SHIZUOKA | Japan – February 26th 2024 – Roland DG Corporation (TOKYO: 6789) announced today that a company established by Taiyo Pacific Partners, a U.S.-based investment firm, has decided to acquire Roland DG shares through a tender offer (TOB). The company will be delisted from the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and become a private company.
- Hits: 1501
In under two weeks, from 19th – 22nd March 2024 at RAI, Amsterdam, FESPA will open the doors to its annual Global Print Expo, co-located with European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro. With a strong focus on product innovation and delivering education and inspiration through a comprehensive content programme, the events will support visitors to unlock new opportunities in speciality print, signage, personalisation and sportswear.
- Hits: 1385
Epson Australia has announced its 40th anniversary of operations in Australia. The company will use its 40th year to continue its legacy and introduce exciting new products in large format printing, projectors, office and industrial printing. Epson Australia has achieved numerous milestones over the last 40 years which include currently being recognised as the number one brand in Australia for projectors, large format printers, thermal receipt printers and consumer ink tank printers.
Epson Australia MD Craig Heckenberg says: "We are thrilled to commemorate this significant milestone in our company's history.”
Epson Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Seiko Epson Corporation that represents over 80 years of Japanese craftmanship, engineering and environmental excellence. The company started out in November of 1983, with a small team of 20 people in the suburb of Frenchs Forest on the northern beaches of Sydney.
Since then, the company has been at the forefront of advancements in print and projection, delivering the highest quality, reliability and service to its Australian customers.
Throughout the journey, Epson Australia has played a central role in transforming industry and improving the way people and businesses communicate their creativity, craftmanship, ideas and messages.
The company’s recent environmental initiatives include partnering with EARTH HOUR, the world’s biggest movement to protect our planet, sponsoring the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney and transitioning to 100% renewable energy across its entire operation in Australia and New Zealand.
Seiko Epson Global President, Mr Yasunori Ogawa ( in Australia this week to help the 40th celebrations), says: "I would like to 
Epson President Ogawa congratulate Epson Australia for their 40th anniversary and offer my thanks for the dedication and support of all the employees, partners and customers who have made this possible. Epson is committed to achieving sustainability and supporting the community and no group company embodies this commitment more than Epson Australia. I look forward to working with everyone to achieve even greater success both for Epson Australia and the wider community.”
These achievements underscore the company's commitment to excellence and its pivotal role in driving innovation and growth in Australia.
“We are very proud of our achievements and success over the last 40 years. As such, I must thank all Epson staff both past and present, our channel partners and customers for contributing to this success. We now focus on the next 40 years and on creating continued growth through providing innovative products and services that make a positive impact to the lives of our customers, their businesses, and their communities,” says Heckenberg.
Today, the company’s product portfolio consists of home and office printers, scanners, thermal receipt printers, projectors, large format printers, industrial print solutions and a wide range of software tools that enhance the productivity and usability of its products and provide more value to customers.
The company has also expanded its team to over 150 people across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Auckland with offices and showrooms in each location. As such, its nationwide service coverage and remote support capabilities ensure minimal disruption and quicker turnaround times, even in remote locations.
Heckenberg concludes: “Again, it’s the hard work and dedication of our team, their proven track record of providing the highest level of customer service and the support from our customers which has led to our success. Whether it be at home or work, we pride ourselves on helping our customers get the most out of our products and services and to be there for them when it really matters. Looking ahead, we have a lot more to accomplish and we pledge to continue to play our part to protect the environment by working with our customers and industry to help solve societal issues, strive for sustainability and improve quality of life.”
- Hits: 1418
“The packaging industry stands on the brink of a major transformation, with paper packaging emerging as a leading alternative to plastic and glass." This quote sums up to seismic changes happening in packaging today, according to Elena Knight, Marketing & Content Director for FuturePrint.
- Hits: 1680
Onyx Graphics, Inc.,one of the pioneers in wide-format digital printing and RIP development, is set to preview ONYX 24 and unveil ONYX Sync at FESPA 2024, Amsterdam this month. Version 24 introduces features such as automated multi-layer printing, seamless mobile device integration, and advanced print quality assurance.
