Gulf Print & Pack 2013 – ME Printer Special Post-Show Coverage
Part One – Industry On The Rebound
Part Two – A Solid Show From Digital Printing Suppliers
Part Three – Packaging is King
Part Four – The Devil is in The Detail
Part Five – Consumables Abound
Gulf Print & Pack 2013 will be held between 8 and 11 April, 2013 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The show is organized by Fair and Exhibitions Ltd. (part of Tarsus group), while Printing and Publishing Group and Canon as the Gold sponsor of the event are supporting the event as well as a host of other regional and international trade journals and associations.
Roger Pellow, Director of Labels Group of Tarsus Group PLC says that Gulf Print & Pack 2013 will be focusing equally on conventional and digital package printing as well as commercial printing and labels. The show will cater printing professionals to brand owners and designers. Live demonstrations and product launches will be part of the show.
More than 300 exhibitors are part of GPP 2013 and around 9000 visitors are expected to attend the show. GPP has become a landmark event for graphic arts industry in the region. However some high profile companies such as Heidelberg, Xerox, Giffin Graphics and Dynagraph are absent this year. This shows that even thriving Middle East markets are not immune from global industry trends.
Major players to display new products
Kodak which is on track to emerge from chapter 11 is participating at GPP with full force. The company will showcase a raft of print solutions including NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Press with Kodak’s NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions.
Through live demonstrations, the KODAK NEXPRESS SX3300 Digital Production Color Press will highlight features of Kodak’s NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions, which enable spot colors, gold and pearlescent effects, Kodak’s unique in-line dimensional printing, high-quality gloss, in-line watermarking, or coating in a single pass. Announced at drupa, the new inks help to produce eye catching print products. The NEXPRESS Press will also be showing the impact of its long sheet option for increased job flexibility and throughput.
Komal Sharma, Managing Director, Kodak, Middle East & Africa, believes the new inks will have a big impact, “The metallic gold sparkle effect adds something different and breathes new life into applications like direct mail, certificates, photo and tickets. You can also create variations of gold-toned tints, by putting combinations of process colours underneath the gold effect. Just check the ME Printer and Printweek ME March covers to experience the Gold effect or come and view a wide range of marketing communication leaflets and invitation samples at our booth.” Kodak will also showcase the creative possibilities of the KODAK PROSPER S-Series Imprinting System, which uses KODAK Stream Inkjet Technology, as well as KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plate. There will also be samples on display of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Wide System, which handles KODAK FLEXCEL NX Plates up to 1067 x 1524mm (42 x 60in). The company will also promote the KODAK PRINERGY 6 Workflow System, which is widely used among commercial print and packaging.
Canon which is gold sponsor of the event has opted for a huge 1000 square meter stand. Ayman Ali, Canon ME marketing manager for professional solution explains, “Canon Middle East will have a 1000 square meter stand with the biggest presence ever in Gulf Print, which is 30% bigger than last Gulf Print. The strategy of Canon Middle East is to focus on different vertical markets, and the stand zones will be defined accordingly. The biggest vertical market that we will approach is the Graphic Arts, which will be divided into sub-segments/zones such as Commercial Printing. In this zone we will be showcasing Canon imagePRESS C7010 VP, Océ VarioPrint 110 DP Line, Océ Arizona 480 XT, Océ ColorWave 650, and Canon imagePROGRAF 9400S.”
He added, “Publishing is one of the growing businesses of Canon. For this segment we are displaying Océ Varioprint 6000 Ultra with Gemini technology as a perfect solution for book printing. We are also launching a full solution for Digital Photo Printing.”
Ayman said, “Proofing, which is an important part of the printing process will be presented and demonstrated using Canon imagePRESS C1+ an ISO certified proofer, and the newly launched imagePROGRAF 6450 with the online X-Rite spectrophotometer. Canon will put insight on Canon Service and MPS offering to the market through series of seminars and live demonstration on Service and MPS zone. In addition to the Graphic Arts industry we will be focusing on other Potential Verticals such as Finance & Banking, Telecommunications, Utilities, Education, and Hospitality. Each vertical will be represented through a specific zone at Canon Middle East stand that will include all Canon and Océ color and mono products. In order to demonstrate full applications of our workflow the stand will have a software zone targeting different applications like Océ Prisma Production Workflow, GMC Direct Smile, and Objectif Lune for Variable Data printing, DevStudio, Color Track, CGS, and EFI for Color management and Production Workflow, Taopix for Digital Photo Printing, and Esri for GIS. In addition to Software workflows offline and near-line finishing options will be presented in order to be able to produce final finished applications like Duplo, Pitney Bowes, Unibind, Zund, and Summa.’’
