Agfa’s Inkjet division is proud to announce a new partnership with Graphic Art Mart. This new agreement promises greater support for the Australian market, leveraging Graphic Art Mart’s strength in distributing sign, digital and display materials, and Agfa’s in manufacturing award winning printing equipment.

Graphic Art Mart is a national supplier of sign, digital and display solutions. Their commitment is to provide only the best sign, digital, graphic and equipment solutions to the visual industries by representing world leading industry brands. Graphic Art Mart prides themselves on the quality of products; excellent customer service and ability to ensure customers have access to the latest technologies available to the market.

Michael Liveris, National Hardware Manager for Graphic Art Mart is excited about the partnership, “The Agfa range of equipment includes flatbed, roll-to-roll and hybrid printers which are exactly what our customers want to help grow their business.”

Michael Culver, Agfa’s Inkjet Manager for the Oceania region commented, “Both businesses have a unique strength in the market. One has a vast knowledge of the roll media sector and the other, award winning printing equipment. This is a great combination for our customers. The Graphic Art Mart team will promote Agfa’s entire range of Anapurna and Jeti platforms across the Australian market.

Agfa offers hybrid platforms with a printing width of 1650mm, 2050mm, 2500mm, and 3200mm and true flatbed solutions ranging from 2700mm x 1600mm up to 3200mm x 2700mm. The devices fit many market sectors like POS, Signage, Exhibition, and Commercial.

The range also boasts a dedicated roll-to-roll machine that can produce at speeds up to 159m2 and high-end combination devices with a printing width of 2500mm and 3300mm complete the assortment.

Agfa supplies the devices with the latest LED curing technology, which offers quick start up times, less power consumption, improved productivity, and in excess of 10,000 print hours prior to thinking about a lamp change. It says that, using Agfa’s new LED ink solution, adhesion to problematic substrates becomes a thing of the past and that thin ink layer technology helps reduce running costs dramatically.

Culver concludes, “There are many potential clients in the Australian market that are unaware of Agfa’s portfolio, but this new partnership will alter that position. In a demanding environment support is key and Agfa have one of the largest dedicated technical support teams within this region.”

FUJIFILM Australia’s CEO Tyler Yanase, said, “The Macquarie Park building is our new flagship HQ and it is very much best in class. It offers a high-tech hub that’s closer to many of our customers, an improved working environment for staff with modern facilities and the very latest IT infrastructure.”
 
FUJIFILM Australia’s new HQ offices’ environment both complement and provide added impetus to the company’s continued growth providing an excellent working environment.


The new office has also allowed the company to employ a more efficient use of space through an improved and modern fit-out and office layout, which will positively impact the company’s overall efficiency.
 
FUJIFILM’s new office is also a modern, green-rated building with good use of light and this bright and open work environment is a practical expression of the company’s “Open, Fair and Clear” company culture.


Macquarie Park is the largest business hub outside Sydney CBD and with its proximity to the bulk of FUJIFILM’s customer base, provides ongoing benefits including convenience and efficiency for all of FUJIFILM’s customers.
 
FUJIFILM Australia’s new physical address and PO Box details are:
 
FUJIFILM Australia
Level 2, 54 Waterloo Road 
Macquarie Park 
NSW 2113
 
and
 
FUJIFILM Australia
PO Box 63 
North Ryde BC 1670
 
Main telephone: 1800 226 355 
 
All existing individual landline phone numbers remain the same.
 
For all other enquiries go to www.fujifilm.com.au

The Memjet CEO passed away on April 13 at the age of 62.

Lauer was named the CEO of Memjet in 2010 and assumed the role of chairman in 2012.

“On behalf of our Board of Directors and employees worldwide, we extend our deepest sympathies to Len’s family during this very difficult time,” says Tony Duddy, Memjet’s group president, R&D and operations and Board member. “An outstanding leader, visionary and champion for high-quality, innovative digital printing technology for all markets, Len was a tireless advocate for Memjet technology, our employees, and for delivering beautiful precision to the OEM partnership communities we serve as and their customers. Most importantly, Len was a devoted husband, father and friend. We all will miss his tremendous presence in our lives.”

Lauer was born and raised in Springfield, MA, and received his Bachelor’s in Science degree in Managerial Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1979.  For over 30 years, Lauer held leadership roles with global technology innovators, developers and providers, including Qualcomm, Sprint, Bell Atlantic and IBM, and for the past 10 years, Lauer held the role of Memjet CEO, overseeing the company’s growth to its current status in the inkjet printing technology market.

