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Buying Again Is the Strongest Endorsement · Shawn Descmarchais · Produlith

In Montreal, Canada, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH meets with Shawn Desmarchais, President and CEO of Produlith, a family-owned company with a history going back to 1981. What started when Shawn’s father bought his first press and established a small commercial printing company has developed into a packaging business with two production facilities and activities in both folding cartons and flexible packaging. During the visit, Shawn Desmarchais explains why he believes these are good times to be in packaging. Modern equipment has changed production significantly, making machines easier to operate while increasing efficiency, quality, and productivity. Technology also plays an important role when finding and training new employees, as operating today’s presses, die-cutters, and folder-gluers no longer necessarily requires the same traditional craftsmanship as in the past. Produlith has chosen to focus on personalized service combined with what Shawn describes as a world-class production environment. A significant part of the company’s business is within pharmaceutical packaging, where quality standards are high and customers understand the importance of working with suppliers that continuously invest in equipment, people, and production capabilities. For Shawn, profitability and investment go hand in hand, and customers benefit from working with financially healthy suppliers able to develop with their needs. At the folding carton facility, Produlith operates Komori offset presses supplied by Komcan, along with BOBST equipment for die-cutting and folding/gluing. Shawn explains why selecting technology is not only about the equipment itself but equally about the relationship with the supplier. Reliability, service, understanding the customer’s business, and having people available when challenges occur are important parts of the investment decision. The conversation also touches on maintenance, uptime, return on investment, and why Produlith decided to invest in a second Komori press. For Shawn Desmarchais, the logic is quite simple: if the experience with the first press had not been successful, there would probably not have been a second one.

Exiting a Franchise is not an easy decision Andy Selcho CEO Nuance.ink

For more than 30 years, the family behind Nuance has built its printing business in Sandy, Utah. When INKISH visited two years ago, the company operated under another name as part of a major American printing franchise. Today, the team, ownership, and equipment remain the same—but the company has taken a significant new step. Nuance is now independent. For owner Andy Selcho, leaving a network that had contributed considerably to the company’s development was not an easy decision. The business was founded by his father, and the former franchise had played an important role in helping it reach its current position. But when the agreement ended, the family had to consider not only where the company had come from, but where it wanted to go next. The result is Nuance—a name and identity intended to represent the company more authentically and allow the team to provide a more personal and valuable service to its customers. The printing industry has changed significantly. A considerable part of the market continues to focus on speed and low prices, but Nuance sees growing opportunities in print created with greater intention. The objective is not simply to manufacture another printed product, but to understand what the piece is expected to accomplish. What role does it play in the customer journey? What should the recipient notice, feel, understand, or do? And how can materials, design, production, finishing, and delivery help the printed communication perform its job more effectively? Nuance has always operated as a high-value printer, but the ambition is now to make everything it produces more valuable. That does not necessarily mean making every project more expensive. Sometimes the improvement comes from asking better questions, understanding the purpose of the job, or making small changes that encourage the recipient to look again. The company describes this ambition as creating “curious customers.” An unusual business card, a tactile surface, an unexpected format, or a carefully considered finishing detail can reward another look. The printed piece becomes more than information—it becomes an experience that creates interest and strengthens communication. Nuance also recognizes that no printing company can own every technology required to produce every possible solution. The company’s responsibility is therefore not limited to what can be manufactured internally. When specialist partners or external capabilities are needed, the objective remains the same: to make the process seamless and deliver the strongest possible result for the customer. The transformation into Nuance has not changed the ownership, employees, or production equipment. What has changed is the company’s way of thinking about print and the value it can create. The long-term ambition is both simple and bold: to make the world better by making print better. Watch the film and meet Andy Selcho and the Nuance team as they begin a new independent chapter—built on family history, customer conversations, valuable communication, and print that rewards another look.

