Spandex reports of record-breaking attendance at its annual Open House event

Spandex has reported it welcomed hundreds of customers through its doors during the company's recent two-day Open House event.  The Open House event, held in the UK headquarters in Bristol on November 7th and 8th 2012, highlighted the latest trends and innovations for the printing and signmaking industries.

With 540 visitors, 22 stands, 3 vehicle wrapping booths and 18 pieces of print and production equipment on demonstration, this year’s Open House has proved to be the most successful Spandex event yet.  Leon Watson, general manager at Spandex UK, comments, “We had the largest number of product launches than any previous event.  Feedback from customers and suppliers has been extremely positive.”

Mike Bees from Dec Tek in Pontypridd had to change his visiting plans.  He comments, “Our team had originally planned to attend the event for around two hours. However, we were so captivated by the demonstration of equipment and the myriad of information on hand that we stayed all day, and our Technical Manager even attended on the second day!”

Sophie Millard from Millard Signs adds, "We come to the Open House every year to source new products and ideas and this year was just as successful. It was good to spend time talking to the Spandex staff about various products that you wouldn't normally find time to do."

Leon Watson concludes, “The Open House was so rich in terms of learning opportunities, hands-on displays and new ideas. It’s fantastic to know that our visitors really appreciated the time they spent with us.  I’d like to thank all of our customers and suppliers for making this year’s Spandex Open House so successful. The record breaking attendance is a clear indication of the value that the event offers its visitors. It was also great to see that many customers felt they needed to attend both days - a clear indication that we have so much to offer their business, in what is now such a competitive environment.”

 

Mimaki's JV400-SUV large format printer wins Viscom 'Best of' Award

Mimaki's new JV400-SUV wide format printer has won the Viscom ‘Best of’ award in the Large Format Printing category.

Seeing its German debut at the Viscom show, the JV400-SUV utilises Mimaki’s newly developed inks which feature the flexibility of solvent combined with the durability of UV curing inks. During the printing process, the solvent in the ink is absorbed by the receiving layer of the media and the pigment is therefore securely anchored in the substrate. The UV unit then cures the ink, which provides the completed print with a smooth and shiny surface. The prints are highly scratch resistant, weatherproof and immediately dry.

The JV400-SUV is available at either 1.3m or 1.6m widths and achieves a print speed of up to 18 square metres per hour, offering a new generation of printer for the sign and display market. Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Hybrid Services Ltd, the award was presented to Mimaki Europe’s marketing manager, Mike Horsten.

John de la Roche, national sales manager at Hybrid Services Ltd - Mimaki's exclusive UK & Ireland distributor - comments, “The JV400-SUV opens up new options for sign and display companies and the initial impression of the printer is very exciting...  The glossy and hardwearing finish of the output provides a unique product for print providers and we look forward to demonstrating this solution to our customers very shortly.”

The Viscom Frankfurt jury consisted of editors-in-chief of trade magazines Large Format, TVP and SignPro Europe, representatives of the Zentralverband Werbetechnik e.V., EFRA Lichtwerbung Ernst Franke, Acrylland GmbH and of the organizer of Viscom, Reed Exhibitions Deutschland.

More more information on the JV400-SUV and Mimaki’s full range of products, please visit www.hybridservices.co.uk

0% finance deal announced by Stanford Marsh Group for hardware purchases

Stanford Marsh Group, the provider of wide format printing equipment, computer aided design software and large format consumables, has announced that it is now offering a 0% finance deal to prospective purchasers of its large format printer solutions.

As an established, privately-owned business, Stanford Marsh Group is able to offer the 0% finance deal through its own in-house finance company and cash reserves.  The offer has been devised to facilitate customers wanting to invest in the most up-to-date wide format digital printing equipment.

Matthew Perkins, director at Stanford Marsh Group, explains, “We’ve developed the offer to support our current and potential customers and help them to invest in the equipment they need to sustain and expand their businesses.”

“As well as helping start-up businesses or those needing finance to invest in new equipment, the 0% offer can also be used to help with tax purposes or to aid companies simply wishing to keep cashflow within the business,” he adds.

The range of hardware solutions available under the 0% finance scheme is extensive as Stanford Marsh Group is a reseller of most major wide format printer manufacturers â€" including Canon, Epson, HP and Océ â€" and the associated software and consumables.

Perkins continues, “As it is our own finance company underwriting the loans, we can be flexible and work around each individual customer’s needs.  For example, a customer might need the first 2 payments deferred in order to get its business off the ground and this is something we are able to consider.  Another customer may wish to take out a longer term finance option or place a larger deposit on a machine and again, this is something we can comfortably negotiate.”

“We’re confident our flexible 0% finance deal will help form the basis of many a long-standing business relationship,” concludes Perkins.

The 0% finance offer is subject to status and some standard terms and conditions.  Interested parties should email info@stanfordmarsh.co.uk or visit www.stanfordmarsh.co.uk for more information.

About Stanford Marsh: Stanford Marsh Group was established in 1965 to provide wide format printing equipment, computer aided design software and large format consumables to any business with a design requirement or wide format output need. Stanford Marsh Group Graphics (SMGG) is the commercial graphics division of Stanford Marsh Group.

