In April 2014, SAi, a leading provider for professional signmaking, wide-format digital printing and CNC machining industries announced a new sales option: software by subscription. We caught up with Philippe Meyer, SAi’s Sales and Support Manager for Oceania, about the success of this innovative approach in the intervening years.

Fairview Architectural Pty Ltd, a leading supplier of ACM panels, has addressed the challenges faced by cladding-related litigation, Covid-19 and customer failures leaving large debts and has voluntarily appointed Grant Thornton to administer (not liquidate as reported elsewhere), the company's affairs. The goal is to emerge from administration and keep all 52 jobs.

Signage franchise Signarama, which has over 100 stores across Australia, is offering a customer $5,000 worth of free signage in its Power Up contest. “Unusual times can call for quick action,” it says. “We're here to support you during the changes to trading conditions caused by the coronavirus.”

"Nothing beats experiencing the latest technologies up close in action with the public and the trade fair feeling,” said German press manufacturer Koenig & Bauer, confirming its presence at next year’s global printing trade expo drupa following the surprise exit of competitor Heidelberg. “Although digital formats are gaining in importance, they are only a supplement in customer communication.” K&B CEO Claus Bolza-Schünemann is also the president of drupa.

Wide format inkjet technology manufacturer Agfa has released a 40-minute video featuring a live demo of its new Oberon 3.3 metre high-end roll-to-roll inkjet printer that had been scheduled to make a debut in March 2020 at the now postponed FESPA global expo.

The world’s leading outdoor advertising company says its new generation Natural Cooling bus shelter will create cooling areas in cities as temperatures continue to rise because of climate change. The bus shelter, currently being trialled in the northern summer, “will improve quality of urban life during increasingly frequent heatwaves.”

The 100 percent recyclable Drytac Polar Street FX is designed for safe, durable outdoor floor graphics applications without lamination, says the UK manufacturer. "There is a huge market for floor graphics and we expect that to continue for some months."

“Covid-19 has accelerated the move towards digital and local events,” says Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) in a statement. “Although there is no way of knowing what the impact of corona will be next year, Heidelberg has to make a decision now." Heidelberg said it would focus instead on new virtual trade fair concepts and regional events.

According to the latest IDC Worldwide Quarterly Industrial Printer Tracker, the industrial printer market in Australia & New Zealand declined significantly in the 2020 Q1 period, with a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) decline of -18.39% and year-on-year (YoY) decline of -33.79%. 

Strong visitor numbers and positive activity at the Print, Sign, Display & Graphics Virtual Trade Show bodes well for business sentiment into the new financial year, and reinforces the value of the innovative online expo in ‘these strange and challenging times’, according to organisers Visual Connections.

Roland DG Corporation has released a new addition to its popular VersaUV LEF2 series benchtop UV flatbed printers. The LEF2-300D features an expanded workspace that supports a height of up to 200 mm, 100mm more than the standard model*.

Epson is making “serious moves to strengthen and expand its business in Australia” with the launch of Epson Australia’s new three-tiered Premium Partner Program designed to offer significant benefits to current partners, attract new partners and create business and growth opportunities for all members.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland print shop SunPrint has added to its already impressive array of awards by scooping  a total of nine medals in the state’s PICAs, including Gold in Regional Print Business. A huge pat on the back to owner Steve Hall, despite his modesty!

FESPA Global Print Expo will no longer take place in Madrid in October 2020 due to continued public health risks and business disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Ricoh Australia says it has accepted the resignation of managing director and CEO Andy Berry, who will be leaving the company on 24th July 2020 to take up a role outside of Ricoh. Mike Pollok, managing director of Ricoh New Zealand, has been appointed interim MD of Ricoh Australia in addition to his current role, effective immediately.