Ayman Ali also added that for the first time Canon Middle East is investing in an Insight Report exclusively targeted at Middle East and Africa. Canon Europe so far published four Insight Reports. The last one titled “See The Bigger Picture” was launched during drupa 2012. The new report will be launched during Gulf Print 2013. A press conference will be held in Dubai on the 2nd of April to announce the report details and findings. Canon is also planning to premier new applications such as Cross Media, Dynamic Statement, Publishing, Photo Printing and Managed Print Services. Canon will also highlight Managed Print Services to help its customers get the most out of print investment either from central printing facilities or from distributed printing environment offering new security levels, saving costs, improve quality and finishing options. According to Ayman Ali, Gulf Print is the most important printing event in Middle East and Africa. He said, ‘‘From their part Gulf Print organizers also supported Canon Middle East delivering very successful events. That’s why Canon ME decided to be the Golden Sponsor for the 2013 event.’’
International Players Focus on Regional Markets
EFI another major manufacturer of graphic arts equipment and supplies will join forces with its Middle East partners at GPP. The company is continuing its penetration of the Middle East market by supporting its two primary dealers at the show. Dubai based Saga Digital Jlt and Sarah Manufacturing FZE of Sharjah will be sharing prominently positioned Stand M11 and demonstrating the latest VUTEk and Jetrion UV-curable digital inkjet solutions. Visitors can also learn about EFI’s extensive portfolio of productivity software, including web to print, MIS/ERP and cloud based products specifically developed for the printing, large-format and packaging markets.
The partnership with Saga Digital has already led to an augmented interest in EFI wide-format printers and VUTEk industrial printing systems in the Middle East, plus additional presence in Africa for the Jetrion narrow-web label platform. The company has many years of experience in wide-format printers and different ink technologies, and is now addressing the increasing demand for high-quality UV-curable ink options. Sarah Manufacturing will be offering the Jetrion in the Emirates in line with the growing levels of interest in integrated digital solutions and the trend for shorter runs and greater versatility. The company’s in-depth knowledge of the inks’ market is complemented by its broad customer base that includes the packaging and newspaper segments.
“The Middle East is rapidly becoming a key area of development for EFI as print service providers and label convertors of all sizes continue to make the transition from analogue to digital processes, increasingly seeing the benefits of using UV-curable ink technologies over solvent-based systems,” states Paul Cripps, EFI’s managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “Gulf Print & Pack 2013 covers our primary growth segments which include packaging and labels as well as the sign and display industry sectors. This is an event with a diverse visitor base, that is key to all of our market areas, and we look forward to supporting our two partners at the show.”
Bobst has been a regular exhibitor at the Gulf Print. The company specialises in products and services for folding carton and corrugated board industries as well as supplying web-fed printing and converting equipment for the flexible materials. Bobst uses GPP as a networking opportunity and will not display any equipment. Moez Jebali, Bobst sales director for the Middle East says that at the upcoming Gulf Print & Pack Exhibition, BOBST will showcase how to move “Towards Zero-Fault Packaging.
BOBST will present at its information stand a series of enhancements to its existing product lines and services, designed to bring customers closer to a world of zero-faults, low waste and high productivity. Bobst will also offer information about how to prevent the delivery of defective packaging while raising awareness on quality in packaging and printing. Special effects such as hot foiling, embossing, Braille for added value packaging and cutting edge new materials in packaging will also be discussed. According to Jebali, Gulf Print & Pack exhibition attracts printers and converters in the region who are serious investors in top quality equipment and for BOBST it is very important to be present as an active operator to move the industry towards the higher quality.
Presstek, a major manufacturer of DI presses as well as offset printing plates will participate in the show as well. The company is represented by Age Graphics in the region. Jack Dean, Presstek’s Area sales manager says that Gulf Print & Pack is a good platform for the company to announce its vested interest in the packaging printing market. “We have been associated with commercial printing so far but the fact is that our 75 DI printing press is capable of handling folding carton production as well. One of our clients in the US actually is doing just that. Packaging is a market that we are targeting. However we still have to learn a lot about this segment of printing. Our target is basically folding carton market. Packaging is a huge industry and it is growing fast everywhere especially in the Middle East.” He adds, “During Gulf Print we want to show the capabilities of our bigger format DI machine. The Presstek 75 DI can be configured in any way that suits the printer. The machine is available in 4 to 10 colour. An optional coater is also available.”
