INKISH.TV

Mark Nixon · Global Strategic Account Director · AVT

In this conversation, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH sits down with Mark Nixon to explore a career that began on the shop floor of a printing company at just fifteen years old and has since evolved into a global role within print inspection and automation at AVT. Mark shares the accidental but formative start that pulled him into print, the appeal of the smells, the pace, and the constant problem-solving, and how those early experiences shaped a lifelong connection to an industry that changes minute by minute. Together they reflect on how print differs from many other manufacturing sectors, why its technical complexity is often underestimated, and how careers in print rarely follow a straight, pre-planned path. The discussion moves into Mark’s transition from market-creating companies to a business focused on efficiency, repeatability, and waste reduction, and how inspection systems have shifted from being seen as a necessary evil to becoming a core part of lean, profitable production. They talk openly about quality control, customer expectations, and the idea that it is better to prevent problems from reaching the customer in the first place than to argue about them afterward. Mark explains how modern inspection goes far beyond finding faults, integrating deeply with workflow automation to identify, remove, and replace errors before delivery. The conversation also looks ahead, touching on where inspection technology is heading, the growing importance of speed, intelligence, and customization, and the role of close collaboration with customers and other technology providers. Mark reflects on joining an independent, established company that now operates with a startup mindset, the opportunities that come with it, and how decades of experience across different print technologies can be brought together to drive the next phase of innovation. It’s an honest, wide-ranging discussion about print, technology, business, and the value of staying curious in an industry that never stands still.

Colin Sinclair McDermott in conversation with Morten B. Reitoft

In this conversation, Editor Morten B. Reitoft speaks with Colin Sinclair McDermott, also known as the Online Print Coach, about his background in the printing industry and his work coaching print businesses worldwide. Colin shares how he entered the industry in the 1990s, lost a business during the 2008–2009 recession, and how those experiences shaped his mission to help other printers avoid the same mistakes. They discuss common challenges across the industry, including time management, owner bottlenecks, stress, personal financial risk, and the difficulty of delegating and letting go. A key theme is the importance of understanding business fundamentals such as break-even points, profitability, productivity, and core financial metrics, not just being a skilled printer. The conversation also explores cultural differences around failure in Europe versus the US, the value of coaching and accountability, the role of trade organizations and OEMs in education and promotion, and why the print industry must strengthen its capabilities in sales, marketing, and leadership. Colin reflects on networking, public speaking, and major industry events such as Printing United, drupa, FESPA, and Dscoop, and how visibility, education, and honest conversations can help move the industry forward, even if progress sometimes feels slower than desired.

Building a Packaging Powerhouse Through People, Process, and Technology with Koenig & Bauer

Paul Densley, Managing Director of Castle Color, shares his journey from the newspaper print industry to leading one of the UK’s most respected and technically advanced packaging companies. In this film, Paul talks openly about Castle Color’s philosophy of people, process, and technology, and how that mindset has shaped everything from investment decisions to customer relationships. He explains why Castle Color focuses on being an embedded supply partner, how continuous training and process understanding sit at the core of the business, and how technology is used to enhance people rather than replace them. The conversation goes deep into Castle Color’s expertise in fiber-based packaging, including cartons, advanced barrier coatings, and highly specialized blister card technologies that are guaranteed to seal. Paul outlines the company’s diverse customer base across food, healthcare, hygiene, personal care, and sporting goods, and explains why the type of packaging matters more than the size of the customer. Paul also reflects on Castle Color’s disciplined approach to machinery investment, including rigorous testing, supplier comparisons, and the long-term impact of choosing the right technology partner. He shares real-world experience of consolidating production onto fewer presses while increasing productivity, retaining and retraining staff, and building strong, long-term relationships with suppliers. Looking ahead, Paul discusses the future of fiber-based packaging, sustainability, and how Castle Color plans to continue pushing the boundaries of packaging technology and design over the next decade.

Is AI a useful tool or a threat to a brand? · Gee Ranasinha · CEO · Kexino

Happy New Year, and welcome to INKISH’s first interview of 2026. Morten Reitoft is joined by his good friend Gee Ranasinha for a wide-ranging conversation about AI, with a particular focus on generative AI and what it really means for marketing, creativity, branding, and trust. They unpack the difference between machine learning, generative AI, and agentic AI, discuss why tools alone don’t replace human judgment, and explore how brands risk becoming generic if technology is used without intent. The discussion moves from AI in marketing and design to bigger questions about authenticity, differentiation, security, and the future value of human creativity in an AI-driven world. I asked ChatGPT if it believes that Generative AI can be a threat to brands - and here is its answer: Yes — generative AI can be a threat to a brand, but only under certain conditions. Generative AI becomes a threat when it is used as a shortcut rather than a tool. If a brand relies on AI to produce content without clear direction, taste, or accountability, the result often drifts toward generic, formulaic output. Over time, this can erode distinctiveness, making the brand harder to recognize and easier to replace. When everything starts to look and sound “AI-made,” audiences subconsciously read it as inauthentic, low-effort, or interchangeable. The real risk is not the technology itself, but the loss of human judgment. Brands are built on consistency, intent, and emotional resonance — things that require someone to decide why something should exist, not just how it can be produced. If AI is allowed to define tone, visuals, or messaging without strong brand governance, the brand can slowly hollow out, becoming a polished shell that says nothing meaningful. Used correctly, however, generative AI is not a threat at all. It can accelerate ideation, lower production friction, and help teams explore more options in less time. When guided by clear brand principles, human taste, and strategic oversight, AI can strengthen a brand rather than weaken it. In that sense, AI raises the floor of execution — but it does not raise the ceiling. Brands that continue to stand out will be the ones that use AI to move faster, not the ones that let AI decide who they are. In short: generative AI threatens brands that surrender authorship to it. Brands that treat it as an assistant, not a substitute, will be just fine.

