Business

Ipex 2010 has reached almost full capacity with more than 75 new international suppliers signing up to exhibit in the last couple of months, adding a total of 1,300 square metres to the overall floorplan. The latest companies to confirm their attendance include Adobe, Brandtjen & Kluge, Grafitek International, Timsons, Impression Technology, XMPIE, Tarrant Machines, ROI Distribution, Rotatek and Rotometrics and Technique MIS. For the first time, there will also be a Taiwanese Pavilion, including the following companies: Chens Asia, Chenchin Ironworks, Li Sheng, Yii-Lee, TAMI, Unisuntop.

Located in Hall 9, the Ipex 2010 organisers have also reignited the successful Springboard feature, following enquiries from smaller firms. The Springboard feature offers a low-cost option for small innovative companies who want to exhibit for the first time and who previously found the cost of exhibiting to be prohibitive. Launched in 2006, the spur to attract small firms had come from visitors.

Says Trevor Crawford, Ipex 2010 Event Director: “This last minute influx of international additions to the floorplan suggests a new tide of industry optimism and demonstrates the importance that these exhibitors place on Ipex as the major global ideas and buying event in 2010.

“We’re delighted with the event’s progress and development. Ipex is a truly international show, featuring over 1,000 exhibiting companies from more than 40 countries, providing visitors with an unrivalled opportunity to see the current and future shape of our industry and plan their investment decisions accordingly. Visitors can expect to see major technology advances with exhibiting companies committed to demonstrating working machinery on the showfloor.”

This year’s show will once again set the scene for the launch of a number of innovative new hardware, software and consumables. The industry’s leading suppliers are set to inspire crowds with the latest developments spanning the whole pre-press, printing and finishing spectrum. A comprehensive list of new product launches at Ipex can be found on the Ipex website www.ipex.org/new

“Historically, Ipex is the arena in which printing industry suppliers unveil new products and technologies to the marketplace, reinforcing both the ever-increasing pace of technological advances and Ipex’s important standing within the global exhibition calendar”, continues Trevor Crawford.

The wave of pre-registrations to date also signposts towards a successful Ipex 2010. Visitors from over 150 countries have pre-registered to date, with 21% from Europe, 9% from Asia, and 10% from Middle East and Africa.

Pre-registration for all those wishing to attend Ipex 2010 is now available via www.ipex.org/register and will result in free entry and a £30 saving off the entrance fee, access to exclusive pre-show news and highlights as well as free fast-track entry to the show.

A leading event branding and production company was brought on board to undertake a large-scale installation project at London’s largest shopping centre to promote the launch of a major new Paramount Pictures UK film.

GTMS designed, manufactured and installed two 2D dragon images, each measuring 10m in wingspan, to mark the UK release of ‘How to train your dragon’, a computer animated fantasy film by Dreamworks.

The dragon installation, which was displayed in the Atrium area of Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush, was created using steel box section frames, matched together by overlaying onto templates cut out by GTMS’ computer controlled router.

The images of the dragon were printed onto foam PVC panels, also cut on the router, and the frame was suspended from the truss by four hanging points ensuring its weight was evenly distributed and supported. Every part of the installation was sectional to allow for easy transportation.

Paul Logan, Managing Director at Logans Run Print Management, GTMS’ client said, “We are delighted with the finished dragon and it is exactly as we had envisaged it. Paramount Pictures UK was very pleased with the end product and was particularly impressed with the quality of print and finish of the dragon structure.”

“The installation was undertaken with great care and expertise and there is a possibility that the dragon may be used again for future promotions. Well done to everyone at GTMS who worked on this project,” said Paul.

The total production time was 10 days and it took six of the GTMS team one week build the dragon and three crew members one night to install.

Dominik Short, Director of Hampshire based GTMS said, “This was a fantastic, high-profile project to work on. It was technically and logistically challenging but the team really pulled together and we were extremely pleased with the result.”

GTMS provides exceptional large format print services for large scale and complex projects, in addition to offering Design and Build and event production services. With 25 years’ experience under its belt and a wealth of prestigious clients – including the BBC, Bacardi, Fat Face and an array of experiential, marketing and PR agencies, GTMS takes care of every aspect from the initial design through to the production and installation by its expert team.

The forward-thinking team of 26 employees operates from under one roof – a 38,000 sq. ft purpose-built site complete with offices, workshops and warehouse.

In July 2009, Reed Elsevier announced that the RBI-US controlled circulation magazines and certain other print titles, representing approximately 45% of the revenues of RBI-US, were to be divested.  Since then, the following titles, representing approximately two thirds of the revenues of the portfolio to be divested, have been sold in seven separate transactions:

• On 30 November 2009, NewBay Media LLC acquired Broadcasting & Cable, Multichannel News and This Week in Consumer Electronics (TWICE).
• On 16 February 2010, Canon Communications acquired Electronic Design News (EDN), Design News, Test & Measurement World and Packaging Digest.
• On 26 February 2010, Media Source Inc. acquired Library Journal, School Library Journal and Library Hotline.
• On 17 March 2010, Sandow Media acquired Interior Design, Furniture Today, Gifts & Decorative Accessories, Home Textiles Today, Casual Living, Home Accents Today, Kids Today and Playthings.
• On 31 March 2010, two management buyouts took place for Tracom and In-Stat.
• On 2 April 2010, Publishers Weekly was acquired by former PW publisher George Slowik, JR. and Partners.