From many systems to one CERM · Sergio Shor & Ari Vondervalde Etiflex

From just 15 people working in a garage to one of Mexico’s significant label and printing operations, the ETIFLEX story is about growth, people, relationships—and the importance of knowing exactly what is happening on the production floor. Today, ETIFLEX operates 23 production lines, including 20 flexographic presses and three digital presses. The company produces labels, tickets, tags, promotional products, and RFID solutions for customers across retail, logistics, food, chemicals, health and beauty, textiles, transportation, and entertainment. Mexico offers significant opportunities. With a population of around 130 million people, a strong manufacturing base, and direct access to the United States, the country has become an increasingly important export market. But competitiveness is no longer simply about offering the lowest price. It is about productivity, innovation, quality, service, and the ability to create long-term relationships with customers and suppliers. Measurement has therefore become part of the culture at ETIFLEX. The philosophy is simple: What you do not measure, you cannot fix or improve. Before implementing CERM, ETIFLEX used five or six separate systems for estimating, production control, warehouse management, purchasing, accounting, and finance. The information existed, but the systems did not communicate effectively with each other. Introducing CERM was a major strategic decision. Changing an MIS or ERP platform requires investment, leadership, time, and commitment throughout the organization. However, continued growth demanded a single integrated system capable of connecting the company’s operational areas and providing reliable, real-time information. With better data, the ETIFLEX team can understand the true cost of every job, identify products that may be subsidizing others, reduce waste, improve printing speeds, shorten setup times, and make better decisions about equipment and capital investments. Perhaps most importantly, the data is no longer reserved for management. Employees throughout ETIFLEX can analyze their own processes, identify opportunities, and suggest improvements. With hundreds of people observing production through the same system, operational knowledge becomes a shared resource. The next chapter will include even more automation, robotics, integration, and information. Technology will play an increasingly important role—but people, culture, and the ability to make informed decisions will remain at the heart of ETIFLEX. Watch the film and meet a Mexican printing company that has transformed measurement from a management tool into part of its DNA.

Automation, Ambition and the road to €100 million Chris Düringer & Roland Schöberl · Cardbox Pack.

At Cardbox Packaging, automation begins before the first sheet reaches the press. A fully automated board-handling system supplies two Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 presses—a six-color and a seven-color configuration capable of running both conventional and UV inks. From printing, the sheets move into an extensive die-cutting department equipped with three MK Masterwork Mastermatrix machines. A new MK Masterwork Duopress adds hot foiling, die-cutting, and blanking in a single production process, significantly expanding the products and decorative effects Cardbox can offer its customers. The company has developed considerably since its early expansion from the main plant in Wolfsberg in 2011 and 2012. Business with key customers in the Czech Republic and the United States created new opportunities, while the acquisition of a facility in Pinkafeld, close to Vienna, strengthened Cardbox Packaging’s capabilities in glued packaging. Today, the group focuses on three strategic segments: sleeves, glued packaging solutions, and sustainable food-packaging products—particularly paper cups and lids. Food packaging has always been central to the Cardbox business, but sustainable cup-and-lid solutions could become one of its most important growth areas in the coming years. The market, however, has become increasingly challenging. Overcapacity, pricing pressure, changing supply conditions, and strong competitors from Eastern Europe are making life more difficult for small and medium-sized packaging companies operating in Western Europe. Survival and growth therefore require more than additional capacity. Companies must identify niches, develop specialized solutions, improve efficiency, and offer services that create genuine value for their customers. Innovation at Cardbox Packaging is not limited to major technological breakthroughs. It is an everyday process involving product development, small operational improvements, new services, and continuous experimentation with the possibilities offered by new equipment. The latest investments give Cardbox additional capacity and operational stability, but they also create opportunities the company is still exploring. Employees are training, testing, and learning how the new technology can answer changing customer requirements—often without customers being willing to pay more for the additional complexity. Automation and artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role. Printed sheets are already being compared automatically with digital reference files, while digitalization is expanding into job preparation, estimating, analytics, and production control. For Cardbox Packaging, however, successful investment is not only about technology. It is also about partnership. New equipment inevitably creates new challenges, and packaging producers need suppliers that will continue working with them long after the installation is complete. The relationship between Cardbox Packaging, Heidelberg, and MK Masterwork is built on years of cooperation, shared experience, and trust between the people involved. Cardbox Packaging describes its central value as customer dedication: understanding what customers need and delivering products, services, and solutions that help make their businesses profitable. Efficiency, digitalisation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence are important parts of the company’s future—but so are its employees. Through its “We Care for You” philosophy, Cardbox focuses on training, development, working conditions, and giving employees and their families confidence in the future. The ambition is clear. By 2030, Cardbox Packaging aims to reach €100 million in revenue while maintaining sustainable profitability. Further acquisitions are already being considered, and additional investment is planned at the company’s US operation. Watch the film and visit Cardbox Packaging to see how technology, partnerships, sustainability, and people are being combined to prepare the company for its next stage of growth.