Trevor Schroeder · Director of Product & Solutions · PageWide T700i · HP

This video features Trevor Schroeder discussing how HP approaches print as a set of distinct segments, shaped by long experience in areas such as photo printing, publishing, direct mail, and commercial print, and more recently by rapid growth in packaging. He reflects on the industry’s shift from analog to digital and how similar transformations are now playing out across all segments, with inkjet packaging standing out because of its speed, quality, and ability to handle very high volumes. Labels and packaging are described as a significant growth opportunity within HP’s portfolio, combining inkjet and liquid electrophotography technologies.

The conversation explains how packaging differs from other print segments due to supply chain complexity, large repeat volumes, and increasingly unreliable forecasts. Digital printing, supported by more interconnected software and ERP systems, enables faster responses to changing demand. Schroeder also addresses material and substrate challenges, including long or unpredictable lead times and strong demand driven by the shift from plastic to paper, particularly in Europe. These trends require manufacturers to reassess strategies, understand their customers’ needs, and invest in the right equipment.

The video also touches on material science collaboration across the value chain, ongoing consolidation in the packaging industry, and the importance of manufacturing efficiency beyond the press itself. Digital production is presented as a way to optimize entire plant workflows, free up constrained capacity, and unlock growth within existing assets. The discussion concludes with insights into HP PageWide Industrial’s focus on high-throughput, integrated systems and platform-based investments designed to adapt to evolving packaging and corrugated market demands.

Even Lucanish · Product Marketing & Business Development · PageWide T700i · HP

This video features Even Lucanish explaining how digital packaging solutions are designed to complement, not replace, large-scale analog production. He emphasizes that the packaging industry still depends on long runs, which is why significant effort has gone into ensuring that the economic crossover points between digital and litho production make practical sense. The discussion focuses on how digital presses can add capacity, modernize older equipment setups, and improve overall efficiency within packaging facilities.

Lucanish describes the T700 as a strong fit for the litho-lamination market, particularly for integrated producers or larger independents with single-face laminators. The press is positioned as a complementary asset that allows shorter runs to be shifted to digital, while longer runs remain on litho equipment, reducing setup times and improving utilization across the plant. He explains how higher laminator speeds, enabled by roll-fed digital printing, can increase throughput and unlock additional capacity in existing operations.

The video explores the concept of crossover economics, noting that jobs under roughly 30,000 sheets are often more cost-effective digitally, especially when multiple SKUs are involved. Digital printing allows multiple graphics to be produced sequentially in a single continuous run, effectively combining many short runs into a single longer digital run. Beyond cost, color consistency is highlighted as a key advantage, with digital production delivering repeatable results over time without manual adjustments.

Lucanish also addresses broader adoption challenges, explaining that packaging has been more cautious with digital than commercial print, but that real-world installations have helped demonstrate its benefits. He points to easier staffing and training, tighter integration with MIS and ERP systems, and long-term platform upgradability as essential factors. The video concludes with a comparison of the T700 and T1100 platforms, outlining how form factor, corrugator compatibility, and versatility determine where each solution fits within the packaging and corrugated markets.

Chris Pereira · President · C17 Media

This video follows the development of a print operation in Toronto that evolved from print brokering into complete in-house manufacturing over more than a decade. What began with basic commercial print needs gradually expanded into wide-format production, vehicle graphics, and specialized automotive and motorsport applications. The conversation explains why depending on external vendors became a limitation—particularly around scheduling, consistency, and accountability—and how bringing production in-house changed both operational control and long-term planning. Growth happened incrementally, through measured investments in equipment, space, and people rather than rapid expansion. A significant part of the discussion focuses on workflow and automation. As job volumes increased and margins tightened, software became critical to meeting timelines and controlling costs. The video outlines how imposition is handled using Ultimate Tech software, where layouts are automatically generated based on material type, sheet or roll size, flute direction for corrugated work, and production method. This reduces manual intervention, material waste, and ink usage, while improving repeatability across jobs. Ultimate Tech is shown as one component in a broader workflow that also includes web-to-print, ERP, preflighting, and accounting systems. Rather than being implemented all at once, the workflow was built piece by piece, with adjustments made over time as requirements became clearer. The video also addresses early limitations, the evaluation of alternative solutions, and why the final setup reflects practical production needs rather than theoretical efficiency.