During his tenure at Memjet, Lauer’s exceptional business acumen, combined with his competitive spirit and strong family values, drove his success in building teams, partnerships and industries. His passion, dedication and leadership will have an everlasting impact on Memjet’s business and employees, OEM partners and the print industry.

“Our family has always been inspired by Len’s passion for Memjet and the work of the Memjet team,” says Beth Lauer, Mr. Lauer’s wife. “Len was proud of the strong culture at Memjet.”

“Len’s clear and steady leadership at Memjet continually inspired confidence with employees, customers, suppliers and its board of directors. He will be missed, but he has positioned the company very well for a successful future,” states Don Millican, Memjet board member and chief financial officer, Kaiser-Francis Oil Company.

Effective immediately, the Board of Directors has named seasoned print industry executive and Memjet board member Sunil Gupta as CEO of Memjet.

Gupta joined Memjet’s Board of Directors in January of 2019. He has held leadership roles in major print industry businesses, including Fuji Xerox Australia, Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific and Xerox International Partners, and Xerox Corporation. 

With the full confidence of the Memjet Board of Directors and its senior leadership team, Gupta will carry on Lauer’s legacy of courage, collaboration and commitment to all stakeholders.

Epson has established Epson X Investment Corporation (EXI), a new corporate venture capital (CVC)1 subsidiary. The aim of the subsidiary is to accelerate collaboration and open innovation, grow existing businesses, and create new ones. A multi-million dollar fund will be set up for venture investment.
 
One of the basic policies of Epson's Phase 2 Mid-Range Business Plan is to accelerate growth by taking maximum advantage of assets and through collaboration and open innovation. In the past ten years, Epson has invested millions of dollars in mergers and acquisitions and in collaborative projects and capital tie-ups with venture businesses.
 
Epson have primarily pursued opportunities in which they could take advantage of synergies with their core devices, especially their core inkjet devices. This has helped the company break ground in new businesses and develop new markets that expand the scope of applications.

M&As are the most common way for enterprises to enter other industry sectors. In recent years, however, CVC has gained attention as an effective way to form collaborative relationships and capital tie-ups with venture companies in a wide and diverse range of fields and sectors. It is also seen as a way to prepare for major environmental changes and disruption.2 





This situation prompted Epson to found EXI as a CVC subsidiary capable of rapidly making decisions and investments. This will help the company further accelerate their open innovation strategy

Epson's general partner3 in EXI will be Global Brain Corporation (GB), an independent venture capital company with considerable expertise in CVC management. The Epson Group will have a 99% interest in a new corporate venture fund with many millions of dollars available for investment. Fund management will target investments in venture companies worldwide.

Epson will help to achieve a sustainable society by creating a variety of partnerships and synergies based on its proprietary technologies, products, and services.

For more information on Global Brain Corporation go to: https://globalbrains.com/en/
 
1 Corporate venture capital (CVC): An investing scheme in which an operating company sets up a fund by contributing its own corporate funds and works with a GP as a limited partner (LP) to invest in and support mainly unlisted venture businesses. The objective is to develop synergy with the investing company's core business by investing in businesses that are relevant in some way to the investing company's business operations.
2 Disruption: Disruptive innovation using digital technology to radically shake up or break down existing industries.
3 General partner (GP): An unlimited liability partner. It forms an association with its joint investor and takes 100% of liability for administration. The liability of the limited partner (LP) is limited to the amount of investment.

Contra Vision has launched a brand-new website making it the most comprehensive site in the world for product information, technical know-how and inspirational ideas for the world of one-way vision graphics.

The site (www.contravision.com) has always been a popular destination for printers and specifiers, but the new site has included over 200 new pages filled with fantastic ideas of how Contra Vision® one-way graphics can be used. To date Contra Vision has identified over 100 ways that their perforated film has been applied by marketing agencies and specifiers across the world for branding, advertising, information, privacy and glass enhancement purposes.
 
The new website is divided into several sub-sites which are all easy to navigate and helps each customer group find relevant products and information.
 
These five sub-sites include Print Substrates, Privacy Window Film, Architectural Glass, Inspiration and Digital.
 