Orchestrating a complex production with CTRL-S Remco Beekhuizen & Florus Plaizier · Storio Group

Mark Hinder · CEO YourPrintStrategy.com

Morten Reitoft reconnects with Mark Hinder, CEO of YourPrintStrategy.com, for a candid conversation about strategy, data, investment decisions, publishing, and the future direction of the printing industry. After more than three decades in leadership positions with companies including Xerox, Konica Minolta, and Ricoh, Hinder has embarked on a new chapter focused on helping print companies make better-informed business decisions. Through YourPrintStrategy.com, he works with printers, publishers, and industry stakeholders to develop strategies based on business realities rather than technology hype. The discussion explores the importance of data quality, CRM systems, business intelligence, and why many companies still struggle to turn information into actionable insights. Hinder argues that technology investments should begin with a clear understanding of a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats rather than starting with the equipment itself. The conversation then moves into the publishing sector, where Hinder sees significant opportunities for digital printing to reduce waste and improve supply-chain efficiency. Using the example of bookstore returns, he explains how traditional publishing models continue to generate substantial inefficiencies and why digital production could play a much larger role in the future than many people realize today. Morten and Mark also discuss industry consolidation, procurement practices, artificial intelligence, changing business models, and the need for more open discussions about the commercial future of print. Throughout the interview, Hinder emphasizes that successful businesses need more than great technology—they need a clear strategy, strong data, and the discipline to continually reassess their direction as markets evolve. This is a thoughtful discussion about business strategy and the future of the printing industry from someone who has spent decades helping companies navigate change.

The future is ALSO what we make it to be · Christoph Gamper · CEO · DURST Group

What happens when AI, autonomous systems, and print production begin to merge? In this deep and highly philosophical conversation, Editor Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH speaks with Christoph Gamper from DURST about the future of print, automation, software, and human interaction with technology. Recorded at Expográfica in Guadalajara, the interview moves far beyond machinery and production equipment into questions about how value will be created in the future, how AI agents may negotiate production automatically, and why the next generation of print manufacturing could become increasingly autonomous. Christoph Gamper explains why he believes print production will evolve toward “lights-out” manufacturing environments, where human roles shift from manual operation toward orchestration, architecture, and decision-making. The discussion explores labor shortages, autonomous logistics, AI-driven workflows, and why the future may depend less on closed software ecosystems and more on open, hardware-agnostic systems capable of dynamically connecting entire production environments. The conversation also introduces DURST’s vision behind “Kyveris,” a concept Christoph Gamper describes as a connection between human knowledge and AI-driven systems designed to create value for real people. Rather than focusing on software lock-ins or isolated ecosystems, the discussion centers on how decades of industrial knowledge can be translated into intelligent systems that help printers optimize production, improve efficiency, and rethink how print businesses operate. This is not simply a discussion about presses or automation. It is a conversation about leadership, technological optimism, the role of AI in manufacturing, and how the print industry may fundamentally change over the next decade.