Brad Ranson · VP Sales & General Manager · Komcan

Komori is distributed and supported by Komcan in Canada, and VP Sales & General Manager, Brad Ranson, explains in this film how Komcan add value to the customers, by having spareparts and a professional service organization, but listen to Brad Ranson for more information.

Oscar Pepermans · Owner · Rutgers Printing & Packaging · RAPIDA 76 Customer

Rutgers Printing & Packaging Solutions outside Haag in the Netherlands is a great example of a company that uses the latest technology to specialize in the packaging niche, where the smaller RAPIDA 76 Format is a huge advantage. The format is slightly bigger than a standard B2 format, that enables Rutgers to have an even better sheet utilization of the packaging made by the company. The owner, Oscar Pepermans, has a strong belief and commitment to his company, and has, besides Rutgers, also developed an online platform serving customers in the Benelux. Before the Koenig & Bauer investment, Rutgers had a Rapida 75. Still, Oscar Perpermans has mentioned it several times, while INKISH emphasizes how great the new Rapida 76 is and how much more productive it is. Great company, great products they produce :-)

Benson Hong · President · BDPrint · First Komori Lithrone GX40RP Installed

BDPrint has five offset presses, and the newest and latest edition has been up and running for just a few weeks, so it almost smells like a new car :-) And what a machine - it's enormous - and it's a type of machine we haven't seen so often, namely Komori's Lithrone 40GXRP, which offers a flat 5+5 + double coaters. The configuration has a few advantages, one of which is that the gripper only grips the paper once throughout the entire machine, leaving more space for sellable print. Benson, BDPrint's President, is pleased with the machine, and it fits with his four other machines, which are a mix of Mitsubishi and Komori. The 150-person trade printer in Toronto is busy, expanding into folding carton and building an entirely new three-story-high HQ, which, from the 3D models we see, is impressive. Besides the offset presses, we also saw Cobo-stacks, MBO-folders, BOBST die-cutters, and more - a truly well-equipped printing house, that for sure will take good use of the new building when ready. Great hanging out with Benson and the Komcan team :-)

Felix Fischer · Managing Director · Die Pharmadrucker

German edition click here. A small, family-owned printing company in Germany focuses entirely on pharmaceutical and cosmetics printing, with a strong ambition to be the fastest producer of pharmaceutical leaflets and instructions for use. The business originated from a concession to print a weekly newspaper, which served as the foundation for the Bernecker family’s printing activities. For decades, print news remained dominant, but over the past 20 years, the industry has changed significantly. Despite the company’s heritage and long-term direction, recent global instability has shown that outside forces can quickly disrupt small businesses. The pharmaceutical focus began roughly ten years ago, though they had handled related work earlier. Over time, customer needs and available production technologies pushed them further into the pharma niche. Finding skilled labor in Western Europe is difficult due to demographic change and fewer young people pursuing manufacturing roles. The company attracts younger workers with its flat structure, but must invest in training. Pharmaceutical print remains highly specialized even though it still involves printing, cutting, and folding. The substrates used are extremely light—40 to 60 gsm—and require technical adjustments, new processes, and training to manage. Their promise of fast delivery — often within 24 hours and typically within 10–15 working days — sets them apart. Their small size and short-run focus make this speed possible. To support this model, they are transitioning from offset to inkjet, eliminating plates, chemicals, and various mechanical components. This shift improves turnaround time, maintenance needs, and sustainability. The company’s folding work is highly complex—often involving more than ten folds—and few machine builders can support these requirements. H+H became a partner because both companies shared the same development goals. Their configuration includes rotary cutting followed by complex folding. The M9 folder automates pocket adjustment, appealing to younger employees who expect touchscreen functionality. Operators still fine-tune settings, but setup time is drastically reduced. The company sees itself as a development partner, helping refine both folding and thin-paper inkjet solutions. Implementations required collaboration, careful communication, and rapid response to issues from the technology supplier. The production setup delivers major benefits: faster operation, fewer processing steps, fewer operators, reduced error potential, and greater value creation in a single line. The move to inkjet also eliminates heat as a production factor, which they note as significant.

