Editorial


Crossing boundaries into competitors' zone

The dynamics of current businesses has become such that expanding frontiers, or venturing into rival terrain is seen as necessary to survive. Traditional offset giants are making forays into digital, like KBA's latest announcement, the RotaJET 76 or Bobst's plans of entering the digital market within 2 years. Offset press manufacturers Miyakoshi and Ryobi have joined forces to develop an 8,000sph B2 digital press, while HP, Xeikon, EFI and Heidelberg have their own multi-use inventions serving more than one application, thus expanding the boundaries of their products.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 May 2012

 

Technology, innovations-all eyes on Drupa 2012

The whole industry-manufacturers, resellers, printers and consumers are preparing for the most awaited event this year - Drupa. This edition promises advances in inkjet and digital, with both moving up to the next level.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 April 2012

 

Manroland now back in business with 2 owners

Manroland has been quickly set back on course with new backers for the German manufacturer. British owned private company, Langley Holdings are the investors behind a 100% takeover of the sheet fed printing equipment division and its properties portfolio in Offenbach, together with Manroland’s international marketing operations in 40 countries, while the web-fed business goes to German group Possibly with a significant job cut. Both rescuers are hopeful of a turnaround by the end of the year. This edition we have carried an exclusive interview with the new owner of Manroland sheet fed division, Tony Langley.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 March 2012

 

SGI successful as always, exhibitors satisfied

The recently concluded, 15th Sign and Graphics Imaging exhibition, was termed as a successful show, with most exhibitors expressing satisfaction with visitor turnout, serious inquiries received and confirmed sales in a lot of cases.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 February 2012

 

Most looked forward to event of 2012-drupa

Every New Year brings with it new hopes, new plans and a promise not to repeat old mistakes. So also with 2012. The industry looks forward to this year with fresh hope of breaking the shackles of the slowdown.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 January 2012

 

Is it teething troubles or market sentiment?

The recently concluded IPEX Digital ME with its low exhibitor and visitor turnout brought a few questions to the forefront. Could the lukewarm response be attributed to the general market sentiment evident in other places as well or was it merely teething troubles expected of any new launch event? A batch of exhibitors, however, expressed satisfaction with closing deals and sale of machinery.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 December 2011

 

Constant value addition to knowledge required

Education and learning are a never-ending process. Printers looking at learning new ways of updating and upgrading are able to optimise the use of their resources improve productivity and thereby, profits.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 November 2011

 

Is the paper industry taking a beating?

At the conclusion of the paper expo, Paper Arabia, a question that is oft at the back of people's minds comes to the forefront, 'Is the paper industry suffering?'. When posing this question to manufacturers, they conceded to a drop in demand from one section with the arrival of the iPad, Kindle or ebooks, which contributed to a drop in demand for newsprint or writing paper and is expected to decline further. However, balancing the fall in demand from one section, is the rise in volumes of value added products or even industrial paper, particularly packaging grades, which is growing in absolute terms.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 October 2011

 

Printers directory-unique initiative by house of ATN

ATN Media-publishers of various B-2-B directories will be launching the region's first exclusive directory for the print industry. Enthusiastically received by the print fraternity, the PrintWeek Directory will be followed by an e-directory and a CD-rom.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 September 2011

 

Novel approach required while hosting exhibitions

When we first heard the news of Ipex Digital Middle East, my first reaction was, "What! one more exhibition?". However meeting with the organisers changed our perception- not only would the expo cover the entire digital industry-from signage to production and commercial printing, but also the organisers are using novel concepts like Top 100 Buyers Program, to make the show more inclusive. For exhibitions to stop being passed over as 'one more event', organisers need to think out of the box as well as have their ears to the ground to sense the changing scenario in advance.

Shilpa Jasani , 1 August 2011