- Hits: 1691
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) in partnership with Epson Australia, commissioned RMIT to quantify the true value of the Victorian textile, clothing & footwear (TCF) manufacturing sector. Micro (digital) garment factories are driving the $1billion sector.
- Hits: 1210
- Hits: 1241
Spandex Australia, has expanded its range of speciality products for interior décor applications with the addition of Cover Styl Architectural Interior Vinyl Films.The Cover Styl portfolio offers a choice of 500+ colours and patterns, allowing customers to add colour and texture to interior spaces, as well as reproducing the aesthetics of natural wood, marble, stone, metal, glitter, fabric, and leather.
- Hits: 2071
Ball & Doggett, known as a major distributor of printable materials, press consumables, and printing equipment, has announced a strategic regional partnership with eProductivity Software (ePS), a global leader in cloud-enabled MIS and ERP solutions, web-to-print, and industry-specific point software for the print industry.
- Hits: 1263
Canon Australia has announced a trio of 11-colour, plus chroma optimiser, inkjet models for the large-format imagePROGRAF Series, the new imagePROGRAF 1524mm (60-inch) PRO-6600, 1188mm (44-inch) PRO-4600 and 610mm (24-inch) PRO-2600 models, available from March.
- Hits: 1399
Don't forget to register for this FREE March 13th workshop, to help your business stay ahead of the pack! Learn how to meet the multitude of challenges facing your business, and gain practical strategies for success that you can implement immediately.
- Hits: 1259
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS) has announced a new agreement with New Zealand-based Total Supply, a division of Spicers, to distribute its cutting and finishing solutions to sign and display customers across the country.
- Hits: 1264
The Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) held its inaugural Social Bowls Night in Brisbane last Friday, with a good numbers and positive reviews from attendees ensuring this will likely be a feature of the annual calendar for years to come.
The Colourcorp team at this week's ASGA Qld. Bowls evening
Kim Kennedy (Bounce LED) Brock Reddacliff, ORAFOL and Damian Nielsen, ASGAMore than 40 bowlers registered for the event, which was sponsored by ORAFOL, reports ASGA Vice-President Damian Nielsen.
“The BOO is a great venue and the bowls competition provided a great ice-breaker and a bit of fun,” he said.
“The friendly competition definitely took second place to the socialising and networking, with everyone who came along appreciating the chance to catch up with their industry colleagues. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, and to Orafol for their generous sponsorship of this event, the third they’ve sponsored for ASGA in as many months.”
Given the positive response, Damian says the event is likely to become a regular on the ASGA Queensland calendar, and more Social Bowls Nights are expected to be announced later in the year for other States.
Lights, woods, action! ASGA Qld's bowls night rolls on
- Hits: 2409
Last Friday’s announcement of a last-minute DOCA (Deed of Company Arrangement), regarding Starleaton’s administration could be potential welcome news for creditors. It all depends on the terms of the DOCA - they typically contain debt repayment plans, and creditors have the right to accept or reject the terms.
- Hits: 3962
- Hits: 1242
Seiko Epson Corporation (Epson) agrees that Earth Hour, organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is a moment of unity that brings the world together, shines a spotlight on nature loss and the climate crisis and inspires millions more to act and advocate for urgent change.
- Hits: 2049
FESPA has confirmed three new features in 2024 – Digital Signage Lounge, Personalise Make Wear and the Sportswear Pro Conference – as well as the returning Personalise Experience Conference, World Wrap Masters, Sustainability Spotlight and Club FESPA Lounge. The features will run alongside this year’s FESPA Global Print Expo and the co-located European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro events (19th – 22nd March 2024, at RAI Amsterdam.