Some of the key sections include:

- Print Home is a dedicated homepage for Printers with links to all the information they will ever need
- Perforated Image Previewer (PIP) is another Contra Vision first. A great tool for customers to see what their graphics will look like when printed on different transparencies
- Technical Hub is a specifiers, installers and machine operators dream. Datasheets, how to print, how to apply and much, much more
- Inspiration is a whole website in itself, aimed at OOH agencies, marketers, visual merchandisers, graphic designers and anyone looking for their next BIG idea. 100+ applications, case studies and images galore!
- Show us your Vision is where people are invited to upload their photos and projects so that their work can be promoted on the site and via Contra Vision’s social media channels
- Projects we Like is where any project that catches Contra Vision’s eye has been captured to act as inspiration for future projects
- 100 Applications is where we have identified over 100 ways where one-way vision graphics have been used in a creative way
- Privacy at Home is for DIY customers looking for a simple to apply Privacy Window Film in their own homes or businesses
- B2B Privacy is an area targeted specifically to Trade customers looking for Privacy Window Film
- Meet the Team is where customers will find the Contra Vision key customer facing teams from around the world, along with their contact details and photos
- Find a Distributor has up to date details of all global distributors so that printers can find where to buy Contra Vision products

Konica Minolta Australia has announced that Dr. David Cooke has resigned from his position as chairman and managing director, and that he will remain until mid-July to see out the Japanese financial year and facilitate a smooth transition. 


Under Dr Cooke’s leadership, Konica Minolta has developed a reputation as a company that cares about its employees, customers and the community, and one that’s deeply committed to ethical leadership and creating societal value. 


In 2018 Konica Minolta was awarded the Human Rights Award for Business by the Australian Human Rights Commission for the work the company has done to promote and support human rights within its business and supply chain. 


Dr Cooke has been instrumental in leading the company’s transformation and expanding on its core strengths of office and production printing to become an IT and technology business partner, providing innovative products such as 3D printing and robotics, as well as software and services solutions to a growing number of customers. 


Dr. David Cooke, managing director – Australia, Konica Minolta, said, “As I am sure you can imagine I have very mixed feelings about leaving, with the greatest challenge being leaving behind the friends I have made during my nearly fifteen years at Konica Minolta. The choice of replacement however, gives me considerable confidence with regards to the future success of the company.” 


Konica Minolta has appointed a new managing director from Japan, Yohei Konaka who is planning to commence on April 1, 2020. Yohei is currently in the office business planning division of Konica Minolta headquarters. He has extensive experience in the business holding roles in both the US and Canada in his 19 year career with the company. 


David Cooke said, “I’m confident that Yohei will continue to build on the reputation Konica Minolta Australia has as a leader in areas such as human rights and ethical sourcing in line with the company strategy aimed at creating value for business, customers and society and meeting our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and delivering that into the future.” 

Roland DG Australia, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and 3D devices, has launched a dedicated webpage with a range of online resources to support its customers during the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

As the situation surrounding the outbreak continues to evolve, Roland DG Australia is committed to providing the best support and service for its customers. A new section on the company’s website has been developed to give customers regular company updates relating to the pandemic, as well as a variety of support information, tips and other useful resources.

- News and Updates – the most current company updates on the COVID-19 situation
- Support – detail and links to service and support information, product maintenance and tips
- RolandClinic – online, one-on-one training sessions
- Roland Rental Advice – updates regarding Roland Rental contracts
- Business Resources – links to relevant information for small businesses

"It is certainly a challenging time during the COVID-19 outbreak; a period that most people have not experienced before in their lives," said John Wall, Managing Director of Roland DG Australia. "It is difficult to know the best way to proceed, with the ever-changing stream of information we are faced with every day. Roland DG want all our customers to know that we are here to help. By providing a dedicated website that includes the most current advice, resources and support, we hope that we can give them some clarity and assist them to navigate through this difficult time." 

Roland DG Australia would like to wish its customers good health and safety in the coming weeks ahead.   

To access the website, and to contact us directly, please go to: www.rolanddg.com.au/heretohelp

Trotec Australia has partnered with our global parent company, the Trodat-Trotec Group, to launch a stimulus package directed towards Australian businesses.

 As a family owned business with family values, our parent company is supporting Trotec Australia to offer laser machine packages at subsidised values. 

The Trotec stimulus package offers businesses of all sizes flexible entry and upgrade paths through the largest range of laser machines in the world along with 
laser machine trade-ins and any brand buybacks. 

Trade in your existing Trotec, or other brand and benefit from our stimulus package today.

Until 30 June, Trotec will accessorise your laser:

• Purchase a Rayjet 50 or 300 and receive accessories to the value of $7,710*
• Purchase any Speedy CO2 laser and receive accessories up to $11,895*
• Upgrade your new Speedy to the power of a Flexx from only $15,000*

Over 100 new lasers in stock.

Trotec has its full range available to take advantage of now.

