Kongsberg, one of the most trusted and established names in the digital finishing industry, enters a new era, transforming into a standalone company, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (‘Kongsberg PCS’). The transformation follows the acquisition of the business by OpenGate Capital.

The transformation of Kongsberg PCS brings with it the opportunity to innovate and expand the business into new markets. This marks a new chapter for Kongsberg PCS, a brand with a rich heritage spanning more than half a century.

“This is truly an exciting day for everyone at the company,” said Stuart Fox, President of Kongsberg PCS. “Since 1965, the Kongsberg name has been synonymous with innovation. Our systems have led the industry in delivering precision, reliability and quality through seven decades. Following the acquisition by OpenGate Capital, we will now focus on our future, and the next generation innovation and growth.”

Founded in Norway in 1965, Kongsberg was purchased by Esko (then Barco) in 1998. In December 2020, Esko agreed the sale of Kongsberg to private equity firm OpenGate Capital. The acquisition includes the original research and development facility in Kongsberg, Norway, and the production facility in Brno, Czech Republic.

“This is an opportunity for the Kongsberg team to realize its ambitions, and to explore new markets,” added Fox. “We will be developing strategic initiatives to further innovate our digital finishing hardware and software solutions, as well as growing the Kongsberg brand beyond the packaging industry.

“Whilst we are excited about the future, we are also committed to ensuring we honor our heritage. We have an incredible team of 400 people, many of whom have been a part of the Kongsberg family for more than 30 years,” said Fox. “The Kongsberg values that are important to our customers – the strength, the performance, the longevity of the machine – will endure.

“Sales, service, consumables and spare parts will all continue as usual,” added Fox. “Customers will receive the same level of service during the transition and they can look forward to business as usual throughout 2021.

“We will continue investing in our table technology, and in the coming months we will be showcasing the latest developments with our automation solutions,” said Fox.

Spandex Asia Pacific is pleased to announce the promotion of Ben McCauley to Managing Director, Asia Pacific.

Ben has been with Spandex since 2016, most recently as our Sales Director. Ben and the local management team have successfully navigated through COVID-times, one of the most challenging times in business history. Under Ben's continued guidance, Spandex Asia Pacific is well-positioned to expand and move forward, with thanks also going out to all of our employees' effort, time and devotion.

Spandex has confidence in Ben and the rest of the Spandex Asia Pacific team, and we will continue to push our business above and beyond where we've taken it over the past four years.

Esko, a global developer of integrated software and hardware solutions for the packaging and label sectors, has confirmed the successful closing of the sale of its Kongsberg digital finishing business to OpenGate Capital on April 1st 2021.

OpenGate Capital is a private equity firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with a European office in Paris and investments on five continents. The new business, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, now employs ~400 former Esko employees operating from the business’ original research and development facility in Kongsberg, Norway, the production facility in Brno, Czech Republic, a new headquarters in Gent, Belgium as well as other global locations.

Mattias Byström, President of Pantone, Esko and X-Rite, said, “This sale enables both Esko and Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems to develop their own strategic directions. Under the leadership of Stuart Fox, we’re sure Kongsberg Precision Cutting has exciting times ahead. We wish the team the very best for the future.”

For more information about Esko, please visit www.esko.com

Durst Group, manufacturer of future-oriented digital printing and production technologies, is restructuring its successful Label & Flexible Packaging segment. The current Segment Manager Helmuth Munter will retire at the end of 2021 after more than 40 years with the company. He will be succeeded in the role of Global Sales Manager Label & Flexible Packaging by Thomas Macina. The native of South Tyrol comes from HP Indigo, where he was most recently Labels Business Manager EMEA in Barcelona.

Thomas Macina’s career spanned more than 15 years at HP and he is considered a proven expert in digital printing technology. He has been in his introductory phase at the Durst Group since February and will assume his role for the EMEA region in April. This will be followed in June by responsibility for global sales of Label & Flexible Packaging products.

Until his retirement, Helmuth Munter will continue to be involved in the transition and provide advice and support to the new management team, which also includes Martin Leitner as Product Manager. Over the past ten years, the Label & Flexible Packaging segment has developed into an important business unit of the Durst Group and, with the Tau RSC printing systems, has made a significant contribution to the digital transformation in the industry. Tau single-pass printing systems now have a market share of around 40% of the UV inkjet market segment, with an installation base of more than 250 printing presses worldwide.