Marcus Weiss · CEO · Koenig & Bauer – Paper & Packaging | Member of the Group Management

In this interview, Morten B. Reitoft sits down with Markus Weiss for a discussion that starts with perspective rather than products. Stepping into a company with more than 200 years of history is one thing. Helping shape where it goes next is something else. Markus Weiss brings nearly two decades of experience from HP Inc., where he played a key role in developing digital print across regions, including EMEA. That background is evident in how he approaches the conversation. Change is not something to react to; it is something to manage, and often to lead. The discussion moves quickly beyond technologies. Because the reality, as Weiss explains, is that customers are not buying offset or digital, they are investing in applications, efficiency, and relevance. The challenge is not choosing one over the other, but understanding how they work together. Another important theme is complexity. Large organizations naturally develop silos across locations, technologies, and cultures. Breaking those silos and aligning around customer needs is easier said than done, but essential if companies want to stay competitive in a fast-changing market. There is also a clear acknowledgment of the financial reality. Innovation is not optional, especially for manufacturers operating in Europe. Balancing innovation with cost efficiency is a constant challenge, and one that requires both discipline and long-term thinking. Beyond strategy, the conversation also touches on leadership. Weiss emphasizes the importance of listening, encouraging direct feedback, and building strong relationships, both internally and with customers. It is a pragmatic approach shaped by experience in dynamic, often demanding environments. This is not a product-focused interview. It is a broader conversation about how to lead a company with deep industrial roots into a future defined by change. Watch the full interview with Markus Weiss to hear how experience, adaptability, and a clear focus on customer needs shape the direction of one of the industry’s most established companies.

Eric Vessels Let’s talk about Reactor Chief Experience Officer Taktiful

A conversation that starts with “vibe” quickly turns into something much more fundamental. In this INKISH interview, Morten Reitoft sits down with Eric Vessels from Taktiful to explore what may very well define the next phase of the print industry. Taktiful isn’t just a company. It’s a community, a training platform, and—if you ask Eric—a mindset. One that moves beyond transactions and into something far more powerful: creating fans instead of customers. Because in a world where print has been heavily commoditized, differentiation is no longer about speed or price—it’s about value, emotion, and experience. The conversation dives deep into what Eric calls “the value era” of digital embellishment. While traditional print has optimized for efficiency, embellishment opens a completely different playbook—one where uniqueness drives margin, and where tactile experiences create emotional engagement that digital media simply cannot replicate. This is where print regains its superpower. Morten challenges the thinking, pushing into pricing strategies, psychology, and the industry’s tendency to undervalue its own capabilities. From market-variable pricing models to the psychology of touch, the discussion reveals how much opportunity is still left untapped—not because the technology isn’t there, but because the mindset often isn’t. The interview also introduces Taktiful’s latest development: Reactor. A 3D visualization tool designed to bridge one of the biggest gaps in embellishment—showing rather than telling. By transforming layered PDF files into interactive, photorealistic previews, Reactor enables sales teams and customers alike to see, feel, and understand the value before anything is printed. But beneath the tools and strategies lies something else. A clear belief that the print industry doesn’t need to become something new—it needs to rediscover what already makes it unique. The ability to create physical experiences that people can touch, feel, and emotionally connect with. As Eric puts it: don’t take yourself too seriously—but take the business seriously. And maybe that balance—between playfulness and purpose—is exactly what the industry needs right now. Eric Vessels: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericvessels/