Felix Fischer · Geschäftsführer · Die Pharmadrucker

Ein kleines, familiengeführtes Druckunternehmen in Deutschland konzentriert sich vollständig auf den Pharma- und Kosmetikdruck und verfolgt das klare Ziel, der schnellste Produzent von Beipackzetteln und Gebrauchsanweisungen zu sein. Das Unternehmen entstand aus einer Konzession zum Druck einer lokalen Wochenzeitung, die den Grundstein für die Druckaktivitäten der Familie Bernecker legte. Über Jahrzehnte hinweg blieb der Zeitungsdruck führend, doch in den vergangenen zwanzig Jahren hat sich die Branche stark verändert. Trotz des Erbes und der langfristigen Ausrichtung hat die jüngste globale Instabilität gezeigt, dass äußere Einflüsse kleine Unternehmen schnell beeinträchtigen können. Die Spezialisierung auf Pharmazie begann vor etwa zehn Jahren, obwohl entsprechende Arbeiten bereits zuvor durchgeführt wurden. Mit der Zeit führten Kundenanforderungen und die verfügbaren Produktionstechnologien zu einer stärkeren Ausrichtung auf dieses Marktsegment. Es ist schwierig, in Westeuropa qualifizierte Arbeitskräfte zu finden – bedingt durch demografische Entwicklungen und die abnehmende Zahl junger Menschen, die eine Tätigkeit im produzierenden Gewerbe wählen. Das Unternehmen zieht junge Mitarbeiter durch flache Hierarchien an, muss jedoch in deren Ausbildung investieren. Pharma-Druck bleibt trotz seiner Ähnlichkeit mit herkömmlichem Drucken, Schneiden und Falzen hochspezialisiert. Verarbeitet werden extrem leichte Grammaturen – 40 bis 60 g/m² –, die eine technische Anpassung, neue Prozesse und Schulungen erfordern. Das Versprechen schneller Lieferungen, häufig innerhalb von 24 Stunden und typischerweise innerhalb von 10–15 Arbeitstagen, hebt das Unternehmen deutlich hervor. Seine geringe Größe und der Fokus auf Kleinauflagen ermöglichen diese Geschwindigkeit. Zur Unterstützung dieses Modells stellt das Unternehmen von Offset- auf Inkjetdruck um und eliminiert damit Druckplatten, Chemikalien sowie verschiedene mechanische Prozessschritte. Diese Umstellung verbessert die Durchlaufzeiten, den Wartungsaufwand und die Nachhaltigkeit. Die Falzarbeiten sind hochkomplex – oft mit mehr als zehn Falzungen – und nur wenige Maschinenhersteller können diese Anforderungen erfüllen. H+H wurde Partner, weil beide Unternehmen die gleichen Entwicklungsziele verfolgen. Die Konfiguration umfasst einen rotativen Querschneider, gefolgt von einer komplexen Falzmaschine. Die M9-Falzmaschine automatisiert die Einstellung der Taschen, was insbesondere für jüngere Mitarbeitende attraktiv ist, die eine Touchscreen-Bedienung erwarten. Die Bediener müssen weiterhin Feinjustierungen vornehmen, doch die Rüstzeiten werden erheblich verkürzt. Das Unternehmen versteht sich als Entwicklungspartner und trägt zur Optimierung sowohl der Falz- als auch der Dünndruck-Inkjet-Lösungen bei. Die Implementierung erforderte enge Zusammenarbeit, präzise Kommunikation und schnelle Reaktionszeiten seitens des Technologieanbieters. Der Produktionsaufbau bietet erhebliche Vorteile: höhere Geschwindigkeit, weniger Prozessschritte, weniger Bedienpersonal, geringeres Fehlerrisiko und höhere Wertschöpfung in einer einzigen Linie. Der Umstieg auf Inkjet eliminiert zudem Hitze als Produktionsfaktor, was als bedeutend hervorzuheben ist.

En Es-MX De-DE

Precision Finishing Powering Growth: How Grupo Gama Delivers World-Class Packaging

Language: Spanish - Subtitles: Spanish, English & German. Miguel Ángel Mondragón de la Garza has led finishing at Grupo Gama for more than 15 years, transforming printed work into high-quality packaging, brochures, books, corrugated and folding cartons—all produced entirely in-house. The family business began 30 years ago, when his brother Carlos started with small equipment and gradually built toward today’s advanced operation. Miguel joined after working in metallurgy in Monterrey, helping develop the workshop from its earliest days. The finishing department handles continuous changeovers, ensuring fast, high-quality output while keeping costs low. Preventive maintenance, process control, and minimizing repair time are essential to staying competitive. Modernization is constant. The team upgrades machines to improve speed, accuracy, and material handling, gradually retiring older systems. Miguel highlights his experience learning on early Brausse equipment and emphasizing how European machines—especially Koenig & Bauer—have helped solve critical corrugation and alignment challenges. Over years of testing and collaboration, Koenig & Bauer solutions proved reliable, and today the plant runs four Koenig & Bauer systems among roughly 24 machines. Key innovations include the Ipress and the Omega Allpro 130 gluers, which deliver precise, perfectly aligned boxes and reduce production headaches. Miguel takes pride in seeing finished packaging on display and continues to push innovation to help the company meet customer demands and stay competitive in a changing market. Made in collaboration with Revista el Impresor

Alejandro Celis – Director de ventas para división de impresión Fuji México – PRINTING United 2025

