Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

"Customer First": Canon Solutions America’s Ed Jansen at thINK

Published July 27, 2023

David Zwang talks to Canon Solutions America’s Ed Jansen at the recent thINK Ahead 23 conference about Canon’s “customer-first” philosophy and how it affects how they interact with customers, as well as where the company sees the growth in today’s market.

Textbook Printer/Publisher BJU Press Transitions to Inkjet

Published July 25, 2023

In this video, sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with James Llewellyn, Director of Manufacturing and Distribution for BJU Press, a book printer and publisher of K-12 textbooks for home schoolers and Christian schools. The company started in 1974 with offset equipment and has recently installed an HP PageWide T485. The company has an inline printing and bookbinding workflow.

Kyocera’s Expanding Footprint

Published July 24, 2023

Kyocera’s intention is clear: they are moving into the production print industry, and while they may be new to selling inkjet presses in this market, they have 30 years of expertise in developing ink and material jetting solutions, and an impressive track record at that. In this article, sponsored by Kyocera, David Zwang looks at their recent initiatives.

The Production Inkjet Evolution: Canon Continuous Feed

Published July 18, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon, it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used, and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers, customers and document some of their journeys. In this article, I look at the journey of the Canon continuous-feed line.

Canon's Continuous-Feed Production Print Inkjet Journey

Published July 18, 2023

Canon's production Inkjet journey started in 2004. Like many others, they saw the benefits and found the challenges along the way. David Zwang talks with Thomas Hofmann, VP of Continuous Feed Business Line at Canon Production Print, about the Canon's continuous feed inkjet evolution.

DS Graphics/Universal Wilde's Long, High-Speed, and Successful Production Inkjet Journey

Published July 18, 2023

DS Graphics has roots going back more than 125 years, but with their mix of production inkjet, toner, and offset equipment have been able to embrace the shifts in market requirements. David Zwang talks with company EVP Chris Wells about that journey and Canon’s role in it.

All State Printing’s Charles Christopher on Investing in a Digital Press in Challenging Times

Published July 17, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with All State Printing’s Charles Christopher. All State Printing is a flexible packaging printer that has been expanding into digital production—specifically, two HP Indigo 25K digital presses—to handle short-run jobs. He also offers advice for others looking to make an investment in digital equipment.

What Does It Take to Support the Printing Needs of Restaurants?

Published June 29, 2023

David Zwang talks with Keri Smith, President of Dot It. Dot It supports the restaurant industry with flexo and Xeikon digital presses. There is a lot more to supplying restaurants with print products than one could imagine!

Gallus’ Expandable Ecosystem Designed for Future Growth

Published June 27, 2023

The previously announced Gallus One digital label press is more than just an “all in one” label press, jointly developed by Gallus and Heidelberg. It is at the core of an expandable ecosystem designed for the industry’s digital future and the new normal.

Fully Digital, Fully Automated Folding Carton Producer Digital Impack to Launch This Summer

Published June 21, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with David Gerhard, Chief Marketing Officer for Digital Impack, a fully digital, fully automated folding carton start-up that plans to launch by the end of summer. The company will be using the HP Indigo 15K as their primary press.

The Label Factory’s Storm Vaske on Digital Label Printing

Published June 20, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Storm Vaske, CEO of The Label Factory. Originally a flexo label printer, the company has converted entirely to digital and is in the process of adding an HP Indigo V12.

Trigon Digipack’s Anil Namugade on Innovative Packaging Solutions

Published June 19, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Anil Namugade, Founder and Director of Trigon Digipack, about how Trigon is leveraging successful and proven platforms to build new innovative solutions for its packaging customers.

B&R Moll’s Kevin Moll on Changes in the Finishing Equipment Market

Published June 15, 2023

David Zwang talks with Kevin Moll, VP of Sales of B&R Moll, a manufacturer of postpress equipment. B&R Moll has been seeing strong growth in such diverse applications as folding cartons and greeting cards.

Rootree Integrates Creative Services and Digital Flexible Packaging Production

Published June 14, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Phil St-Cyr, President of Rootree. Rootree is a flexible packaging company that offers creative services to help customers design messaging and branding as well as produce it on its fleet of HP Indigo 20000s.