 

Mutoh wins SGIA Product of the Year Awards for ValueJet 1636 and ValueJet 2638 printers

Mutoh has won two SGIA ‘Product of the Year’ 2012 Awards which showcase the best new technologies and consumables from the specialty imaging community.  Mutoh's ValueJet 1638 received the 'Poster Size â€" Solvent/Latex Printer less than 96 inch wide' award and Mutoh’s first 2.6 m wide ValueJet Eco Ultra printer - the Mutoh ValueJet 2638 - received an award in the category 'Grand Format Roll-to-roll â€" Solvent & Latex Inks'

Arthur Vanhoutte, President of Mutoh’s European Operations, comments, “We are very pleased that the ValueJet 1638 and 2638 printers have been awarded.  These awards are a recognition of Mutoh’s expertise as an innovative developer and manufacturer of wide-format printers.”

“With the introduction of the latest ValueJet printer models, we can really show how our wide-format printers have developed in the last years.  Mutoh ValueJet printers are high-end products with technology proven to be faster, more reliable, more cost effective and more efficient.  Both awarded printers are manufactured in Japan.  In Europe, the new ValueJet 1638 is already available, and the 2638 printer will become available from January 2013 onwards.” concludes Vanhoutte.

About the ValueJet 1638

The new ValueJet 1638 (64”/165 cm) model, offering sellable production quality speeds up to 36 m²/h at 720 x 720 dpi, is targeted at the sign and display market.  The printer utilises Mutoh Eco Ultra CMYK inks.  The new dual head printer incorporates Mutoh’s award-winning Intelligent Interweaving print technology which guarantees predictable and repeatable output quality.

The VJ-1638 printer also features a high level of operator comfort and print production efficiency, thanks to a newly designed keyboard, an automatic sheet off system and a tiltable ink cassette holder which saves space and enables loading of different ink volumes

About the ValueJet 2638

Mutoh’s new 2.6m ValueJet 2638 model will address the needs of PSPs and commercial printers looking for a high volume printing solution whilst requiring media compatibility with media rolls up to a width of 2.6 m.

The 4-colour high speed printer features a staggered dual head setup with latest generation 1440 nozzle 8 channel piezo print heads, offering improved productivity.  Using Mutoh Eco Ultra CMYK inks, the VJ-2638 will print directly onto a wide range of uncoated and coated substrates.

Suitable for indoor & outdoor graphics, this new 104” wide printer will deliver both high quality and high speed.  Top quality graphics at production speeds of up to 40 m²/h at 720 x 720 dpi can be obtained.

[Image shows Mutoh's ValueJet 1638 wide format printer]

EFI acquires MIS/ERP software provider Technique

EFI has acquired Technique, a provider of MIS/ERP software products for the printing and packaging industries. While financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, it is not expected to be material to EFI's 2012 results.

"We are excited to have Technique join the EFI family and our expanding portfolio of business automation technologies," said Marc Olin, general manager of EFI's Productivity Software business unit. "Many customers have benefited from the key technology advantages of the Technique solution, and we intend to continue to develop and support the product for many years into the future. We will also provide Technique customers an integrated workflow with our industry leading Fiery® digital front ends and Inkjet portfolio including VUTEk®, Jetrion® and wide format devices."

"Technique is thrilled about the opportunity to join EFI, which is becoming the clear leader and even larger provider in productivity software for printing companies worldwide," said Technique's CEO, Paul Cooper. "The world of print is changing quickly and being part of the EFI family gives our customers instant access to wider solutions from their portfolio, together with the opportunity for more local support."

EFI provides a comprehensive set of MIS/ERP solutions and will look to integrate portions of Technique's leading capabilities with EFI's Monarchâ„¢, Paceâ„¢ and Radius Solutions, allowing customers to achieve superior performance and profitability.

"EFI remains committed to the business and to the long-term global market opportunity with this investment," said Sean Whelan, EFI's director Productivity Software European operations. "Through our existing global operations, we are able to strengthen and expand the support network for the Technique customers now and for many years into the future."

Technique consists of privately held Technique Business Systems Limited, a UK company located in Leeds, and Technique, Inc., a Delaware corporation. More information about the company, its products and clients can be found at: www.technique-mis.com

The Technique management team and employees will join EFI as part of the Productivity Software Business Unit, ensuring the continuity of products and services delivery for Technique customers, and bringing significant domain expertise to EFI.  EFI will also be highlighting Technique and its full portfolio at its annual user conference, EFI Connect, which takes place 15-18 January 2013 at Wynn Las Vegas. More information about Connect can be found at information is at www.efi.com/connect.

"Connect offers our entire customer base an opportunity to meet the extended EFI team, join the user community and explore possibilities with EFI," added Olin. "There is a hands-on solution centre, a variety of class room sessions and some great general sessions. We'll also discuss the long-term plans regarding EFI Technique suite. "

Image Factory installs HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press

Chippenham, UK-based Image Factory has installed an HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press to provide cost-effective, versatile solutions for its customers.  The installation of the new machine follows the installation of an HP Scitex FB7500 Industrial Press less than a year ago. The company is now able to continue the migration of POS/POP and other graphic displays from screen to digital.