Technologies to Pick From Around the World
Xingraphics a major Chinese plate manufacturer will promote its thermal CTP plates: Fit Invado and Primus+. These plates are widely used in Middle East and African market. According to Xingraphics, Primus+ (which is the upgraded version of Primus, the latest generation thermal CTP plate), has excellent run length, stability, consistency, and much lower chemical consumption. On the other hand Fit invade is specially designed for cost conscious users and it’s ideal for medium to long run lengths with high performance press quality. Safwan Hijazi, Xingraphics’ vice president says that as the only dedicated event for the printing and packaging market in the Middle East and North Africa, GPP offers opportunities and challenges. “We can see interesting presentation of the latest working machinery and materials. We can learn printing and packaging trends and technologies in the world. We can also communicate with top suppliers and network with industry experts directly. For us, this event plays a crucial role in our research and development, especially offering us an opportunity to show our competence.” Xingraphics has taken a major market share in China and has developed global partnerships in over 60 countries. The company also established international support facilities in strategic regions.
OKI is a global B2B brand dedicated to creating applications and services that meet the individual in-house printing needs of businesses. OKI’s product portfolio comprises six distinct segments: Colour and mono printers, multifunctional devices, which combine printing, copying, scanning and faxing functionalities, as well as Serial Dot Matrix printers, faxes and specialty printers for point-of-sales and manufacturing. John Ross- General Manager OKI Middle East, India and Africa says, “GPP was one of the first vertical market exhibitions that we exhibited at, as it is a professional platform that addresses the needs of a broad spectrum of print professionals.”
“Together with our excellent range of colour printers and software that will be on display, we are very proud to be showcasing our ground-breaking white toner technology in the form of our C711WT and C920WT models,” explains Ross and adds, “OKI also added another major industry ‘first’ to its portfolio of original print solutions, with the introduction of its range of digital LED A4 and A3 white toner printers (C920WT and C711WT). This will significantly expand what has so far been a highly-specialist, complex, costly and low-volume market. As variants of existing tried and tested OKI printers, they offer faster printing, are more affordable for businesses looking to expand their in-house capabilities.”
TECHKON GmbH will be exhibiting its full range of measuring systems covering complete quality control: plate measuring instruments, hand-held and scanning spectro-densitometers. Albin Baranauskas, Managing director of TECHKON GmbH says, “The new SpectroDens benefits from the latest LED technology. The color display shows the measured hue of the ink. It is equipped with rolls at the bottom and can easily make short scans. Quality control can be made within a few seconds. This innovative product offers a multitude of functions, from entry level to advanced application. It is an essential tool to reach high quality and reduce costs.” TECHKON GmbH is one of the major manufacturers of color measuring technology. The company develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software and services.
Mercongraphic, the packaging arm of Indian heavy weight Manugraph will showcase Autoprint VDP 65 – Variable Data Inkjet Printing. The machine is ideal for many applications including numbering, mail addressing, barcode, single color, logo printing, etc The company also will showcase Masterwork’s (MK) DUOPRESS; automatic die cutting, foil stamping, embossing, stripping & blanking machines. This is the first time Masterwork technology is introduced in Middle East, says Pradeep T.P., Mercongraphic’s Business Development Manager (Packaging division – Middle East). Mercongraphic FZC is distributor of major companies like Manugraph, Masterwork (MK), which is a leading manufacturer of Quality Die Cutting, Folder Gluer, Foil Stamping, Inspection machines, Duopress etc. MK Products are installed in more than 20 countries around the globe.
Pitney Bowes will demonstrate its flag ship DI950 auto-mailing solution at Gulf Print & Pack this year. The mid-range product is a best seller with over 70 installations in the Middle East and in excess of 1000 world-wide. With a capacity of processing up to 7500 envelopes on an hourly basis, the DI950 is a highly modular solution with a range of application handling. It’s the only product in its category that can handle DL, C5 and C4 envelopes with the option of closed loop printing and audit.