Phoenix Innovate's Long and Interesting Journey with Production Inkjet

Published June 13, 2023

Phoenix Innovate and Chris Dubach have had a long and interesting journey with production inkjet. Today, it plays an important and growing role in their production platform, with lots of plans for the future! David Zwang talks with Chris Dubach about his inkjet journey.

Canon's Production Inkjet Cut-Sheet Journey

Published June 13, 2023

David Zwang talks with Saskia Willems, Product Manager for Cut Sheet at Canon Production Printing. Canon has been producing continuous-feed production inkjet products since 2008. While they had been producing cut-sheet EP presses for a while, their cut-sheet product development journey started in 2010.

The Production Inkjet Evolution: Canon Production Cut-Sheet Inkjet

Published June 13, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon, it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used, and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers and customers and document some of their journeys. In this article, I look at Canon cut-sheet production inkjet.

PressUP’s Vincenzo Cirimele on Digital Web-to-Print

Published June 12, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Vincenzo Cirimele, CEO of PressUP, a web-to-print company based in Rome. The company operates offset equipment, as well as five HP Indigo digital presses. The company is looking to expand its portfolio into packaging.

Agfa Offset Solutions Reinvents Itself as ECO3

Published June 12, 2023

David Zwang talks with Jonathan Ashton, North America President, of ECO3. ECO3 is not a new player in the market, but it now has a laser focus on offset plates, service, and software.

DSCOOP Distributed Print Exchange—Coming Soon!

Published June 12, 2023

David Zwang talks with Peter van Teeseling, Executive Director of DSCOOP, and Rick Bellamy, Executive Chairman of DSCOOP, about the forthcoming DSCOOP Distributed Print Exchange. Bringing PSPs together to share and facilitate work across regions and countries is increasingly becoming important. DSCOOP building this kind of program offers lots of opportunities for their participating members.

What’s Old Is New Again: Will Paper Really Replace Film in Flexible Packaging? The Future Borrows from the Past for Some Exciting New Ideas

Published June 8, 2023

With the increased scrutiny of plastic use in flexible packaging, there is an increased interest in moving from plastic to paper. It was once hard to make the switch, but it has been getting much easier.

Sirane’s “Ingenious” Transition from Plastic- to Paper-Based Flexible Packaging

Published June 8, 2023

It was once hard to make the switch from plastic- to paper-based flexible packaging, but it’s been getting much easier. With some ingenuity, this company not only did it but did it masterfully! David Zwang talks with Simon Balderson of Sirane Group.

DALIM Software’s New DALIM Drive at Dscoop

Published June 6, 2023

David Zwang talks with Colin Price, Managing Director, UK, for DALIM Software, about the new DALIM Drive that the co pan y was showing for the first time in the US at Dscoop.

MRM Global’s Craig Letton on Web-to-Print

Published June 6, 2023

David Zwang talks to Craig Letton, CEO of MRM Global. MRM is a marketing technology company that offers a web-to-print portal designed for sales reps in the alcohol industry to order marketing materials on demand. The reps upload content to predesigned templates which are then sent to MRM’s print partners for output.

The Whole Package: How to Turn a Product into a Purchase by Appealing to a Consumer’s Senses

Published June 6, 2023

David Zwang provides a primer on embellishment technologies for packaging applications—including why they are becoming more important than ever for brands.

Gershon Alon on HP PrintOS

Published June 6, 2023

David Zwang talks to Gershon Alon, Head of Software Solutions for HP Indigo, about the latest features in HP PrintOS and how HP is refocusing its commitment to software.

Transforming the Flexible Packaging Market with HP Indigo 200K

Published May 30, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with Sirane’s Simon Balderson. Sirane is a 20-year-old “development-led” flexible packaging manufacturer. The company is about to start beta-testing an HP Indigo 200K as part of its first foray into digital printing.

The HP Corrugated Preprint Journey

Published May 23, 2023

David Zwang talks to Trevor Schroeder, Product Director, PageWide Industrial Web Fed Packaging at HP, about HP's journey as the pioneer in production inkjet for corrugated preprint production.