“We made good use of the situation in the COVID pandemic and arranged the succession for Helmuth Munter, who has been responsible for the success story in the label segment,” says Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group. “All of us at the Durst Group would like to thank Helmuth for his great dedication, excellent performance, and loyalty. What could be better than retiring at the zenith of one’s career? We wish Helmuth all the best in this new phase of his life.”

“At the same time, I would like to warmly welcome Thomas Macina to the Durst family,” adds Christoph Gamper. “We are delighted to have gained a real market expert for the company, and someone who also has his roots in South Tyrol. The current pandemic situation has also been favourable to us as it has given us sufficient time to ensure an smooth transition. I am convinced that Thomas will continue to drive the Tau success story together with the entire label team.”

Roland DG would like to extend its thoughts and best wishes to those who have been affected by the significant rain event currently inundating large parts of the East Coast of Australia. With so many people affected, we hope for the safety and well-being of all involved. 

Roland DG’s existing Disaster Support Program is designed to assist customers affected by extreme events such as this. One way we can assist is to provide, at no cost, call-out fees and labour to review and inspect Roland DG equipment damaged as a direct result of the floods, or the resulting power outages. The Roland DG Care team can provide condition reports for any insurance claim requirements and for equipment requiring repair service work. Spare parts will be supplied under special rates (please contact Roland DG directly for more detail). 

As a result of the flooding, deliveries to a number of areas along the East Coast may be delayed. We are working with our freight carriers to provide delivery updates where possible, but if you are expecting a delivery, please contact the Roland DG team to find out specifics. 

Roland DG endeavours to help find additional ways to assist customers directly affected so please contact the team for more details on how we can help get your business back up and running. 

The Roland DG Care team will schedule service runs in the affected regions once they can access these areas, and once it is safe to do so. Should you have any questions, or to register for the special service runs, please do not hesitate to contact Roland DG directly for assistance on 1 800 500 119, through our website booking form, or via email at service@rolanddg.com and one of our team members will assist you.

Canon Production Printing Australia has signed a partnership agreement with Starleaton to resell the award-winning Colorado roll-to-roll printer series across Australia.

The agreement is set to be mutually beneficial for the iconic brands who have both assumed the position of “complete solution provider” across the sign and display market. The powerhouses vow that the arrangement will also benefit Australian printers who are evolving their wide-format application sets, thanks to the Colorado’s application versatility and premium technology.

The new reseller agreement is set to grow the indirect B2B channel for Canon Production Printing Australia, as well as support diversification into adjacent markets which require complementary technology. For Starleaton, the agreement is set to expand latitude within the sign and display market, with the award-winning Colorado roll-to-roll printer.

Craig Nethercott, Managing Director, Canon Production Printing Oceania, says, “With the Colorado successfully established within the global and Australian markets as a high volume, superior quality system that is technology rich enough to print a diverse range of applications, we are now looking to extend our reach into markets and printers that we currently do not service.”





“With Starleaton, we’ve found a partner who both understands the benefits of technology such as UVGel and FLXfinish in application versatility, and can support our growth aspirations to extend our reach within the Australian commercial print market.

”We’re very passionate about bringing the best products to the Oceania printing industry and recognise that by opening up the indirect channel, we provide more printers the opportunity to experience the unique benefits of the Colorado family” he says.

The Eaton family-owned company, Starleaton, recognise the strategic move as an opportunity to further expand their footprint in the commercial printing market.

“Our relationship with Canon Production Printing Australia is an exciting new venture for both companies particularly as we aim to ensure the Australian print industry have the solutions that they require to thrive in today’s dynamic environment,” Ben Eaton, CEO, Starleaton, says.
“We’ve seen rapid growth of the Colorado in the past 18 months globally, with productivity levels soaring and metres printed well above that of competitive machines. We’re confident that the Colorado will be the perfect match for our client base.

“The new offering will benefit customers wishing to take the next step into higher performance, quality, and production savings. It complements our existing wide format printer range, extending to every budget and performance requirement.

“To ensure market success, we have 12 face-to-face account managers with significant media experience, whom are able to assist print service providers in adapting new market technology that can support their growth and evolution. Plus, our experience with Onyx, Fiery and X-rite will create media profiles to match the Colorado to achieve the best possible result.