“We remain a traditional market in the Middle East, where people prefer the look and feel of a physical statement, instead of seeing an expense on the screen. The transformation from physical to digital has impacted no more than 20% of the transactional mail volumes. Organizations that want to reduce their mailing cost need to look at the larger picture and address issues like undelivered mail because of data quality, duplex instead of simplex printing and postage cost because of broadcast messaging. As an organization, Pitney Bowes has invested heavily in its end-to-end product offering.’’ says Rohan Mathur, General Manager of Pitney Bowes MEA.
Rohan added, ‘‘Our USP is in our capability to address a customer’s data and compose a document with messages that are relevant to that particular customer. Imagine receiving a new branch SMS alert in RAK, when you live in Dubai and have never been to RAK – such broadcast messaging is one of the single biggest reasons for customer dissatisfaction.”
Strong participation from regional suppliers
Local companies and regional suppliers have always added strength to the GPP. This year is no exception. Since past 4 years, Secure Print Equipment Supplier FZE has been participating in Gulf Print & Pack. Secure Print is exhibiting an enhanced range of VINSAK branded core solutions i.e. pre-press and brand protection solutions to increase productivity and lower operating costs for commercial, newspaper, flexo & label, security and digital printing. Secure Print has already expanded its footprint in the Middle East, African Continent, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh markets in supplying high-end solutions to the end customers.
Malkhan Ram, Assistant General Manager- Sales says, “Visitors can experience the live performance of VINSAK VIS 1200 Inkjet System, VINSAK Flexo Tower, Radus Foiling Machine, Vacuumatic Sheet Counting Machine and wide range of consumables including, Security Inks, Security Softwares, Substrates with different security features, and printing plates for letterpress, flexo and offset presses.’’
The Printech stand D11 will be offering total solutions to those attending Gulf Print & Pack this year. The company will be demonstrating and discussing on how to convert ‘constraints into opportunities’.
Pankaj Patel, CEO, Printech Middle East says, “We are the only company in this region that provides solutions for the complete gamut of packaging. That includes flexible packaging, label, corrugated carton and also end of line industrial packaging solutions. With the help of our technical team and our facilities, both in UAE and Saudi Arabia, we are able to support customers in the entire Middle East region.”
This year, many companies will be lined up to show their offerings and solutions along with Printech ME. The company will be showing solutions from Prati Company, Italy. For the flexible industry, they would be presenting a Mount O Matic 1500 DD, which is a mounting solution with sleeves from A V Flexologic. OMET srl, Italy would be there offering complete converting solutions for label, flexible packaging, light carton and cigarette packaging. Other companies participating include Mosca from Germany, Robopac, Macsa, Apex from Europe, Cosmo Films, Eukalin, Swedev from Sweden and API Foils from UK
Sepas, the manufacturer of Pad and Screen printing machines and a distributor of various screen printing suppliers such as Marabu for UV & solvent based inks, NBC mesh and Fimor Squeegees for perfume bottles will be participating at Gulf Print and Pack. They will be exhibiting the latest pad and screen printing machines, as well as Marabu’s new ‘Maraglass MGL -Highest Brilliance on Glass Printing Ink’ for Perfume bottle industry. The ink is said to have high intensive shades with high gloss surface, and is suitable for stressed surfaces. The ink can be used for lamination with customary foil materials.
The International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) in Dubai was established in the year 2003 in Dubai as a dedicated media production zone. IMPZ is designed to meet the unique needs of the global media production industry. The business park currently serves graphic art, printing, publishing, packaging and media production companies. IMPZ has been a regular participant at Gulf Print and Pack all through these years, and this year too they will be having their presence at the show. Saeed Al Falasi, Executive Director of IMPZ says, “IMPZ is one of the key sponsors of Gulf Print and Pack, and demonstrates its dedication to the industry. IMPZ’s participation is predominantly sponsorship, and showing its support to the event and to the industry.”
Digimatrix Technologies will be displaying three machines on their stand. The Dilli 1604D WD UV Flatbed Printer that prints all the POS, 3D Display Stands as well as many Packaging Solutions on the Cartoon, Paper, Corrugated Sheets, Card Boards, Acrylic, Wood, Forex, PVC & Foam Sheets. The Digi Cam DRM 48A 3D CNC Router with Digital Cutting System to Cut the Printed materials and the Digi Laser CO2 laser cutting and engraving Machine.
Mousa Joudeh, Sales Manager of DigiMatrix said, “We also have a machine to make dye cuts for offset printing purposes that offers high speed and accurate performance. I think that Gulf Print and Pack supports the growing demands of printing and packaging in the region as the economy continues to grow in Middle East, and it will offer a one of its kind experience to the attendees through a hands-on display.”