Accessories include extraction systems, lenses, tables and rotary attachments. 
(* Signed order and deposit must be received by 30 June 2020 to take advantage of these special offers. For new sales only. Speak to your Trotec Sales Consultant for more info).

Combined with the Federal Government’s business boosting initiatives of increased instant asset write-off up to $150,000, accelerated depreciation deductions and small business bailout packages, there has never been a better opportunity to secure your future with laser equipment from Trotec.

Deal direct with the manufacturer and enjoy other benefits such as tailored finance packages and payment options. Trotec has six showrooms and demonstration centres across Australia. We can offer you in person or online demonstrations.

We are Trotec and our mission is to make you, our customers, more profitable.

Contact us to find out more

Epson’s large-format printers and an industrial robot have won the Red Dot Award in the Product Design category (Red Dot Award: Product Design 2020), marking the fourth successive year that Epson products have been recognised in this award. The company’s printers have also been recognised for their second successive Red Dot: Best of Best Award.





Created in 1955 the Red Dot Design Award is recognised around the world as one of the most prestigious awards in the design field. A jury of experts evaluates products announced during the past two years and selects the best designs based on nine criteria, including degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, ecological compatibility, and durability. This year's winners were selected from entries from around the world.




Epson SureColor SC-P9560 printer

Details of the award winning Epson products:
SureColor SC-P7500 and SureColor SC-P9500 (SureColor SC-P7560 and SureColor SC-P9560 in Australia and New Zealand) 

Alongside the SureColor SC-P9050V and SC-P9050G (SureColor P7070 and P9070 in Australia and New Zealand), these printers were regarded highly as the industry standard for reproducing high-quality images in fine art, proofing, and photo laboratories. These products provide the functional operability of high-quality professional tools, such as internal lighting to immediately check printed material and a neutral colour that does not interfere when making colour adjustments.
 
VT6L six-axis robot

This is a smooth and beautifully designed entry level 6-axis robot with curved surfaces that make it easy to install. Designed to automate simple transfer operations previously undertaken by humans, the main unit and the controller are integrated to enable space-saving and easy, and ease of use.





Epson products and services vary by region. You can refer to local Epson sales company for details of products and services available in your region by going to:
www.epson.com.au
www.epson.co.nz

From the team at Sitma ...

On the 19th of March in Italy, we celebrate Father’s Day in honor of St. Joseph, the symbol of dedication and humility.

Yesterday was the 19th of March 2020, and by some tragic coincidence, we lost our ‘father and founder’ Aris Ballestrazzi.

Here in Italy, as throughout the rest of the globe, we are fighting this silent and deadly virus – COVID-19 – and it has brought yet another painful loss.

There are no words to describe the anguish and pain for such a heavy loss; no hugs for the family, and no hand shaking between friends and colleagues.

During this Corona virus period, there are emotions and words, running fast among the digital channels that allow us to stay in touch and close, despite being distant.

Aris founded Sitma in 1965 and has never left its side. He guided it to such an illustrious notoriety, held her hand in moments of crisis, with the determination and awareness that sets him apart as a father.

We should remember Aris for his immense strength and his profound integrity, after all, his word was his honour, and these are the values that distinguish Sitma. Aris was an honest man. Aris was a good man.

Yesterday, on the 19th of March 2020, we said goodbye to Aris Ballestrazzi. An illuminated entrepreneur and a symbol of humility, who dedicated his life to his great family, Sitma.

Aris taught every single one of us something, and the only way we can all thank and honour such an extraordinary person is by committing ourselves even more to the family he created at Sitma, helping it shine and prosper in the years to come, all whilst following in the giant footsteps he created over the last 55 years.

Sitma

The drupa trade fair scheduled for 16-26 June 2020 will be postponed to 20-30 April 2021. In doing so, Messe Düsseldorf is following the recommendation of the crisis management team of the German Federal Government to take into account the principles of the Robert Koch Institute when assessing the risk of major events. Based on this recommendation and the recent significant increase in the number of people infected with the new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2), including in Europe, Messe Düsseldorf has reassessed the situation. In addition, there is the general ruling issued by the city of Düsseldorf on 11 March 2020, in which major events with more than 1,000 participants present at the same time are generally prohibited. 

"The decision was taken in close consultation with our advisory boards and sponsoring associations," emphasises Werner M. Dornscheidt, Chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. It also reflects the wishes of individual industries: "As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors". 
"The city of Düsseldorf is following the instructions of the state government. Our aim is to slow down the spread of the corona virus so that the health system can continue to function properly," emphasises Thomas Geisel, Lord Mayor of the state capital of Düsseldorf and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Düsseldorf trade fair company. 