FUJIFILM posicionó su participación como estratégica, destacando que el PRINTING United de 2025 es “un evento clave para nuestra industria… estamos encantados de conectar con socios y clientes, compartir nuestra visión y mostrar cómo nuestras innovaciones … están diseñadas para resolver los retos reales que enfrentan”. Aunque aún no se han publicado cifras completas de ventas o contratos cerrados durante el evento, Alejandro Celis, Director de ventas para división de impresión Fuji México, comentó que la amplitud de la exhibición, la experiencia de realidad aumentada (permitiendo “ver por dentro” máquinas como la J PRESS 750HS y la J PRESS FP790) y la cobertura mediática sugieren una presencia muy robusta y bien valorada. Además, la combinación de tecnologías enfocadas en productividad, sustentabilidad (por ejemplo tintas AQUAFUZE con certificación medioambiental) y versatilidad de aplicaciones (commercial print, packaging, roll-fed wide-format) posiciona a FUJIFILM como un actor clave para los negocios de impresión que buscan crecer en un mercado cada vez más demandante.

Edgar Climaco · Sales · Ventas Rollem Int. · PRINTING United 2025

Spanish Language Rollem International presentó sus soluciones avanzadas de acabado de impresión, con especial enfoque en sus sistemas de troquelado rotativo de la serie Insignia, diseñados tanto para entornos digitales como offset. Entre los equipos más destacados estuvieron la Insignia7H Die-Cutter, capaz de procesar hasta 5,000 hojas por hora, y la Insignia6 PLUS Die-Cutter, ideal para cambios frecuentes de trabajos, así como el Chameleon Folder/Gluer, con diseño modular para plegado y encolado versátil. Además de los troqueladores, Edgar Climaco, representante de ventas para Rollem, destacó otras soluciones como el Jetstream XY Slitter Scoring System, el Champion 990 Slit Score Perf Model y el Semi-Slitter Kiss-Cutting System, orientadas a aplicaciones de corte, ranurado y perforado de distintos volúmenes y productos, incluyendo etiquetas y empaques. La compañía ofreció demostraciones en vivo y asesoría técnica, permitiendo a los asistentes observar cómo estas tecnologías pueden optimizar la eficiencia y rentabilidad en la producción de materiales impresos. La participación de Rollem en la expo reforzó su liderazgo en soluciones de acabado de impresión y generó gran interés entre profesionales del sector.

Héctor Cordero – Presidente de Conlatingraf · PRINTING United 2025

En la feria Printing United 2025 en Orlando, Nayeli González de INKISH TV conversa con Héctor Cordero, presidente de Conlatingraf, sobre la reciente reunión de la organización y los desarrollos más relevantes en la industria gráfica latinoamericana. Héctor comienza explicando que la asamblea de Conlatingraf fue un éxito, con una gran asistencia y una amplia variedad de temas abordados. “Uno de los puntos más importantes”, comenta, “fue la designación de Hamilton Terni Costa, un prestigioso consultor brasileño, como el nuevo Líder Gráfico de las Américas.” Destaca que Costa “fue el único experto de la región reconocido por Drupa por sus aportes al futuro de la industria gráfica” y que la decisión fue aprobada por unanimidad por todos los delegados de Conlatingraf. Otro reconocimiento será para Grupo Espinoza, una empresa mexicana especializada en producción editorial y de libros, que está desarrollando nuevas tecnologías para hacer más accesible la impresión personalizada. “Están creando un modelo donde cualquier persona pueda enviar su propio libro para imprimir,” explica Héctor. “Ese nivel de innovación es lo que les ha hecho merecedores del Premio a la Innovación Tecnológica.” El evento también reunió a una amplia gama de participantes internacionales. Entre ellos se encontraban Ford Bowers, CEO de Printing United, y Daniel Sunderland, presidente mundial de FESPA, además de expositores de China, España y América Latina. “Vimos empresas chinas presentando innovaciones en impresión de cama plana, una empresa española llamada Rotatek mostrando nuevos desarrollos en empaque tras recibir una fuerte inversión árabe, y una compañía mexicana, Inatural, que busca exportar tintas flexográficas a toda Latinoamérica,” comenta Héctor. HP también tuvo una participación destacada, abordando un estudio ambiental alemán que calificaba la impresión Indigo como altamente contaminante por la composición de sus tintas. “HP presentó sus datos y argumentos, explicando que el estudio no tomó en cuenta todos los factores,” señala Héctor. “Es un tema abierto al debate, pero es positivo que todos puedan escuchar ambas versiones y sacar sus propias conclusiones.” Nayeli comenta sobre la creciente importancia de la sostenibilidad, señalando que las empresas del sector se están adaptando a las nuevas exigencias. Héctor coincide: “Sí, absolutamente. La sostenibilidad es un tema central hoy en día. Incluso compañías como Heidelberg están adaptándose. En lugar de trasladar sus grandes prensas a la feria, invitaron a los visitantes a una planta cercana, a solo 15 minutos. Es una medida más económica, pero también más sostenible.” Agrega que muchas empresas están adoptando este modelo: menor huella, menos maquinaria gigante y mayor eficiencia. También destaca que Ángel Bustamante, director de Ricoh Latinoamérica, trabaja estrechamente con Conlatingraf para expandir tecnologías de impresión sostenibles en toda la región. Al ser consultado sobre su impresión general del evento, Héctor responde que la asistencia fue alta y el ambiente optimista. “La participación fue excelente,” afirma. “Eso demuestra que la economía de Estados Unidos, aunque no está en auge, se mantiene estable, y eso es una buena noticia para América Latina, porque cuando Estados Unidos se mueve, nos arrastra a todos.” La conversación gira luego hacia la creciente presencia de fabricantes chinos en el mercado latinoamericano. “Es positivo,” dice Héctor, “siempre y cuando esté regulado. Damos la bienvenida a la competencia, pero debe ser en condiciones justas: precios equivalentes, calidad constante y aranceles adecuados. Así, los consumidores pueden elegir con base en el valor, no solo en el precio más bajo.” Subraya que el financiamiento será clave para la modernización del sector gráfico en la región. “El financiamiento marca la diferencia,” explica. “Si los proveedores ofrecen un paquete completo —equipo, capacitación y opciones de arrendamiento— es mucho más fácil para los clientes decidir. Pagar conforme se usa la máquina permite que más empresarios inviertan.” Finalmente, Héctor cierra la entrevista con una invitación: “La próxima asamblea de Conlatingraf se llevará a cabo en Brasil, durante ExpoPrint en marzo de 2026, donde entregaremos el premio Líder Gráfico de las Américas a Hamilton Terni Costa y el Premio a la Innovación Tecnológica al Grupo Espinoza de México.” Nayeli sonríe y responde: “Ahí estaremos. Muchas gracias, Héctor.” Él asiente y concluye: “Gracias, Nayeli. Nos vemos en Brasil.”