To conclude the divestment process, the publishing operations of the remaining RBI-US controlled circulation titles are to be closed: Building Design+Construction, Chain Leader, Construction Bulletin, Construction Equipment, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, Control Engineering, Converting, Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, Graphic Arts Blue Book, Graphic Arts Monthly, HOTELS, Logistics Management, Material Handling Product News, Modern Materials Handling, Plant Engineering, Professional Builder, Professional Remodeler, Purchasing, Restaurants & Institutions, Semiconductor International, Spec Check, Supply Chain Management Review and Tradeshow Week.

Variety, Marketcast and 411 Publishing, the RCD (Reed Construction Data) businesses and the Buyerzone lead generation business were not part of the divestment process and are retained. Jewelers’ Circular Keystone (JCK) has been transferred to Reed Exhibitions which runs the JCK Jewelry event and DM2 has been merged with Mardev in the UK to form a global list management operation.

Brian Phipps has been promoted to General Manager of Mutoh America Inc. He was previously Director of Sales for Mutoh and has been with the company for more than 5 years.

As the General Manager, Phipps will oversee the day-to-day operations and is responsible for directing and managing administrative and operational functions to ensure that corporate goals and objectives are met in accordance with priorities, time limitations and funding.

Phipps has a broad range of leadership management, operations, finance, sales and project management experience. He has been involved in the wide format industry for over 15 years.  As Director of Sales for MUTOH over the past couple years, he efficiently handled multiple responsibilities to help streamline processes and grow and expand sales in the North American market.

Prior to joining Mutoh America in December of 2004, Phipps held a position as Director of Sales for a fortune 500 company.  He led operations including development of administrative, sales, and operational processes, the development and execution of multiple marketing and sales campaigns that consistently exceeded company sales expectations.

"Mutoh America is a strong company and has been gaining market share for the past several years.  We have a great team of employees here and I look forward to ensuring that business continues to grow and operations run efficiently. I will work closely with our valued customers, partners and suppliers to build strong relationships for future success in my new role as General Manager," asserts Phipps.

AGFA Anapurna Mw UV-cure flatbed shown on GPT stand at Sign and Digital UK

13-15 April 2010 - Hall 8, Stand B10

 

Graphic Printing Technologies Ltd (GPT) has announced its appointment as a UK reseller to offer the AGFA Anapurna M UV-cure product range. An AGFA Anapurna Mw hybrid type UV printer with white ink function, is available with an AGFA representative on GPT’s stand B10 at Sign and Digital UK.

The AGFA Anapurna M range offers wide format industrial inkjet printers for indoor and outdoor sign displays. The UV-curable print engines deliver quality output on both uncoated rigid substrates and roll-fed media. The printers provide 720 x 1440dpi print resolution with widths up to 1600mm and thickness up to 45mm.

Stuart Cole, Managing Director of GPT, comments, “AGFA has an excellent reputation for building high quality, robust and very well engineered printers. We have taken our time looking for an industrial strength UV-curable printer to add to our portfolio, and are really delighted to be able to offer the AGFA range. We have complete confidence that they will provide our customers with the levels of production, quality and reliability their businesses demand. They are an excellent fit with our existing range of products and we expect a very positive reaction from the market, starting at Sign and Digital UK.”

Steve Collins, Wide Format Inkjet Account Manager for AGFA UK, comments, “GPT is an excellent addition to our UK channel for the Anapurna M range. We are sure the relationship will be a success and we are looking forward to working together. It is very important for our channel to add value to the AGFA product range, ensuring they meet the high standards our customers expect. GPT has the track record and reputation to deliver and support our solutions with very high levels of knowledge, experience and reliability.”

To arrange an appointment to meet on the GPT stand, please contact Stuart Cole on 01753 727128.

 

Budding entrepreneurs looking at setting up a new business would do no better than to make their way to Sign & Digital UK at the NEC on 13-15 April where there will be FREE advice, demonstrations and workshops on how to maximise returns from a sign and print business.

With a wide range of suppliers on hand to answer your questions and give you advice on their products and services, the event is a great way to find out what makes this lively industry tick.

As an example of what’s on offer, Roland DG will welcome you to their stand where there will be FREE training, creative ideas, advice and demonstrations, via three unique zones: inspire me, show me, teach me.

There will be a new Signmakers Workshop at the event where you can ask questions, get involved and chat to those already running sign businesses.

FastSigns will also be in attendance to give you information on how to run a successful sign franchise.

… and if that is not enough, Adobe and Corel will be running FREE tutorials and demonstrations where you can pick up advice on how to get the most from these leading design software packages.

Register on-line at www.signanddigitaluk.com for FREE fast track entry