“Additionally, our already-seamless national service coverage will be bolstered by ProCare, the after-sales service for the Colorado roll-to-roll printer series. This means that print service providers will be able to benefit from increased productivity and minimal downtime” he says.
With well over 1,000 installations worldwide, Canon’s Colorado roll-to-roll printer series has been recognised by customers across the globe as the best solution for a large variety of wide-format applications.

The FESPA Australia board announces today that past-president Clem Johnson has been awarded the Associations highest honour; the Association's life membership.
 
Clem's involvement with FESPA Australia began in 1998 as Treasurer of the Queensland branch of SGIAA (now FESPA Australia). In 2005 he was elected Federal President of SGIAA, which he served in for 11 years.
 
“Clem took on his presidency during a challenging time for the Association,” says Nigel Davies, President FESPA Australia. “Digital technologies were changing our traditional membership profile, and Clem championed our drive to join the global community to capitalise on opportunities this trend would bring. His efforts lead to SGIAA being granted FESPA Associate Membership and ultimately Full Membership of the FESPA federation. Clem was passionate about training and served tirelessly on initiatives such as the Future Print Pilot Project, steering committees on apprenticeship training and the Glen Crerar Training Trust.”
 
Clem's professional career started with C&S Designs in Brisbane in the late '70s, where he gained a Cert 3 in Printing & Graphic Arts. In 1989, he established his own business, Reid Print Technologies, to design, develop, and manufacture a range of innovative functional printed products for industrial and commercial applications. Today, Reid Print Technologies is a leading manufacturer in this highly specialised field.
 
"I have been fortunate through my time with FESPA Australia to meet many wonderful industry people, both locally and overseas.", says Clem. "Hearing their stories, sharing in their passion for the industry and simply catching up is priceless".
 
Nigel Davies says “it is a privilege to have worked with Clem during his time as President, and FESPA Australia is stronger today for the foundations that he and his board put in place. I have the highest regard for Clem personally and professionally, and I am honoured that we can celebrate his contribution in this manner.”

SGIAA & industry involvement
● 1998-2002 SGIAA Treasurer (QLD)
● 2002-2004 SGIAA President (QLD)
● 2003 Member of the Qld Graphics Communications Training Board
● 2003-2008 Member of the Queensland PICA Awards Judging Panel
● 2004-2005 Member of the Queensland School of Printing and Graphic Arts (QSPGA) Advisory Board
● 2005-2016 SGIAA Federal President
● 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013 – Organiser of SGIAA Screen & Digital Awards & Gala Event
● Trustee of the Glen Crerar Training Trust
● 2005-2015 Represented SGIAA at FESPA General Assemblies
● 2006 Convened the first Australian ASGA Meeting during Coolum Conference
● 2006 Hyatt Coolum Conference
● 2008 Member of the Creative Skills Council – Printing Industry Sub Committee
● 2008 Researched and published the Souvenir 50th Anniversary of SGIAA Booklet. The booklet has been lodged with the Australian National Library & The State Library of NSW.
● 2014-2015 Represented SGIAA to develop the Future Print Pilot Project, a National project investigating and implementing innovative ways of enhancing the competency-based training system. Working closely with the Future Print Advisors in identifying a stream of training options to better meet the needs of SGIAA members and the wider print communities.

Epson Australia is supporting the inaugural 360° Photo Awards, an exciting new photography competition organised by international multi award-winning photographer and AIPP Master of Photography Ignacio Palacios, by supplying an A2+ SureColor P906 desktop photo printer as one of the headline prizes. The 360° Photo Awards is aimed to attract amateur and professional photographers alike, in Australia and internationally.

Epson launched a real breakthrough in professional printing technology with the introduction of the A2+ SureColor P906 desktop photo printer which draws from over 20 years of experience to incorporate the same large format printing technology used by the world’s leading photographers into a sleek, compact design, allowing for the creation of exhibition quality prints from the convenience of the desktop.

The new SureColor P906 is the smallest professional A2+ printer in its class, with a 30 percent size reduction from Epson’s previous generation printers and are designed for use in photography, graphic design, fine art, and illustration businesses.
 