RAI expo centre Amsterdam, originally set up for bicycles & cars (Rijwiel = bicycle)
Digital Signage Lounge
European Sign Expo 2024 will host the all-new Digital Signage Lounge, a networking hub created for visitors to explore the wealth of business opportunities associated with digital signage. The lounge, which is run in partnership with Navori Labs and Grupo Metal (Johnson Group), will highlight advancements in the digital sign sector, showcase the latest digital screens and software, and offer expert advice. Visitors to the Digital Signage Lounge will also gain free online access to the 'FESPA How-to Guide', a must read for any printer exploring digital signage as an added business offering to their customers. Daily workshops, run by digital signage experts, will also take place each afternoon.
Personalise Make Wear
Also new in 2024, and part of Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro, is the Personalise Make Wear smart factory. Hosted by FESPA’s Textile Ambassador Debbie McKeegan, the smart factory will demonstrate the end-to-end production of personalised sportswear garments across four workflows.
- Direct-to-garment production of polyester training tops, using print and software solutions from Antigro and Kornit
- Roll-to-roll production of yoga pants, using design, print and finishing solutions from Antigro, Caldera, Antigro, Greentex, MS Group, Coldenhove, Kleiverik, Tajima and Dekken
- Direct-to-object printing on water bottles, using solutions from InkCups
- Direct-to-film transfers for sweatpants, using design, print and finishing solutions from Antigro and Stahls
Visitors will be able to attend guided end-to-end production tours of the workflows and daily catwalk runway shows.
In addition, Debbie McKeegan will host fireside chats on topics including: ‘The Smart Factory and Customisation Technology Explored’; ‘How to Implement Sustainable Manufacturing at any Scale’; ‘Personalised Production – Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions’; and ‘The Market Shifts and Technologies Driving Print Workflow Automation’, with representatives from Inkcups Europe, Kornit Digital, Caldera, SEI Laser, Dover Industries Italy, and JK Group.
Sustainability Spotlight
The popular Sustainability Spotlight feature returns this year and will run in conjunction with Reboard and Carbon Quota. The feature will highlight more than 100 eco-conscious graphics and textiles substrates, while giving visitors the opportunity to learn about more sustainable production processes.
Materials on display will include natural and cellulosic fibre types which, when combined with social initiatives across Africa and Asia, make smaller volumes more cost effective. This is particularly useful because, while Europe is a key generator of new fibre types, the difficulty in scaling these up into other countries is challenging.
Each substrate on display will include an information card so participants can learn about its sustainable attributes and how it can be used to produce innovative, environmentally conscious products. Visitors will also be able to access the free Sustainability Spotlight content catalogue after they have attended. Content in the catalogue includes: blogs, podcasts and interviews from global brands and experts, exploring themes such as certification Schemes, Energy Reduction, and more.
World Wrap Masters Europe
Additionally, the World Wrap Masters Europe and World Wrap Masters Series Final will return this year in conjunction with Orafol, Arlon and Teckwrap the Wrap Institute and Wrapstock.
The first and second days of the high-adrenaline event, will see up to 30 wrappers compete in a mixture of rounds, using Colour Change media (sponsored by Arlon), Paint Protection Film (sponsored by Teckwrap) and Printed Media (sponsored by Orafol) for a chance to progress to the global final, taking place on days three and four. Winners from World Wrap Masters regional competitions will be welcomed back, from countries such as Brazil, Denmark, Japan, Dubai and Norway, for the competition final. This year, the judging panel will include: Kiss Lajos, who won the competition in 2014 and 2015; Ivan Tenchev, who won in 2022; and guest MC Ole Solskin.
Additionally, for the second year running, expert trainers from the Wrap Institute will host a series of live demos and training workshops throughout the event. Demos will include: ‘Protocol For Perfectly Prepping A Vehicle For Wrapping’; ‘The Most “Cutting” Edge Tools for PPF, PVC and Tint’; ‘Why and How To Make Inlays’ – and many more.
New and returning conference programmes
The Sportswear Pro conference (21 March, 2024) will be dedicated to manufacturing, production and circularity across the sportswear supply chain. Confirmed speakers for the conference include: Sam Taylor, The Good Factory; Ana Kristiansson, Desinder; Circular Economy Innovation and Strategy consultant Serena Bonomi; Thomas Rothery, Copper Global; Paul Foulkes-Arellano, Circuthon; and Katarzyna Klara Sulisz, FESI (Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry).