Sheilae Siagian · The Print Nerd and Student · Toronto Metropolitan University

Oliver Schimek · Founder & Managing Director · Digital Print Group

Filmed on location in Nürnberg, this INKISH feature marks the beginning of INKISH Deutschland’s first production tour, as Morten B. Reitoft visits Digital Print Group and speaks with Founder and Managing Director Oliver Schimek about what a modern, highly automated print business looks like in practice. The conversation quickly moves beyond the traditional definition of a printer. Digital Print Group positions itself as a true solution provider, where production is only part of the equation. With roughly half of its workforce dedicated to programming, workflow development, and customer-specific solutions, the company demonstrates how technology, software, and mindset come together to serve increasingly complex customer demands. The film highlights a production environment built on automation and flexibility, where a wide range of equipment from manufacturers such as Canon, Horizon, and Fujifilm is integrated into internally developed workflows rather than relying on standard turnkey systems. A notable aspect of the operation is the extensive use of robotics, implemented not only to address labor shortages in Germany but also to ensure consistent quality and remove repetitive tasks from employees. Serving large and demanding customers requires more than capacity. It requires a company-wide mindset focused on reliability, timing, and responsibility. With a team of 47 employees, Digital Print Group operates in a stable but evolving market, continuously adapting its processes and technologies to remain competitive. This INKISH film offers insight into how one company combines automation, in-house software development, and a strong service culture to redefine what it means to be a printing company today.

Steven German & Jim Gavitt from The Harrier Group share the journey from analog, to toner, to Inkjet

This film explores the transformation of the Harrier Group, a company that began as a single photo-printing operation in the United Kingdom and, over time, became part of a much larger global production network. Nearly two decades ago, the operation consisted of one building and one digital production area alongside traditional silver-halide photo processing. From those early days with a handful of digital presses producing cards, calendars, books, and posters, the business expanded significantly. As it grew, the company eventually became part of a wider international organization, connecting its production capabilities with other photo-printing specialists around the world. Today, Harrier operates as part of a global structure that includes District Photo in the United States and Prima Printing in Australia. Each company maintains its strong local brand and heritage, but together they form an interconnected production ecosystem that shares expertise, technology, and operational resources across continents. The film follows this journey through the voices of the people behind the company, revealing how the photo industry has evolved—from traditional chemistry-based production to digital printing and now to large-scale inkjet manufacturing. It also shows how collaboration between facilities, shared workflows, and internal software development enable the group to manage enormous seasonal demand while maintaining flexibility throughout the year. Ultimately, this is a story about transformation—not only of a company that grew and was integrated into a global production network, but also of an entire industry moving rapidly toward faster, more automated, and more scalable print technologies.

Jorge Luis Rodríguez President · Servi Impresos ·

Español: (English below) Entre impresores se dice que tenemos tinta en las venas, y para Jorge Luis Rodríguez eso es una realidad. Como representante de Servir Impresos, empresa fundada por su padre en 1970, Jorge ha dedicado más de 35 años a desarrollar un negocio especializado en la maquila de impresión offset. Desde la preprensa y las placas hasta la impresión y los acabados, Servir Impresos ayuda a otros impresores a entregar trabajos de alta calidad a sus propios clientes, con precios competitivos, tiempos de entrega confiables y un servicio cercano. En este video, Jorge comparte la historia de la empresa, cómo ha evolucionado el negocio después de la pandemia y cómo sus prensas Heidelberg y su flujo de trabajo integral les permiten apoyar a sus clientes a lo largo de todo el proceso de impresión. English: Printing is often said to run in our veins, and for Jorge Luis Rodríguez, that couldn’t be more true. As the representative of Servir Impresos, a company founded by his father in 1970, Jorge has spent more than 35 years building a trusted printing service focused on offset outsourcing. From prepress and plates to printing and finishing, Servir Impresos helps printers deliver high-quality work to their clients at competitive prices, with reliable turnaround times and a commitment to customer care. In this video, Jorge shares the company's story, how the business has evolved after the pandemic, and how their Heidelberg presses and full in-house workflow enable them to support customers throughout the entire printing process.