UltraChrome® PRO10 pigment ink, combined with Epson's innovative MicroPiezo® print head, enables the SureColor P906 to produce gallery-quality black & white output, plus improved vivid colour prints with breathtaking blues and violets thanks to the new Violet ink that is now on board.
 
The SureColor P906 is one of  three major prizes that will be featured in the competition for the overall winning entries submitted. The nine individual category winners will share in the remaining prize pool, with the top 3 place-getters also receiving certificates.
 
The 360° Photo Awards competition will launch on 1 March 2021 offering early bird pricing with an entry of US$12 for both single and portfolio entries. Entries will close on 31 October and the winners will be announced in December. Every entrant will receive a downloadable eBook “How to Win Photography Competitions” by Ignacio Palacios.
 
Images submitted for the awards will be judged by some of the most recognised Australian and international photographers including Ken Duncan, Marsel Van Oosten, Hans Strand, Richard I’Anson, Mieke Boynton, Adam Williams, Ricardo da Cunha, Douwe Dijkstra, Luke Austin and Ignacio Palacios.
 
For more on the 360° Photo Awards go to: www.360photoawards.com

Born and bred local, Suzan Lindsey, has opened a new Kwik Kopy franchise at Shellharbour. The centre will provide design and printing services for local businesses including graphic design, branding, stationery, poster printing, signage and large format printing, and catalogue printing. 

Between them, Suzan and her husband Paul have been in the printing industry for 40 years. They own award-winning franchise Kwik Kopy Five Dock in Sydney which was awarded Franchise of the Year in 2019 and also co-own Kwik Kopy Coburg in Melbourne.

While Paul commutes to Sydney every day to run Kwik Kopy Five Dock, Suzan saw an opportunity to open a Kwik Kopy centre close to home. When she saw that the Shellharbour territory was available she jumped at the chance to grab it. Suzan will run Kwik Kopy Shellharbour with her son Daymein working with her on the production side. 

One thing that sets Kwik Kopy Shellharbour apart is the centre’s sophisticated digital printing press, the only one of its kind in the Illawarra. The press is unique as it can print metallic and fluro colours, creating a vibrancy that’s unrivalled. Another thing that makes the centre unique is it’s proven track record in customer service. 

“Our job is to make life really easy for our customers. That means fast turnaround times on print jobs and quotes, as well as guidance along the way on how to prepare artwork and how to get the best results. Our goal is to ensure our customers always have a great experience with us,” said Suzan. 



According to Suzan, her choice to open a Kwik Kopy centre in her hometown is a testament to the strength of the Kwik Kopy franchise network. 

“Kwik Kopy’s support is next level. It’s really like a family because they look after you. I know we are in great hands. Combine that with Kwik Kopy’s fantastic brand and I couldn’t find a reason not to do it!”

Kwik Kopy Shellharbour is located at: 

Kwik Kopy Shellharbour
Unit 1, 21 Durgadin Drive
Albion Park Rail , NSW 2527
Phone: (02) 4221 9630
Email: print@shellharbour.kwikkopy.com.au
Hours: 7:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday

Coca-Cola is set to launch a European trial for its recently announced first-ever paper bottle prototype.

The solution has been developed through a partnership between scientists at the Coca-Cola Research and Development Laboratories in Brussels and The Paper Bottle Company (Paboco).

The technology developed by Paboco is designed to create recyclable bottles made of sustainably-sourced wood that are capable of resisting liquids, CO2, and oxygen, and are suitable for liquid goods such as carbonated and still drinks, beauty products, and more. 

The current prototype consists of a paper shell with a recyclable plastic lining and cap made from 100% recycled PET. However, the company’s ultimate goal is to produce a bottle that can be recycled as paper.

“The trial we are announcing today is a milestone for us in our quest to develop a paper bottle”, said Daniela Zahariea, director of technical supply chain and innovation for Coca-Cola Europe.

“People expect Coca-Cola to develop and bring to market new, innovative and sustainable types of packaging. That’s why we are partnering with experts like Paboco, experimenting openly and conducting this first in-market trial. It’s part of delivering on our World Without Waste commitments.”

The trial is scheduled to take place in the second quarter of this year and will involve the company’s plant-based AdeZ drink being offered to 2,000 consumers in Hungary, through a partnership with Kifli.hu - one of Hungary’s fastest growing online grocery retailers.