Delaying the spread of the virus as far as possible is also a declared goal according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). In order to fulfil Messe Düsseldorf's responsibility for risk prevention, the company primarily had to minimise the increased risk of infection at major events. Measures to reduce the risk of transmission at major events, which the Robert Koch Institute has clearly defined – such as ventilation of the venue appropriate to the risk of infection, the exclusion of persons from risk groups and the comprehensive installation of entrance screening, were practically impossible to implement. Also, comparable measures were and are unreasonable in view of the unforeseeable rapid development and the size of the various events with up to 60,000 participants. 

drupa president Claus Bolza-Schünemann also agrees with this: "A postponement of drupa was unavoidable after the latest developments. The decision is therefore right and responsible. Many exhibitors start their logistical preparations middle of March – today's announcement of the postponement enables all those affected to react now, reschedule and prepare for the event date in April 2021. The excitement for 'embrace the future' remains undiminished – also in 2021". 

In view of the increased risk entailed by a fair with significant international participation, the industry associations also welcome the announcement: "drupa is the most important meeting place for the international printing industry," says Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the Printing and Paper Technology Trade Association of the VDMA. "True to the motto 'embrace the future', it is characterised by personal, international contact and live product presentations. The risk of infection would simply be too high at present. We therefore support the decision to postpone the event and look forward to the date next year.” 

The Düsseldorf hotel industry is also sending out an important signal through its umbrella organisation DEHOGA (Trade Association for the Hospitality Industry): "We appeal to our members and the entire industry to be flexible when it comes to rebooking by exhibitors and visitors. The Düsseldorf trade fairs such as drupa play an enormously important role for the city, the hotel industry and the catering trade. It would be counterproductive not to show goodwill in this situation,” as both DEHOGA-Representatives Giuseppe Saitta (Chairman Düsseldorf/District Group Rhein-Kreis Neuss) and Rolf D. Steinert (Düsseldorf/Rhein-Kreis Neuss Hotels and Tourism Group) emphasise.

Werner M. Dornscheidt is pleased about the general consensus and encouragement in this special situation: "We would like to thank all partners for their excellent cooperation in making these difficult and time sensitive decisions. We are pleased that together dates were found so quickly in order to provide all those affected with reliability in planning.”

by SATOSHI MOROTOMI, Nikkei staff writer

Hostile bid would create formidable rival to longtime Japan partner

TOKYO -- Canon will end its 35-year relationship with HP if Xerox takes over the U.S. office equipment maker, CEO and Chairman Fujio Mitarai told Nikkei.

Xerox launched a hostile takeover bid Monday for all outstanding HP shares, the latest development in a monthslong push to acquire its rival.

HP, which buys laser-printer components from Canon, is among the Japanese manufacturer's biggest customers, generating nearly 14% of its sales. But a takeover by Xerox would create a formidable rival to Canon's own office equipment business.

"The foundation of this partnership is, above all else, built upon a relationship of trust between the top management of both companies," including HP CEO Enrique Lores and Tuan Tran, head of its printing division, Mitarai said in a written interview.

"At the same time, it also involves a great deal of technological exchange gradually established over the decades-long relationship." Mitarai added that such a relationship "is not something that can be built overnight."

Sales to HP contributed about 540 billion yen ($5.01 billion at current rates) of Canon's 3.95 trillion yen in 2018 revenue, so the loss from cutting ties would not be small. But Xerox's hostile takeover threatens to create a competitor with roughly double the Japanese company's annual sales. 

Mitarai's comments appear meant to dissuade Xerox's move. Losing Canon as a supplier would force HP to seek another source for key parts.

Canon has not disclosed the terms or length of its current supply agreement with HP.

Mitarai said Canon "intends to partner with and strive to advance collective interests of organizations that have a strong track record of operating with integrity and clearly share our values." 

Competition is expected to intensify in the shrinking market for copiers, multifunction printers and other office equipment.

Canon and Japanese peers Ricoh and Konica Minolta each hold a roughly 15% share of the global market for these devices. Xerox and Fuji Xerox, a joint venture between the U.S. company and Fujifilm Holdings, had the scale to rank in the top three, but their partnership agreement limited each company to certain regions.

Fujifilm acquired Xerox's stake in the venture in November, and the partnership is set to expire next year.

This was among the factors that drove Xerox's overtures to HP. The customer bases of the two companies have little overlap, with Xerox focusing on businesses and HP on consumers.