Architect Rune Veile · URBAN POWER · at the NON-EVENT26

In this inspiring and visually rich presentation, Rune Veile, co-founder of Urban Power, takes the audience on a journey through contemporary Danish urbanism and the challenges shaping our cities. Founded around 12 years ago with two partners, Urban Power works at the intersection of buildings, landscape, and urban planning, guiding clients through complex processes that often span 5, 10, or even 15 years. Many of the projects shown are still evolving—reflecting the long-term nature of meaningful urban transformation. Rune Veile outlines the urgent issues facing Denmark: rising CO₂ emissions from inefficient housing and demolition, biodiversity loss, increasing car dependency, flooding from cloudbursts and sea level rise, and the fundamental challenge of limited land in a small country. Drawing on national statistics, he highlights how each person in Denmark effectively accounts for more than 1,000 square meters of urbanized space when infrastructure, parking, and leftover areas are included. The conclusion is clear: we must use space far more intelligently. Through conceptual proposals and built projects, he demonstrates how Urban Power addresses these challenges by combining functions, reusing existing structures rather than demolishing them, thoughtfully densifying cities, integrating biodiversity into public spaces, and strengthening pedestrian and cyclist connections. Ideas such as a continuous green spine connecting fragmented natural areas across Denmark and a high-speed rail ring transforming the country into a “one-hour city” illustrate how infrastructure and ecology can be reimagined at a national scale. The presentation then moves into concrete examples around Copenhagen and Scandinavia: transforming former shipyard halls into student housing and event spaces; converting outdated office parks into mixed-use residential communities; creating “symbiosis housing” that combines offices, urban farming, kindergartens, and homes within one building; and designing community-oriented housing in wood and low-CO₂ materials. Rune Veile emphasizes identity, social interaction, and shared facilities as essential components of sustainable living—not only reducing emissions but improving quality of life. He also discusses the realities of development, including municipal regulations, affordable housing requirements, and the financial pressures shaping modern cities. Projects range from dense harbor developments to nature-integrated housing in Norway and large-scale visions for entirely new urban districts. The talk concludes on a personal note with the home Rune Veile designed and built for his own family—an experiment in climate adaptation prepared for future flooding. Constructed over three years, the house reflects both technical precision and lived experience, reinforcing his belief that architects must understand every scale of building, from national planning to the smallest construction detail. Throughout the presentation, Rune Veile makes a compelling case that cities are not just part of the climate problem—they are central to the solution. With creativity, long-term thinking, and intelligent use of space, urban environments can become more sustainable, more resilient, and far more livable.

Nessan Cleary Journalist · INKISH Honoree 26

In this thoughtful and candid conversation, Nessan Cleary reflects on recognition, journalistic integrity, independence, and the evolving media landscape in the printing industry. When asked about being selected as an honoree at the NON-EVENT, Cleary admits he was genuinely surprised. Known for his humility and relative privacy, he did not expect the recognition. While he appreciates being noticed, he remains pragmatic about awards, viewing them as a pleasant acknowledgment rather than a defining milestone. For him, professional validation has always been secondary to doing the work properly. Trained in newspaper journalism with a postgraduate qualification, Cleary explains that his unbiased, methodical approach is not something he developed over time but simply the craft he was taught. He draws a clear line between journalism and marketing, emphasizing that he deliberately chose to fund his work independently rather than accept sponsorship or funding from the companies he covers. That decision, while financially challenging, gives him complete editorial freedom — something he considers far more valuable than commercial security. The conversation explores how journalism has changed, particularly in terms of speed, global publishing cycles, and audience expectations. While publishing is faster today, Cleary believes depth still matters more than immediacy. He does not rely heavily on analytics; instead, he judges impact by direct reader feedback. Some stories that require significant effort generate little response, while others unexpectedly resonate widely — a reminder that audience engagement is often unpredictable. He also reflects on major investigative work, including coverage of controversial business dealings in the industry. Those stories highlighted both the limitations of working independently and the importance of due diligence, following the money, and maintaining journalistic standards even when navigating legally sensitive territory. Collaboration with other journalists during those investigations proved both unusual and valuable in an industry where competition is often the norm. Beyond journalism, Cleary shares insights into his personal life — his love of cooking, his diverse musical tastes ranging from classical and jazz to punk and rock, and how he uses rhythmic elements in music to shape his writing process. A former music journalist before moving into print technology, he approaches both fields with curiosity and technical interest. Printing, he notes, uniquely combines mechanical engineering with advanced digital systems — a blend that continues to fascinate him. Despite decades in the industry, he remains driven by the core principle that people need reliable, in-depth information. Technologies evolve, publishing platforms change, and reading habits shift from print to desktop to mobile, but the need for accurate, independent reporting remains. In his view, version “2.0” of journalism is not about reinvention — it is about maintaining integrity while adapting to new formats. The discussion concludes with reflections on industry events, collaboration, and the value of creating spaces where people can exchange ideas openly. For Cleary, the most important thing remains clear: follow the money, maintain independence, and provide readers with information they can trust.