Stijn Franssen, R&D packaging innovation manager, adds: “This trial will provide us with invaluable insight and feedback. We will get to see how the paper bottle prototype performs as packaging and what consumers think and feel about it. 

“This is an exciting step forward for us, as it means we’re out of the lab and into the real world. So for the first time, consumers will actually be drinking one of our products from a potentially new type of paper packaging.”

This move marks a further step in fulfilling The Coca-Cola Company’s global vision of achieving a “World Without Waste”, in which the company has pledged to ensure all of its packaging is collected, recycled, or re-used by 2030.

Newly appointed Currie Group CEO, Rob Mesaros announces a development in the company’s business model and through a new organisational plan, a milestone decision for the company has been reached.

After playing a key role in many landmark moments across twenty years of dedicated service, Sales and Marketing Director, Phillip Rennell and Currie Group, have agreed the time is right to part ways.  

“Changes big and small continuously happen around us – in society, personally and in business. It is an important part of evolution”, Rob Mesaros says. “However, in today’s always on and connected world, the velocity and impact is more pronounced than ever. Changing industry dynamics requires ongoing change necessary for the success and benefit of our customers,” Rob says.  

With its unparalleled service coverage, cutting-edge technology and strong partnerships, Currie Group is poised to thrive well into the future. 

Effective immediately, Phillip’s role as Sales and Marketing Director will no longer carry forward.  Consequently, sales and customer management of the commercial segment will fold into the broader responsibility of Bernie Robinson, in his capacity as Managing Director of the Commercial Division.

Phillip Rennell says, “I’ve had an incredible journey for the last 20 plus years. I have shared many great memories with customers and suppliers alike. I could not have imagined the strong relationships forged along the way and take many of them with me on the next phase of my career.”

Currie Group would like to thank Phillip for his immeasurable contribution and service and wish him the very best for the future.

Epson has won four BLI Winter 2021 Awards from Keypoint Intelligence including an A3 Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Award for Departmental Finishing Capabilities for their Epson WorkForce Enterprise Series, along with two A4 Pick Awards for Outstanding Colour Inkjet All-in-One for Home Offices for their Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4800 Series and Outstanding Tabloid Colour Inkjet All-in-One for their WorkForce Pro WF-7800 Series as well as an Scanner Pick Award for Outstanding A3 Scanner for their Epson WorkForce DS-32000.
 
Keypoint Intelligence is the world’s leading independent providers of testing services and analytical information to the document imaging industry. Awarded twice annually for office equipment, their Picks acknowledge the products that gave the best performances in their Keypoint Intelligence lab testing in the previous six months.
 
Commenting on Epson’s BLI Winter 2021 A4 Pick Awards the judges said, “Epson continues to churn out top-notch inkjets for SOHO settings in both letter-size and wider formats. All the winning devices offer strong value propositions, robust feature sets, and impressive user-friendliness, thanks to easy-to-use touchscreens and simple maintenance. Flexible mobile support, including standard NFC, makes it easy for users to stay productive anytime, anywhere. In addition, the models all produced vibrant colour output that can help marketing materials pop.”

Epson WorkForce DS-32000 also stood out with the judges commenting, ““The Epson WorkForce DS-32000 leverages a compact, unique design to provide customers with automated high-volume scanning. It can accommodate virtually any type of office document and supports horizontal scanning, which provides flatbed-like scanning without having to dedicate additional desk space.”
 
Epson’s final award, the A3 Outstanding Achievement in Innovation for Departmental Finishing Capabilities for their Epson WorkForce Series had the judges remarking, “The Epson WorkForce Enterprise series is a ground-breaking development in the inkjet space. For the first time, business users are able to switch from toner-based technology for departmental office printing to inkjet without having to sacrifice some of the finishing capabilities they’re used to having available to them. Plus, Keypoint Intelligence’s extensive testing all but assures top-notch reliability and minimal impact on productivity when utilising the finisher.”
 
www.epson.com.au

Epson has established its new Open Innovation Centre research laboratory at its AiCT ICT offices in which the company will work with partners to help find solutions to societal issues. Epson has also started participating in the Aizu Open Innovation (AOI) meeting through which it has begun collaborating with the University of Aizu.