In October 2011, when HP launched the FB7600 press, it also made an optional Upgrade Kit available to HP Scitex FB7500 Industrial Press users, which Image Factory installed. Image Factory has added the optional HP Scitex FB7500/FB7600 White Ink Kit to one of its presses and can use HP FB225 White Scitex Ink on the full range of substrates.

"The addition of the white ink was part of the process to phase out screen printing," said Tim Boore, head of digital technologies, Image Factory. "The results are excellent and it is far more cost-effective. The ability to print white really puts the last nail in the coffin for screen as far as we're concerned. We will retain our last screen line for one- and two-colour jobs and special projects requiring metallic inks, but our normal work is going to be digital."

For Image Factory, the migration from screen to digital is about being able to deliver what its customers want, at a price they want to pay and making a decent return.

"The speed and capacity of these printers has enabled us to shut down one of our three screen printing lines, and when we've completed the options and upgrades, we'll be able to shut down a second."

The HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press uses UV-curable inks and is capable of imaging a broad range of substrates, from films, papers, and boards to more unusual materials like metal, glass and wood up to 25mm thick. With the optional multi-sheet loader on both presses enabling the simultaneous printing of four sheets, Image Factory is able to maximise productivity.

"The result of these investments is that we have presses with identical functionality that enable us to move work from screen to digital," said Boore.

While the market remains challenging, Boore feels that Image Factory is well positioned to give its customers the quality and service that they want, while ensuring its competitiveness and margins.

"Using our MIS system we have been monitoring our press speeds, ink, and material use and production throughput carefully," he said. "The presses are performing at the levels promised by HP, and our customers have been impressed with the improvements in the print quality and speed of delivery."

The HP Scitex FB7600 Digital Press can print up to 95 full-size sheets per hour, but for POP/POS display quality, POP55 mode (up to 55 sheets per hour) offers maximum productivity of 290m2/hr (3120ft2/hr).

[image: Tim Boore, head of digital technologies, Image Factory, is very pleased with the installation of the HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press.]

FESPA announces new event for Asian marketplace - FESPA China

FESPA is launching a new event for the Chinese marketplace in 2013.  The new show - FESPA China - will take place between 18th and 20th November 2013, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

The newly FESPA-branded event will be managed in partnership between FESPA and CSGIA (China Screen Printing and Graphic Imaging Association), FESPA’s associate member in China. FESPA China will represent screen printing and digital wide format printing, revitalising the established CSGIA event for the Chinese market. This CSGIA exhibition has been successfully staged annually since 1983, alternating between venues in Guangzhou and Shanghai, and attracting an increasing number of foreign exhibitors. The last CSGIA show in November 2011 covered a hall area of 25000m2, with more than 400 exhibitors and total attendance of over 18,000.

FESPA and CSGIA will also benefit from consultative support from ASGA (Asia Screen Printing and Graphic Imaging Association), the federation of Asian printing trade associations. ASGA has long-standing links with FESPA, and was a partner in the 2011FESPA Asia Summit and exhibition, both of which took place in Singapore.ASGA will host its annual meeting at FESPA China 2013, bringing a delegation of senior executives from the pan-Asian region.

FESPA CEO Nigel Steffens explains, “FESPA has been weighing up opportunities to develop a visible presence in China for some time, and we’re confident that this partnership with our associate member in China is the best approach for us and for the Chinese printing community.CSGIA is a strong event which is attracting a dynamic visitor audience, 47% of which were first-time visitors to the show in 2011.

“We believe that FESPA’s global reputation for event organisation can help to attract major digital suppliers for whom China is a business-critical market. We also intend to apply our expertise to make FESPA China an even more compelling and worthwhile event for visitors. Our objective is to grow this show substantially, as we have done with the events we have taken on in other developing markets like Mexico and Brazil.”

Mrs Pei Guifan, Chairman of CSGIA comments, “We see digital printing technology playing a significant role in the future of print production in China, as government rules for manufacturing companies place increasing emphasis on sustainability. Our CSGIA show has traditionally focused on conventional screen printing technologies and consumables, but the time has come to ensure that visitors to our event can see the best of screen printing while also increasing their understanding of the opportunities that come with digital printing innovation. FESPA is the right partner to support us with this transition and to work with us to move the event forward in the future.”

FESPA’s Asia Ambassador Anders Nilsson concludes, “The market’s positive response to FESPA Asia 2011 demonstrated the appetite throughout Asia for a show of FESPA’s calibre. The size and significance of the Chinese market justifies a dedicated presence and presents an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones with our members and the Asian print community. We will work closely with CSGIA and key stakeholders to create an event which leaves a positive legacy and supports the Chinese printing community with the next phase of its development and growth.”

This new partnership does not impact CSGIA 2012, which takes place in Guangzhou from 14-16 November 2012.

FESPA looks to return with a FESPA Asia event in 2014, details to be confirmed. Total attendance at FESPA Asia 2011 was 4500, with delegates from more than 34 countries. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines were all strongly represented, with visitors also travelling to the show from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as the USA and the UK.