Laurel Brunner Managing Director Digital Dots INKISH Honoree 2026

In this engaging and wide-ranging conversation, Laurel Brunner reflects on a life shaped by curiosity, movement, music, technology, and an enduring passion for the printing and publishing industry. From her love of dancing—fueled by a lifelong connection to music and an energetic personality—to her international upbringing between London, Germany, New York, and California, she shares how cultural mobility shaped her worldview. After leaving a conventional life in the UK at just 21, she moved back to the United States, studied linguistics and English literature at University of California, Los Angeles, and supported herself through college by working with Jonathan Seybold. What began as a temporary typing assignment evolved into a formative role within the Seybold organization, helping build what would become one of the most influential platforms in desktop publishing and digital prepress. She reflects on the early days of desktop publishing, the revolutionary shift from traditional prepress workflows, and how those foundational years directly connect to today’s digital data-driven publishing ecosystem. The work done then, she explains, laid the groundwork for a world where digital content creation and distribution are accessible to anyone—from novelists to global brands. Now at 69, Brunner remains deeply engaged in the industry, even as she balances technical writing with her desire to focus more on fiction. As a convenor within an international standards technical committee focused on graphics technology and sustainability, she leads a global working group developing standards for sustainable print. Sustainability, she explains, has always been personal—driven by an intolerance for waste and a belief that efficiency and environmental responsibility can coexist with commercial success. The conversation explores generational change, industry reinvention, and the tension between what leaders say and what they are willing to give up. She reflects on how innovation often comes from necessity, recalling how the prepress revolution forced companies to become more efficient to survive. The same logic, she argues, applies to sustainability today: real progress often follows commercial incentives. She also discusses the challenge of being heard in a fast-moving information landscape, the importance of writing in ways that resonate, and how global collaboration—sometimes from the most unexpected places—helps shape meaningful industry standards. Receiving recognition for her work came as a surprise, especially since she considers herself more of a behind-the-scenes contributor than a visible industry personality. Yet her influence spans decades of transformation in publishing, digital workflows, and sustainability advocacy. The conversation concludes with reflections on the power of publishing itself. Whether through newspapers, books, labels, or digital substrates, she describes printing as the vehicle through which society shapes and shares knowledge. Events that bring people together person-to-person—without corporate filters—remind her of the early Seybold seminars, where innovation was born in conversation as much as in conference sessions. A thoughtful and energetic dialogue about global perspective, sustainability, generational responsibility, and the enduring belief that publishing—at its core—shapes how we understand the world.