HP turned down an acquisition offer by Xerox in November, leading to Monday's takeover bid. HP is taking steps to keep investors on its side, including announcing plans for $16 billion in shareholder returns, mainly share buybacks.

Konica Minolta Australia has announced that Dr. David Cooke has resigned from his position as chairman and managing director, and that he will remain until mid-July to see out the Japanese financial year and facilitate a smooth transition. 

Under Dr Cooke’s leadership, Konica Minolta has developed a reputation as a company that cares about its employees, customers and the community, and one that’s deeply committed to ethical leadership and creating societal value. 

In 2018 Konica Minolta was awarded the Human Rights Award for Business by the Australian Human Rights Commission for the work the company has done to promote and support human rights within its business and supply chain. 

Dr Cooke has been instrumental in leading the company’s transformation and expanding on its core strengths of office and production printing to become an IT and technology business partner, providing innovative products such as 3D printing and robotics, as well as software and services solutions to a growing number of customers. 

Dr. David Cooke, managing director – Australia, Konica Minolta, said, “As I am sure you can imagine I have very mixed feelings about leaving, with the greatest challenge being leaving behind the friends I have made during my nearly fifteen years at Konica Minolta. The choice of replacement however, gives me considerable confidence with regards to the future success of the company.” 

Konica Minolta has appointed a new managing director from Japan, Yohei Konaka who is planning to commence on April 1, 2020. Yohei is currently in the office business planning division of Konica Minolta headquarters. He has extensive experience in the business holding roles in both the US and Canada in his 19 year career with the company. 

David Cooke said, “I’m confident that Yohei will continue to build on the reputation Konica Minolta Australia has as a leader in areas such as human rights and ethical sourcing in line with the company strategy aimed at creating value for business, customers and society and meeting our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and delivering that into the future.” 

Due to the spread of coronavirus/COVID-19, the event will be rescheduled to a later date.

Due to the latest information about the coronavirus/COVID-19, and to proactively protect the well-being of its members, partners and employees, the Dscoop Global Board said it reached the decision to reschedule Edge Orlando 2020 to a later date, still to be determined.

The Global Board is comprised of HP executives, Dscoop PSP members and Dscoop leadership.

“Nothing is more important to us than the health of our Dscoop community, and this is not a decision Dscoop has taken lightly,” said Keith Wilmot, CEO of Dscoop. “Using guidance from official global health experts, Dscoop will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on rescheduled plans for the event.”

“As a PSP and long-time Dscoop member, I look forward to this yearly gathering because the benefits to my team are huge in terms of industry knowledge, seeing the latest technology, and connecting with other PSPs to grow our business,” added Jay Dollries, Dscoop’s Global Board chairman and owner of Innovative Labeling Solutions. “The decision to reschedule wasn’t made lightly, and I am confident we will find a new date shortly and continue planning this extraordinary event.”

Mactac, a European leader with over 50 years’ experience delivering consistently outstanding graphic and decorative products to the signage and architectural industry, today announces Graphic Art Mart as its exclusive distributor for Australia.

“Today’s appointment marks an important milestone in Mactac’s history in Australia,” said Jordan Leach, Senior Business Manager for Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions Australia and New Zealand. “Together with our long-term partner, Graphic Art Mart, Mactac will be able to meet the highest customer needs for quality, service and support throughout Australia.”

“Mactac is a highly respected brand globally, and we are excited to be the exclusive partner for Mactac in Australia,” said Mark Canavan, Marketing and Vendor Relations Manager for Graphic Art Mart. “With a diverse and creative suite of products, we look forward to providing an even broader range of solutions to our customers.”

Customers in Australia can enjoy access to the extensive Mactac range of core and speciality print, sign and wrapping solutions optimised to meet the high-quality demands and climatic conditions of Australia & New Zealand. Mactac products are designed for a wide array of applications such as architecture, interior design, advertising and promotion, signage and marking, vehicle and transport, and protection of printed graphics.

Mactac has manufacturing and research capabilities in Europe and is driven by innovation and customer needs to develop high performance and quality products. Mactac, an Avery Dennison brand, comes backed and warranted by the same established and highly qualified local support.

What was more than likely has now been confirmed, with the postponement FESPA Global Print Expo 2020, European Sign Expo 2020 and Sportswear Pro 2020.

A statement from organisers said that, 'In light of the rapidly evolving situation regarding COVID-19 in mainland Europe, and in close dialogue with its national Associations and exhibitors, FESPA has today taken the decision to postpone FESPA Global Print Expo 2020, European Sign Expo 2020 and Sportswear Pro 2020, originally scheduled to take place at IFEMA Madrid from 24 to 27 March 2020.'