For the second year running, the Personalisation Experience conference (20 March, 2024) will offer insight and inspiration to visitors about the value of including personalised products in their offering. Confirmed speakers for this year’s programme include: FESPA’s Richard Askam; Neil Reynolds, NFL/Sky Sports; Matt Bailey, Glazer Corp; Justin Cairns, Ogilvy; Dans Rozenthals, Printful; and Bernd Zipper, zipcon Consulting.
Michael RyanMichael Ryan, Head of FESPA Global Print Expo, comments: “By attending our features, visitors are guaranteed to enhance their industry knowledge, learn about the latest industry trends and be inspired by other printers and visual communicators. Our brand-new Digital Signage Lounge and Personalise Make Wear features are set to be insightful and impactful, while our popular Sustainability Spotlight and World Wrap Masters events will be enjoyed by first-time and returning visitors alike. Additionally, our Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro conference programmes will give visitors even more of an opportunity to learn, network and maximise their business growth. This year, there’s truly something for everyone and we can’t wait to share the experience with visitors.”
For further information about the feature programme, visit: https://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/whats-on
To register for FESPA Global Print Expo 2024, and the co-located European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro, visit: https://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/.
- Hits: 1378
Jet Technologies supplies a range of print, packaging, labelling and industrial solutions in Australia and New Zealand, and is thrilled to announce the opening of its first distribution centre in Brisbane. The new facility, located at Crestmead, Qld., marks a significant milestone in the company's expansion strategy and commitment to meeting the growing demand for its products and services.
- Hits: 1342
The deal, sixteen months after the industrial partnership between the two firms, is Fedrigoni's third M&A this year. "We will now be able to produce and distribute to customers a wide range of Fedrigoni high value-added papers directly in North America, and expand access to Mohawk specialty papers internationally," says Marco Nespolo, CEO of Fedrigoni Group.
- Hits: 1990
The second meeting of creditors on Friday 23rd February, of Starleaton Holdings and SDS Bidco (in external administration), has been informed by Administraters Cathro Partners, that a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) has been received at the last minute and needs time for examination.
- Hits: 1995
Ricky Richards' Queensland operation is always on the ball and jumped on the opportunity for a 'shorts sponsorship' with FNQ's Cowboys NRL footie team. Well done Jill Walsh & team...go the Cowboys! Go Ricky!
- Hits: 1711
It's a bicentennial of another kind. In 1824, 36 years after the British colonisation of what was to become known as Australia, a challenger emerged to the tightly-controlled and censored media of the NSW colony based in Sydney. It was steered by none other than William Charles Wentworth, with a bit of help from a printer.
- ASGA predicts strong future following AGM
- Newcastle Sign business $88k out of pocket, 7 days before Starleaton administration
- 'Perfect Night' for ASGA inaugural Victorian Bowls event
- Drupa revs up awareness 3 months ahead of dynamic Düsseldorf display
- Mimaki unveils FESPA plans, celebrates 20 years in Europe
- Women in Print 2024 breakfast series dates confirmed, plus International Women's Day
- Starleaton/SDS - liabilities top $29 million, zero return for unsecured creditors
- Durst engages with arty party
- Fujifilm celebrates 90 years, releases 'Purpose' project
- Roland DG strengthens its service and support for WA customers
- New Vutek h+ Hybrid printers from EFI
- Epson plans its first Biomass power plant
- Starleaton ROCAP report now released
- Drupa - packaging goes digital and the opportunities are almost all inkjet
- Attn: Seiko ColorPainter & OKI M64 printer owners - where to get ink
- Golfers not forgotten in ASGA's social events planning
- Visual Connections finalises board & strategy for 2024
- SCREEN announces new wider, faster Truepress Jet 560HDX inkjet web press
- FESPA announces programme for Sportswear Pro sessions next month
- Roland DG's VersaSTUDIO BY-20 desktop DTF printer wins BLI 2024 Award