Ferdinand Rüesch · Brand Ambassador · Gallus & Heidelberg INKISH Honoree 2026

In this in-depth and personal conversation, Ferdinand Rüesch reflects on legacy, responsibility, and what it truly means to step into his father’s shoes at Gallus. As a third-generation leader, he took over the family company in 1990 during a time of industry crisis and personal uncertainty. He shares the emotional and professional impact of being called home before finishing his MBA, the powerful moment when his father handed him the keys to an empty office, and the realization that the future of Gallus was now his to shape. Rüesch speaks candidly about losing his father—not only as the founder of the modern company, but as a mentor and trusted advisor—and the challenge of finding his own leadership style rather than copying the previous generation. From starting as a mechanic apprentice in 1974 to leading the business through decades of transformation in the printing industry, he describes how the company was never just work, but life itself. The conversation explores leadership, chemistry, and long-term relationships in business. Known for building close connections with customers around the world, he reflects on the importance of personality, standing firm in one’s opinions, and knowing when to step forward—or step back. He shares insights into balancing authority with humility and explains why reading people is an essential leadership skill. Away from the factory, he opens up about family life, cooking, barbecuing, maintaining a wine cellar, photography, and his love of classic music from The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Dire Straits. He also reflects on travel—once dominated by early business flights, now increasingly enjoyed at a different pace—and how the foundation built by his grandfather and father created not only a company, but a platform for a meaningful family life. As he gradually steps back from daily operations, Rüesch explains how his role has evolved. He no longer walks the factory floor giving instructions; instead, he is called upon when needed—trusted for experience, perspective, and instinct. It is a transition built on mutual respect. The dialogue concludes with reflections on recognition, influence, and the importance of creating spaces where people in the industry can speak openly and connect person-to-person rather than just business-to-business. For Ferdinand Rüesch, appreciation is not about titles or medals, but about sharing experiences, bringing people together, and remembering that industry, at its core, is about people.

Legacy Book Printer Adding Digital Production · Enrique & Armando Espinosa · Grupo Espinosa

Grupo Espinosa is a family-owned printing company in Mexico City. In this episode, we are invited to see the latest branch - the digital book production site. Enrique & Armando Espinosa are leading the digital transformation and have the family's go-ahead to invest in one of the smartest and most modern printing companies around. The legacy of Grupo Espinosa, where production of high-quality books is in focus, the digital branch continues to invest in HP Advantage T-2200, Indigo 120K, and Harrison Bruno coatings, and this is why we have been invited to Espinosa: a nearline book setup consisting of Hunkeler and Müller Martini equipment. However, one thing is the technology at the site; what impresses us is the mindset. In a market where mass-production is still the most common way of producing, the investment in a digital setup, as described above, is clear evidence of how Grupo Espinosa invests in a future that in Mexico also is a given. The future is digital!

Noel Franco · Production Manager · Huella Litográfica

This was our first filming in Mexico, so you are always wondering what to expect, and one of the things you realize in Mexico City is the lack of large corporate signs. You also encounter many closed gates, and it's only when they open that you get your first insight into the printing company you are about to visit. When you enter the gate at Huella Litográfica, the first thing that meets you after registration is a massive paper warehouse - so after passing through this, you quickly realize that Huella Litográfica is a Labels and Packaging company. They have flexo presses for their lables a couple of Koenig & Bauer presses, and a die cutter for folding carton, and then a lot of technology that is tailored to the products Huella Litográfica produces. As Production Manager Noel Franco explains, they are busy. Great company, things VERY much under control, and always great to see well functioning companies with a strong belief in the future - so much, that the company is planning further investments in Koenig & Bauer products :-)

Massive Heidelberg Investment · Diamantis & Giannis Arvanitidis Pressious Arvanitidis

Commercial print is still alive and kicking, and the best proof of this is when companies like Pressious Arvanitidis not only invest in new Heidelberg technology but also plan for the future with a new, young, and very optimistic 3rd generation taking over the leadership. About an hour's drive from Athens, we find Pressious Arvanitidis - not difficult to find, as it's practically the only building in the area. The weather is fantastic, and the hospitality is great as well. We are visiting Pressious Arvanitidis as they have invested in an XL-106 8-color 21K. Together with new plate setters and folding machines, the new technology will increase productivity, speed, and profitability, taking over the job from two older roll-fed Speedmasters. Pressious Arvanitidis also became FSC-certified to serve customers, increasing the sustainability needs. By all means, a fantastic day with our new friends from Greece - thank you guys!