Using the internet, cloud and other digital networks, Epson aims to seamlessly integrate products such as printers, scanners, and projectors together with services to offer solutions that help solve issues faced by society. Against a background of changing societal requirements due to the pandemic, the company is in particular looking to create new value in more enriched experiences in lifestyles, learning, working and the home.
 
Against this background, the city of Aizuwakamatsu has launched its Smart City Aizuwakamatsu program at which it aims to harness ICT to foster the growth of a sustainable and revitalised city that supports fulfilled and comfortable lifestyles.
 
Epson established its new research laboratory after noticing significant synergies with the city’s efforts to forge a partnership among the municipality, residents and university to promote a digital transformation. Going forward, the company will proactively participate in initiatives such as Smart City Aizuwakamatsu and the AOI meeting as it seeks to generate new value for society.
 
The pursuit of open innovation is an important aspect of the company’s Epson 25 business plan. Epson’s efforts to boost collaborations with partners aimed at finding solutions to societal issues began in May 2020 at WeWork Shibuya Scramble Square in Shibuya, Tokyo, a site at which many startups and other businesses have operations. Going forward, the company aims to further strengthen an environment in which it can combine the technology, ideas and expertise generated from a diverse range of markets and corporate cultures to solve issues in society.

E-2000 Series LED exposing units from Vastex now feature a more powerful vacuum pump that provides tight screen-to-film contact in as little as four seconds, producing high resolution half-tones and crisp detail on the most intricate graphics, announced Mark Vasilantone, president.

Model E2-2536, which can expose screens up to 63 x 91 cm, achieves tight screen-to-film contact in 4 seconds.

Model E2-5236, which accommodates one screen up to 132 x 91 cm or two screens with outside dimensions up to 63 x 91 cm, achieves tight screen-to-film contact in 6 seconds.  

“Ultra-fast vacuum times, together with rapid LED exposure times, allow screen printers to achieve superior reproduction quality in less time than ever before possible,” says Vasilantone.

Both models come standard with LCD touch screen controls that provide accurate, user-friendly settings and up to 10 presets.  

They are available self-standing, or in tabletop configurations that can be mounted on matching Dri-Vault™ screen drying cabinets, also from the company.

Vastex manufacture three lines of manual screen printing presses for starting shops to high-volume commercial printers, infrared conveyor dryers, flash cure units, washout booths and complete screen printing shop systems.

For information contact www.vastex.com 

Currie Group starts 2021 with a strategic leadership transition; David Currie - Executive Chairman will be stepping down from his Executive role within the business after 51 exceptional years and will remain as Chairman of the Group.

Currie said, “The company is well positioned with new partnerships and fresh talent coming on board and new products from existing suppliers. I look forward to remaining as active Chairman, whilst also spending more time concentrating on family commitments and other interests. 

On reflection and after 51 years in the industry, having seen enormous changes in technology and people, there is still confidence that there is a great future. I am proud that my son Will represents part of my legacy as the 3rd generation in the business which was started by my father in 1949.”

Effective 1st February, 2021, Rob Mesaros commences as Chief Executive Officer, for the continued strength in leadership and transformation of Currie Group, whilst being supported by the existing team of senior executives and directors.  

Starting with Currie Group in August 2020 as a Strategic Executive Advisor, Mesaros has been exposed to all facets of the business and connected with partners and customers alike. Mesaros will be responsible for leading the end-to-end business operation, with a focus on business strategy and growth. 

Mesaros comments, “It has been a pleasure getting to know all our key stakeholders and their teams over the past six months. Currie Group has a proud and successful history and strong cornerstone strengths. 

We have an enviable portfolio of class leading products and solutions, a deep and broad A/NZ service capability, unrivalled coverage, and a rich pedigree of talented industry experts for our customers to lean on. We will continue to look for ways to improve and grow for the benefit of the industry and our customers, and I’m personally very optimistic about the future as we evolve and modernise. These are exciting times!”

Following continued expansion in its customer base for display graphics digital inkjet technologies in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), Electronics For Imaging, Inc. has established a new distribution partnership for the two countries with Currie Group, the largest, independent, privately owned supplier to the printing industry in ANZ.
 