Based on feedback from exhibitors, FESPA will now seek to reschedule the events for a later date, precise timing and venue still to be determined based on venue availability.

FESPA CEO Neil Felton explains: “Until this week, our actions with regard to COVID-19 – including the pre-emptive action taken in February regarding exhibiting companies from China – have been informed by guidance from the relevant international and national authorities, with the primary objective of safeguarding the health and wellbeing of exhibitors and visitors. However, in light of the recent spread of the virus in specific areas of mainland Europe, we have consulted with our stakeholders and have concluded that it is in the best interests of our community to defer the events to a later date.”

FESPA will provide an update regarding revised event dates in due course.

The big question is whether or not drupa 2020 will be affected?

The good news is that Visual Impact Gold Coast 2020 is still on. Registrations are open and visitors can expect to see a lot of the new release technology that was scheduled for FESPA. 

Roland DG Australia, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and 3D devices, has released a new Roland User Story. The latest user story features team Velocity SFX from St Francis Xavier College in ACT, who used a Roland MODELA MDX-50 Benchtop Milling Machine to make the winning cars for the State Final of the F1 in Schools competition, a global program that educates students in a range of STEM engineering concepts.





The Velocity SFX Team designed their F1 cars using CAD software that is sent to the MDX-50 to shape a rectangular balsa bloc. Once the cars are ready to go, they are raced around a track, powered by a small CO2 cylinder at the rear of the car.

Judges of F1 in Schools were very impressed with the smooth finish of the F1 cars Velocity SFX milled from the MDX-50, and the team scored 84.1% of the total marks, taking home an impressive 13 awards and winning the State Final of the global competition. Russell Cooper, Director of TechSoft Creative Technology, a Roland supplier to the education market, commented: "The F1 in Schools program has had an incredible impact in schools here, and has been pivotal in promoting engineering careers for so many young people".





Dominic Ferraris from Velocity SFX commented: "The MDX-50 was extremely easy-to-use... [it] was reliable and could produce the same car every time we milled… which made for a positive experience for the team." An automated 3D milling machine, the MDX-50 is an ideal solution for short-runs and prototypes. Users of all abilities can mill functional parts with incredible quality on a wide range of materials. Dominic agrees: "The MDX-50 is a diverse machine and has many different uses besides just machining F1 in Schools cars. The school has experimented with milling Balsa, Carbon Fibre and other types of wood." 





Due to the team’s high score, they will be attending the national final at the Australian Grand Prix in March 2020. At this event, the team will attempt to qualify for the world finals in Abu Dhabi in 2020. Roland DG and TechSoft Creative Technology wish Velocity SFX the best of luck!

The Roland MDX-50 can be purchased in a package with TechSoft equipment, software, installation and training, and is on the NSW State Govt. Machine Tools Contract, for all NSW schools. To find out more about the MDX-50, go to our website.

Launching a new whitepaper and interactive maturity assessment tool for customers, Esko has introduced its latest innovation to packaging and print suppliers across the globe - a strategic model to guide individual businesses on their entire journey to digital maturity.

Developed as a result of analysing hundreds of customers’ operations worldwide, the global developer of integrated hardware and software solutions has launched its Digital Maturity Model for Packaging Suppliers (DMM) program to equip businesses to improve productivity, efficiency and overall profitability through a complete digital transformation.





Mattias Byström, President of Esko, said: “We are delighted to launch the Esko Digital Maturity Model for Packaging Suppliers. It is based on work we delivered in 2018 with global consumer-packaged goods companies and addresses leadership concerns and workflow steps across every area of a packaging and print business. Our teams, through continuous dialogue and analysis, are now able to successfully help our customers to develop their own roadmap to digital maturity, which is a really exciting step forward for the entire print and packaging industry.”

“Business leaders understand that digitalisation is becoming critical to their business success,” stated Jan De Roeck, Director of Marketing, Industry Relations & Strategy at Esko, and chief architect of the DMM. “Digital transformation through the introduction of integrated, automated and cloud-connected systems, including inline print quality inspection, serves to streamline processes, remove bottlenecks and improve efficiency across every facet of a business, resulting in tangible bottom-line success and clear competitive differentiation.

“With businesses around the globe at various different stages of digital development - and in many cases with processes and functions within the same business at different points of automation - we have spent a significant amount of time mapping the dimensions of transformation to bring clarity and enable customers to purposefully drive their own digital transformation, rather than it drive them.”