Héctor Yáñez – Director de mercadotecnia de la división artes gráficas Fuji México · PRINTING United

FUJIFILM acudió con su campaña “Make More” para mostrar que va más allá de la venta de equipos: su objetivo es ayudar a los proveedores de impresión a producir más, de forma más rápida, eficiente y rentable. Héctor Yáñez, Director de mercadotecnia de la división artes gráficas Fuji México, enfatizó que presentaron un amplio portafolio de tecnologías, software y servicios diseñados para hacer frente a los retos del sector actual: escasez de mano de obra, plazos de entrega cada vez más cortos y márgenes de presión. Entre las novedades destacadas se encuentra la impresora de gran formato roll-fed de 64 pulgadas ACUITY TR con la tecnología de tinta basada en agua y curado UV AQUAFUZE, que permite imprimir sobre sustratos sensibles al calor, sin necesidad de imprimantes o pretratamientos, mientras mantiene durabilidad comparable a tintas solvente. Además, exhibieron la prensa de tóner digital de alta velocidad REVORIA PRESS PC1120 con hasta 10 estaciones de color (incluyendo oro, plata, blanco, rosa, transparente) para aplicaciones de cartonaje, packaging y comerciales. Alejandro Celis - Director de ventas para división de impresión Fuji México - Printing United 2025 FUJIFILM posicionó su participación como estratégica, destacando que el PRINTING United de 2025 es “un evento clave para nuestra industria… estamos encantados de conectar con socios y clientes, compartir nuestra visión y mostrar cómo nuestras innovaciones … están diseñadas para resolver los retos reales que enfrentan”. Aunque aún no se han publicado cifras completas de ventas o contratos cerrados durante el evento, Alejandro Celis, Director de ventas para división de impresión Fuji México, comentó que la amplitud de la exhibición, la experiencia de realidad aumentada (permitiendo “ver por dentro” máquinas como la J PRESS 750HS y la J PRESS FP790) y la cobertura mediática sugieren una presencia muy robusta y bien valorada. Además, la combinación de tecnologías enfocadas en productividad, sustentabilidad (por ejemplo tintas AQUAFUZE con certificación medioambiental) y versatilidad de aplicaciones (commercial print, packaging, roll-fed wide-format) posiciona a FUJIFILM como un actor clave para los negocios de impresión que buscan crecer en un mercado cada vez más demandante.

Héctor Castro – Director ejecutivo Región Latinoamérica · Müller Martini · PRINTING United 2025

Müller Martini lanzó dos grandes novedades en América del Norte: la encuadernadora de líneas blandas Antaro Digital y la solución roll-to-stack GEN8 EVO (esta última en colaboración con Hunkeler). La Antaro Digital viene ahora con una capacidad nueva para producir bloques de libros en tapa dura en línea — algo que no tenía en ediciones anteriores — lo que abre camino para tiradas más pequeñas, productos personalizados y cambios rápidos. La GEN8 EVO fue mostrada en su primera exhibición en EE.UU., destacando su interfaz modernizada y el enfoque en automatización para flujos de trabajo digitales y de alto volumen. Héctor Castro, Director ejecutivo Región Latinoamérica para Müller Martini resaltó que buscan adaptarse a la demanda creciente de tiradas cortas, personalización y producción eficiente — un reto clave para la industria gráfica actual.