EFI is currently working closely with Currie Group on sales activities planning, with go-to-market commencing in early 2021. Through the partnership, Currie Group will sell the broad portfolio of EFI™ Wide-Format UV LED printers. 
 
Rodd Harrison, VP of Sales, Asia-Pacific for EFI said, “This new partnership will allow EFI to reach even more customers as we expand our growth. EFI is very committed to the market in Australia and New Zealand. The synergies to be created with Currie Group’s infrastructure and our leading portfolio are significant as a means to help customers thrive with digital wide-format printing.” 
 
The new partnership comes amid a burgeoning expansion in wide-format print among EFI customers: Despite the pandemic, the company recorded nearly 20 new printer installations in ANZ over the course of the year.

Currie Group, which has offices and staff in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, delivers technical service and support of the highest possible standard, while also distributing a range of quality equipment and consumables. Founded in 1949, the company has a long tradition in technical training and development and offers the latest best of breed technology available from leading prepress, print and finishing equipment manufacturers to provide a fully integrated print solution.
 
David Currie, Executive Chairman for Currie Group said, “Currie Group continues to drive growth in our business and for our customers through digital transformation. Printing companies have many opportunities for growth with wide format, so we are excited to begin this new partnership to provide customers with EFI’s world-class, versatile UV LED solutions. The range of innovations available through EFI’s line-up of roll-to-roll, flatbed and hybrid printers opens up new, creative possibilities for our customers.”
 
In anticipation of servicing the ANZ wide format market, Currie Group are thrilled to announce the appointment of Paul Whitehead as the wide format Business Unit Manager. Currie Group and EFI welcome Whitehead into this newly created role with the purpose of creating, managing and growing Currie Group and EFI’s presence in the wide format market. Both companies have confidence in Whitehead’s ability to create effective strategies and build strong relationships with new and existing customers.
 
Whitehead has worked in the industry for the past 20 years, now returning home to Melbourne after most recently working abroad in Europe as an international marketing director within the wide-format sector.
 
Whitehead commented, “To work for a highly respected Australian company, representing a market leading technology organisation that boasts an exciting product portfolio and equally impressive roadmap, is an amazing opportunity. I cannot wait to bring this strong combination to the Australian and New Zealand markets.”
 
Currie Group welcomes all wide format enquiries via info@curriegroup.com.au. For more information about advanced EFI technologies for display graphics production, visit www.efi.com

Epson has partnered with comedy legend Jimeoin, one of Australia’s and New Zealand’s best-known and most well-loved entertainers, to launch a new nationwide advertising campaign for its EcoTank range of cartridge-free printers. The new campaign kicked off on Sunday, 24 January and incorporates multiple channels including free-to-air and catch-up television, radio, social media and in-store.
 
As well as being a comedy staple in Australia and New Zealand for years, beloved for his thoroughly relatable and witty observations, Jimeoin is also a dedicated family man and knows all too well the frustration and expense of traditional cartridge printers. Epson EcoTank printers use easy-to-fill, supersized ink tanks instead of cartridges that include enough ink in the box to print thousands of pages, which means less waste and fewer trips to the store. Jimeoin commented, “Cartridges do my head in. In the beginning you buy a cheap printer and then six months later the cartridges run out and they cost more than the printer. And you forget how to change the cartridges as they explained it six months ago, so it’s easier to buy a new printer than try to figure out how to change the cartridges.”



By using big refillable ink tanks, EcoTank printers can save you thousands of dollars compared to cartridge-based printers. Not using cartridges also saves on plastic, which is the main component of ink cartridges and, because they use heat-free PrecisionCore™ print heads, EcoTank printers consume less energy too, especially compared to power-hungry laser printers. And when an EcoTank eventually does run out of ink, refill bottles start from as low as just $14.99 each for thousands more pages worth of ink and continued hassle-free printing.

Jimeoin added, “It’s a great printer. It pretty much sells itself. I’m just getting in the way to be honest. But was glad of the gig!”



Epson Australia MD Craig Heckenberg said, “There are few entertainers in Australia more recognisable and widely loved than Jimeoin and we are delighted to be partnering with him on this EcoTank campaign. Epson’s core mission is to exceed expectations by creating new value for our customers and providing solutions that help make life easier. EcoTank printers do all of that and more as they are a complete shift from what printing used to be. You can now print as much as you like without having to worry about cost or constantly buying ink cartridge refills. Jimeoin’s unique style will help spread the message that EcoTank is simply a better, more cost efficient, more enjoyable, more eco-friendly printing experience for all.”
 