Jan confirmed that the newly-launched DMM program will be showcased at DRUPA 2020, the world’s largest printing equipment expo held at Düsseldorf Messe, Germany in June. “Working with this industry-first tool and the experts at Esko, customers can identify and integrate only those solutions that will contribute to ultimate efficiency and business performance, addressing everything from leadership values and environmental sustainability challenges through to individual workflow steps and processes. In addition to our activities with customers now, DRUPA 2020 will be a great opportunity to explain the model face-to-face and start visitors to our stand on their journey.”

“The launch of our DMM program is a significant evolution for packaging and print suppliers,” Jan concluded. “We are incredibly excited to reveal the results of our considerable efforts and to support so many of our customers, colleagues and peers through this period of digital transformation.”

To find out more about the Esko Digital Maturity Model for Packaging Suppliers, visit esko.com/packaging-maturity

G2PSD has recently been appointed the authorised distributor for the range of Intec digital printers, foiling and cutting equipment produced by the UK manufacturer. 

Just back from an intensive week long training and product familiarisation course in the UK G2PSD director Bernie Hockings was impressed by the new products being released by the UK manufacturer. 

The flagship product moving forward is sure to be the version 2 FB8000 Pro which is an automated digital cutting system, that fulfils the needs of higher volume production users where unattended operation is the key. The complete production run of the version 1 machines has sold out and the new version 2 model is shipping now, its upgraded features include an intuitive LCD operator control panel and improved heavy sheet handling on the auto-feeder.

The ability to cut, perforate, score in one unit with suction auto-feeder and camera controlled high-speed operation means this unit is extremely versatile.
https://intecprinters.com/products/digital-cutting-devices-for-print-work/automated-flatbed-cutters/

Intec also offers a range of manual feed cutter models that range in size to suit all users. 
The other standout product is the Colorflare CF1200 semi-automatic foiler and laminator which offers that extra specialty finishing for the digital markets. It features greater pneumatic pressure than many other machines and a specially developed foiling roller to ensure that the foil is dead flat when applied to the media. 

https://intecprinters.com/products/foiling-lamination-holographics/professional-model/

Kerry Button (Sales Director) for Intec Printing Solutions UK had this to say about the new appointment.

"We are delighted to have G2 on board as our authorised dealer for Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea." 

"With their local knowledge and experience we are very excited about the opportunity that lies ahead and have no doubt that both parties will enjoy a great deal of success. 

Our new products are creating a lot of interest in the market and by working closely with Bernie and his team we expect to see substantial growth in the Australasian market."

About Intec
Intec Printing Solutions is a UK based company that develops unique and innovative printing and finishing solutions for the printing industry. This includes digital printers, foiling and lamination machines as well as automatic and manual cutting solutions in sizes to suit all businesses. visit us at https://intecprinters.com/

Epson has announced that, as of 1 April 2020, current president Minoru Usui will move into the role of chairman and director and Yasunori Ogawa will take over the role of president and representative director. Mr Ogawa is currently a director and managing executive officer at Epson.
 
In March 2019, Epson established its Phase 2 Mid-Range Business Plan aimed at achieving its Epson 25 Corporate Vision. By focusing on priority areas, the company aims to respond to changes in the business environment and societal needs, and transition to a business capable of generating high profits.

In the fiscal year ending March 2019, Epson implemented reforms aimed at strengthening their business structure. In a tough business situation, Epson has promoted collaboration with partners and open innovation, and developed and launched original products and services aimed at ensuring future growth.

Going forward Epson expects significant and ongoing changes to their business environment. Under the leadership and new perspective of Mr. Ogawa the company will respond flexibly and rapidly to changes as they seek to improve their corporate value over the medium- and long terms.

Details of change
Name:                          Minoru Usui
New position:                Director, Chairman
Previous position:          President and Representative Director

Name:                          Yasunori Ogawa
New Position:                President and Representative Director   
Previous position:          Director, Managing Executive Officer
Brief career history of new president
Name:                          Yasunori Ogawa
Date of birth:                 April 11, 1962
Place of birth:                Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Education:                    Master's Degree from the School of Engineering, Tohoku

University Graduate School
Brief career history:       April 1988 - Joined Seiko Epson Corporation
April 2017- Appointed Chief Operating Officer, Visual Products Operations Division
June 2017- Appointed Executive Officer
June 2018- Appointed Director, Executive Officer
October 2018 - Appointed General Administrative Manager, Technology Development Division (current position)
June 2019 - Appointed Director, Managing Executive Officer (current position)
Appointed Chief Operating Officer, Wearable Products & Industrial Solutions Operations Segment (current position)