New XL-106 and first Jetfire50 – True Hybrid-Production · Cilgia Gremper · Gremper

Deutscher version Cilgia Gremper shares her journey growing up inside a print business that never settles for “impossible.” Cilgia's father started working at the printing company in 1991, took over the company in 1997, and renamed it Gremper AG. Gremper moved into its current home in 2008 and has continued to evolve since then. In 2021, Cilgia took over leadership — continuing a legacy built on passion, trust, and constant curiosity. Cilgia reflects on learning print from the inside out. As a child, she and her sister spent school vacations on the shop floor, exploring open Heidelberg machines and learning from printers who took the time to teach. But joining the company professionally in 2018 wasn’t easy. She felt lost at first, unsure where she fit — until projects and experience slowly revealed her path. Today, Cilgia leads a team known for pushing boundaries. While others say “it can’t be done,” they thrive on finding solutions. Rather than chasing volume or low-cost production, their work focuses on high-value print crafted for clients who appreciate paper, detail, and tactile experience. From pre-press collaboration to finishing, the goal is to elevate every project into something memorable. Cilgia describes an environment filled with technology, precision, and constant learning: humidity, temperature, specialty machines, and the complexities of modern production. Success, she says, depends on good partners, open dialogue, and trust. That mindset guided their investment into digital inkjet technology — specifically, offset-quality inkjet from Heidelberg. While there are limitations in format and color, the results impressed them: outstanding quality comparable to their finest offset work. It has opened new possibilities, especially when combining processes — offset for content, inkjet for covers, or mixing both to create unique outcomes. The adoption hasn’t been without challenges. With close collaboration between their team and Heidelberg technicians, they worked through early issues. Weekly exchanges and a shared learning spirit helped transform uncertainties into progress. Not every job is suited for inkjet, and every day still requires evaluating what is best printed on which technology. Inkjet offers power and flexibility, but offset remains essential — especially for cost-sensitive production. For Cilgia and her team, print is far more than reproduction. It’s about guiding clients, exploring possibilities, making thoughtful choices, and creating work that isn’t thrown away but experienced. Rooted in tradition yet open to change, they have built a company where curiosity and craftsmanship meet innovation — and where “impossible” is simply an invitation to try harder.

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Neue XL-106 und erste Jetfire50 · Cilgia Gremper · Gremper

Die Geschichte von Gremper reicht weit zurück. Auch wenn die ältesten Unterlagen bis in die 1930er Jahre zurückgehen, begann die jüngere Entwicklung 1991, als Cilgias Vater in die damalige Offsetdruckerei Gert Eminger in Basel eintrat. 1997 wurde daraus die Gremper AG, 2008 folgte der Umzug nach Pratteln in eine moderne Produktionshalle. 2018 stieg Cilgia in das Unternehmen ein, 2021 übernahm sie die Leitung. Familie, Tradition und eine klare Zukunftsvision prägen das Unternehmen – die Eltern sind weiterhin aktiv dabei. Cilgia erzählt offen, wie sie bereits als Kind in der Druckerei unterwegs war: Samstags mit dem Vater zur Arbeit, Mittagessen im McDonald’s, Versteckspiele im Papierlager. Später half sie während der Schulferien in der Produktion mit. Auch während des Studiums blieb sie dem Unternehmen verbunden – und doch führte sie ihr Weg zunächst in andere Bereiche: Marktforschung, Kommunikation, IT-Projekte. Erst Jahre später kehrte sie zurück, mit neuem Blick und wertvollen Erfahrungen. Der Einstieg war herausfordernd. Nach einer intensiven Position in einem großen IT-Projekt kam sie in ein Umfeld, in dem alle ausgelastet waren und niemand Zeit hatte, sie einzuarbeiten. Projekte musste sie sich selbst schaffen: Datenschutz-Zertifizierung, Nachhaltigkeitsinitiativen, Personalthemen, Betreuung von Lernenden und vieles mehr. Schritt für Schritt fand sie ihren Platz, lernte von Projekt zu Projekt und baute ihr Wissen in Technik, Prozessen und Produktion kontinuierlich aus. Heute steht Gremper für umfassenden Service: von Beratung und Vorstufe über den Druck bis hin zu Weiterverarbeitung, Veredelung und Versand. Alles unter einem Dach – ein Alleinstellungsmerkmal, das in der Schweiz nur wenige bieten. Qualität, Termine und Kalkulation bleiben so im Griff. Entscheidend ist für Cilgia aber die Nähe zum Kunden: beraten, mitdenken, schulen, Lösungen finden. Viele Kundinnen und Kunden schätzen genau das. Selbst Kurse zur Datenaufbereitung finden vor Ort statt. Ein zentraler Schritt war die Einführung modernster Inkjet-Technologie von Heidelberg. Jahrzehntelang war sie ein Traum ihres Vaters, doch erst jetzt stimmte alles: Qualität, Produktivität, Nachhaltigkeit. Obwohl Gremper ursprünglich lieber im B2-Format gestartet wäre, überzeugte die B3-Maschine als richtiger Anfang. Der Übergang war anspruchsvoll – zwei Offsetmaschinen wurden ausgebaut, zwei neue Anlagen installiert. Es war ein Lernprozess für alle: Vorstufe, Offsetdrucker, Produktionsteams. Tinte ist teuer, daher muss genau entschieden werden, welche Jobs digital und welche im Offset druckt. Doch die Ergebnisse sind beeindruckend: Offset- und Inkjet-Produktion lassen sich kombinieren, Pantone-Ziele sind erreichbar, und Kunden können direkt an der Maschine abstimmen. Für einfache, günstige Produkte bleibt Toner weiterhin eine Option – aber Premium-Inkjet hat sich klar etabliert. Offset bleibt dennoch ein zentraler Pfeiler. Von mehrsprachigen Produktionen bis zu spezialisierten Veredelungen: Gremper findet für jede Aufgabe die passende Lösung. Kunden müssen nicht entscheiden, welche Technologie zum Einsatz kommt – sie sehen keinen Unterschied, und das ist das Ziel. Ein neues Kapitel im Familienunternehmen – geprägt von Innovation, Kompetenz und dem Willen, den ganzen Weg mit dem Kunden zu gehen: von der Idee zum perfekten Produkt.