To learn more about EcoTank cartridge-free printers go to: www.epson.com.au/ecotank and www.epson.co.nz/ecotank

Jet Technologies is set to welcome the newest model of the highly successful L350UV family to its Australian demo centre later this year. 

The latest model, known as the L350UV SAI S, brings a new level of productivity to the market, in terms of both full colour as well as high-opacity white print. Productivity has jumped by 20% in colour printing from the past model (regardless of number of colours, repeat or otherwise) and a whopping 67% with their highest opacity white going from 30m/min to 50m/min in all instances. 

David Reece, Sales Director of Jet Technologies says, “We already have clients printing 20,000 lineal metre runs and with the substantial improvements in productivity experienced with the L350UV SAI S, there is no reason why they cannot aim for even larger print runs that have until recently been the domain of flexo”.  

The addition of orange and blue to the current configuration, along with CGS colour matching using CxF data, enables printers to achieve an extremely wide range of the colour gamut, with extremely high levels of repeatability. The extra colours also provide a noticeable ink saving. 

The L350UV SAI S is able to print on an extremely wide range of local and imported materials. The current installations in Australia and New Zealand report uptime in the range of 92-97%, including the oldest installations that are approaching 5 years. Peter Scott, Managing Director of Screen GP says, “Perhaps this is the aspect that we are most proud of. Any press will be reliable when it is new, but to maintain this high level of performance after many years is what Screen is renowned for”. 

The demo centre will be at Jet Technologies’ headquarters in Sydney, and operational from January 2021.  

Click here for more information.

Tecnau is pleased to announce the launch of Tecnau Germany starting January 1st, 2021.

Together with its well-established distributors, BÖWE Systec and G. Holzer, “Tecnau Deutschland” provides a new array of digital print finishing possibilities to the market. Stephan Klier, who joined Tecnau at the beginning of the year, has been appointed as Managing Director of Tecnau Germany.

“Over the last 5 years we experienced continuous steady growth in the market, both in the traditional transactional segment, as well as in commercial print and publishing”, stated Stefano De Marco, Managing Director at Tecnau. “We strongly believe in the potential that digital print can provide, and with a localised team of experts in digital finishing we aim to provide a stronger, closer and faster support to assist our customers from both a sales and service perspective”.

Tecnau is ready to provide dedicated and tailor-made finishing solutions for the highly demanding, widespread, and diversified German market. The Tecnau portfolio ranges from the cost-effective and space efficient B2+ sheetfed cut and stack finishing solution, Stack 1212, to fully automated and integrated book-on-demand systems, with a special mention of the recently introduced Revolution 50 series of cut & stack solutions for reliable, continuous non-stop production as required in today’s most demanding digital print environments.

“With a deep focus on customers’ needs and a close cooperation with our partners, we want to ensure a strong presence in the market to support every digital print application. Through a coordinated use of our joint expertise – on site, in engineering or after sales – we will provide valuable input and generate real added value for partners and customers,” concluded Stephan Klier.

Tecnau is a leading provider of pre- and post-finishing solutions for high performance digital printing systems with production sites in Italy, Sweden, and USA.

It’s with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of industry legend and signage expert, Paul Jordan.

Paul was known throughout the signage industry as a truly gifted gilder, award winning sign maker, owner of Jordan Signs and, as a true gentlemen. 

Son of industry legend John Jordan, Paul continued in his father’s footsteps, happily and graciously teaching anyone willing to learn the exquisite art of gilding and more.

Paul was always present at Letterhead meets and trade shows in Australia and New Zealand, where he willing passed on his knowledge and gladly promoted the industry to the next generation.

Paul’s funeral was held at Southside Church, Miranda, NSW.
 
We at Visual Impact Magazine extend our condolences to Paul’s wife Jayne and his family. 

Paul’s wife, Jayne, has asked that no flowers or tributes be sent. Rather that a donation be made to either the Cancer Council, https://www.cancer.org.au/get-involved/donate-to-cancer-council, or the Asbestos Disease Research Institute (ADRI). https://adri.org.au/support-us/.