Emirates Trans Graphics will be exhibiting at GPP 2013 Digital Printing & Finishing Solutions, Konica Minolta Digital Press, Duplo Digital Finisher DC645 with business card finisher, Duplo DC 10/20 Suction Sheet Collator, Thermal Lamination Machine, Zechini Book finishing solutions and other small finishing machines. Mohammed Al Hashemi, Managing Director of ETG said, “At GPP we will have representatives from our principles, such as Screen UK, Bograma – Switzerland, Zechini – Italy & Duplo International – UK.”
He added, “During GPP we would be announcing our co- operation with Kodak to sell their thermal plates & pre press Consumables for UAE and Lower Gulf region. I also take this opportunity to announce our agreement with MGI Digital Technologies, Paris. With this agreement we will be the sole agents for their Multi Substrate Digital presses, Ink Jet Digital Spot UV machines, Plastic Card production Printing & various print finishing Solutions for UAE & all Gulf region.” Expressing his opinion about the show, he said, “We have observed a slight improvement in market conditions and the participation in the exhibition will re-affirm the positive vibe among our customers and competitors.”
GPP continues to attract companies that are specialized in below-the-line-jobs. Jinou Trading LLC was established in Dubai in 1998 and specializes in production of corporate premiums, give aways, business gifts etc. The company offers over 5000 different promotional items. Participating at Gulf Print and Pack, they will be exhibiting solutions for automobile, hotel, pharmaceutical, airline and oil industries as well. Adil Siddiqi, Managing Director of the company said, “We specialize in T-shirts (Polo/Basic) Baseball caps, Car sunshades silver/white, Jeep wheels covers, Coffee mugs, Tea coasters, Ball pens/Pencils, Ashtrays, Mouse pads, Stress balls, Desk top planners and many other products.”
Carta Plus a relatively new company that was established in 2001 in Dubai by Dr. Alfonso Ciotola will be participating at GPP. Muhammad Shahid Hussain, Sales Manager of the company said, “During Gulf Print and Pack, we will be exhibiting in stand D21, Hall No.3, and will be presenting solutions for the paper and consumable industry. Carta Plus currently deals with the products of companies such as Favini Srl, Cham Paper group, Favini Security Srl, Landqart AG, Vela Printing Solutions, Tecnorulli Rollers, Trelleborg Blankets and Menichetti glue.”
Prestige Graphics Trading was established in 1988 in UAE as a company that sells paper products and other consumables. Today, the company is a prominent supplier in the region that deals with a variety of printing equipments. They represent brands such as Komori, Horizon, Steinemann, IMG, Itotec and many others. For Gulf Print and Pack 2013, they would be exhibiting ITOTEC – Paper cutter (ERC series), Horizon’s Mobile Knife Fold Unit (MKU-54/54T), Press Stacker (PST-40), and Press Stacking and Semi-auto Bundling Unit (TST-37). They will also exhibit Horizon’s perfect binder BQ-470 that features an interchangeable fuel tank for EVA and PUR adhesives.
Once again UPEX!
UPEX, the used equipment exhibition specialist will again give visitors the opportunity to meet used machinery dealers from around the world at Gulf Print and Pack. Mike Steele, UPEX Organiser said, “Local, European and UK machinery dealers are there to both buy and sell a wide range of equipment from pre-press through sheet and web presses to bindery and finishing kit.” He added, “International UPEX exhibitors this year include: from the UK BBR Sales, Bindery Machinery Services, Exel Group, Grafitec, Pinheiros and White Horse Machinery; from The Netherlands Lefema, Prestotype, PGM and from Germany Allaoui Printing Service, Gemax Graphics, Grapha Technologie and Klaus Paradowski.”
Allaoui Printing Service based in Aachen, Germany is an used equipment dealer and will be participating under the banner of UPEX for this Gulf Print and Pack. The company deals in printing equipment from Heidelberg, KBA, Roland and finishing and processing equipments from Muller Martini, Bobst and others. Ammar Allaoui, Managing Director of the company says, “The countries of the Middle East are among our primary focus, which helps to give our customers individual advice on site and select together the machines they need. Our large fleet of machines for all needs of production and our services allow us to equip our customers’ business with the machines they need or upgrade their existing machinery. With our lasting experience and close cooperation to European printing companies, we have been able to create a good portfolio for our customers, and thereby provide them the maximum return on their investment.”