Confident Outlook and New Koenig & Bauer Investments · Attilio Posa · CEO · Stampa SUD ·

We work side by side every day. Even when we return home to our families, conversations often drift back to work. The challenges never really stop, but working with family is rewarding because trust is built into everything we do. When problems arise, that trust becomes the foundation for moving forward. This company began as a small operation after the Second World War. Those early years were difficult, yet they shaped a mindset that still defines us. When you know your grandfather built something in a difficult time, you believe you can face any challenge. That sense of resilience continues to guide us. Last year, a fire struck our facility. It was a moment where we didn’t know how to begin rebuilding. Having someone experienced beside us made the difference. Former employees and long-time colleagues came back to help. Their support mattered not only in practical work but emotionally. You suddenly realize how much you can rely on the people around you, and that gives you the strength to move on. Today, we produce an extremely wide range of products: commercial print, books, panets, fruit and food packaging, wine and oil bottle packaging, and shopping bags. It is demanding, but also exciting. Our location in Puglia, in the south of Italy, gives us direct access to many food companies, but we have also begun exporting abroad during the past five years. It is still only a small part of our turnover, largely because logistics and delivery costs are challenging. Still, we see opportunities, especially with shopping bags and laminated products enhanced with hot foil and other finishing options. Sustainability has become a priority. Luxury clients increasingly request environmentally responsible packaging, so we began developing sustainable solutions in 2018. It’s not only about offsetting energy use or reducing CO₂. We focus on combining design and chemistry to deliver new options. We have BRC Packaging certification, and our background in commercial print allows us to work quickly, offering clients fast proposals and helping them reach the market faster. This approach helps us grow and differentiate from competitors. Our customers were demanding higher quality and greater productivity, so we compared solutions from Heidelberg, manroland, and Koenig & Bauer. We chose Koenig & Bauer for the technology it offered. Three years ago, we installed our first six-color plus coating system with conventional low-migration inks for food packaging. This year, we added another six-color plus coating press and will install LED-UV lamps from GEW. This new capability lets us print on laminated paper, plastic, and uncoated stock with excellent results. The machine is positioned away from our food packaging lines, and alongside it we are also bringing a new die-cutting system into operation. Reliability and fast support were key reasons we stayed with Koenig & Bauer. When you buy a press, you need fast assistance. Problems can happen with any brand, but solutions must come quickly. After our first experience, we were confident enough to invest again. Digital printing does not yet fit our market. Offset remains the best solution for what we do. These presses allow us to set up in as few as 100 sheets and reach high productivity quickly. For now, this is the right choice. The future is uncertain. Global conflict is affecting markets everywhere. Still, we have always been quick to adapt. With the equipment and capabilities we now have, we look ahead with confidence.

Ricardo Martinez (HP) & Carlos Vega (HP) · Open Mic · PRINTING United 2025

Morten B. Reitoft meets two HP representatives from Mexico during an open-mic session at Printing United. They explain that the new HP device shown is an important upgrade for their market, offering roughly 50% more speed and a larger format compared to the previous 3000-series models. They have already sold many of the earlier units in Mexico and expect strong demand as customers begin renewing installations and as they approach new prospects. Although competition is strong with other vendors launching new products, they note that HP remains a leading choice for their customers, and early feedback on the new machine has been positive.

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