroom with news from Messe Düsseldorf and for Drupa 2016 can be found in the Index on our Home Page.

Drupa 2016 Specialist Feature Articles

What’s up, drupa?
Value Talk with Sabine Geldermann, director at Messe Düsseldorf who is responsible for drupa trade fairs, by Andreas Weber, Value Communications AG…

Drupa 2016 News from Messe Düsseldorf

Previous…   drupa Global Trends Report: now published
Global investment in the print industry will be stronger in the next 12 months as confidence returns…

drupa Globaler Trend Bericht: jetzt veröffentlicht
Druckdienstleister wollen in diesem Jahr in Technologien und die Schaffung neuer Services investieren…  


The Graphic Repro On-line Website is supported and sponsored by:

Antalis South Africa,  Dainippon Screen,  Drupa 2016,  EFI and EFI Vutek,  Esko,  Epson Europe BV,   FESPA.  Goss International Inc,  Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG,  Kodak,  Koenig + Bauer AG,  Kemtek Imaging Systems,  Krause-Biagosch,  Leonhard Kurz Stiftung,   Manroland Web Systems GmbH,  Muller Martini AG,  POLAR-Mohr, QuadTech Inc,  Quark Inc,  Ricoh Europe,  Sappi Limited,  Sappi Printers of the Year,  Print Process Champions Group,  Thunderbolt Solutions, and UPM-Kymmene.