Michael Weber Talks About THIMM's Production Inkjet Journey

Published May 23, 2023

David Zwang talks to Michael Weber, Director of Corporate Strategy for THIMM. The largest corrugated preprint provider in Europe has found the fit for production inkjet and sees a great future.

Production Inkjet Evolution: HP Preprint Corrugated

Published May 23, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon, it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used, and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers, customers and document some of their journeys. In this article I look at HP preprint corrugated.

Trends in Book Manufacturing

Published May 18, 2023

People are continuing to read and actually reading more, but there are still challenges. David Zwang talks with Matt Baehr, Executive Director of the Book Manufacturing Institute, about what the future holds for the book manufacturing industry.

Gil Studios Goes Beyond the Bumper Sticker

Published May 17, 2023

David Zwang talks to Paula Bair, Head of R&D for Gil Studios, a printer that services the promotional products industry, producing decals, stickers, posters, and magnets, as well as political signage. Founded in 1934 by Forest Gil—who invented the bumper sticker!—the company today utilizes virtually every printing technology.

Kodak's Journey in the Evolution of Production Inkjet

Published May 16, 2023

Kodak was the pioneer in production inkjet, and Randy Vandagriff has been there from the beginning. He talks to David Zwang about the evolution of production inkjet and shares his perspective of both Kodak's and the industry's journey.

Production Inkjet Evolution: Kodak

Published May 16, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon, it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used, and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers, customers and document some of their journeys. In this article I look at Kodak.

Introduction to Rob Welford President of Xeikon

Published May 15, 2023

David Zwang talks with Rob Welford, the newly appointed President of Xeikon. Welford comes from a long background in technology and R&D and has an interesting vision for Xeikon.

HP’s Nimrod Cohen on the Offset-to-Digital Transition

Published May 15, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with Nimrod Cohen, Head of Product Marketing for HP’s Commercial Division, about the offset-to-digital transition—not just in terms of volumes, but in terms of value.

Heidelberg: Game-Changing “Push to Stop” Flexo Carton Press

Published May 9, 2023

The new Heidelberg Boardmaster is the fastest and most productive flexo folding carton press in the market. It is the only industrial flexo press that is designed for zero changeover downtime. This is attributable to the Boardmaster Non-Stop Print Deck technology in conjunction with the Intellimatch precision scanning system, creating the first Push to Stop flexo folding carton press.

Heidelberg Develops Game-Changing Flexo Web Folding Carton Press

Published May 9, 2023

Matthias Boog, managing director of Heidelberg Web Carton Converting, discusses how Heidelberg developed the game-changing Boardmaster “Push to Stop” flexo folding carton press.

Heidelberg Flexo Folding Carton Press Breaks New Boundaries

Published May 9, 2023

Michael Pfaff, VP of Heidelberg US Web Carton Converting, discusses the opportunities and challenges of bringing a unique new press to the market: the game-changing Boardmaster “Push to Stop” flexo folding carton press.

HP Introduces New PrintOS Software Suite

Published May 4, 2023

In this interview, sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Peter Obradovic, Director, HP Industrial Software Solutions about the new HP PrintOS suite. HP PrintOS software is used by thousands of HP Industrial Print users. This new cloud-based suite now consists of four Power Packs, each concentrating on specific application requirements.

Production Inkjet Evolution: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Published April 18, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings and how they were being, or could be, used. Since then, I have been following them through their drupa 2008, 2012, and 2017 journey. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon—after a seven-year forced hiatus—it’s time to take another look at how production inkjet has evolved, where it is used, and where we can expect it to go. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers, customers, and their journeys.

HP PageWide Industrial’s Annette Friskopp on Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published April 10, 2023

David Zwang talks to Annette Friskopp of HP PageWide Industrial about her impressions of her first Hunkeler Innovationdays.

HP PageWide’s Nachum Korman on Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 30, 2023

David Zwang talks to Nachum Korman, General Manager of HP PageWide Industrial, about his impressions of this year’s Hunkeler Innovationdays.

Xeikon’s Monika Olbricht on the Xeikon SX30000

Published March 29, 2023

David Zwang talks to Monika Olbricht, Global Vice President of Sales for Xeikon, about Xeikon’s SX30000, the company’s flagship digital press. Although it was introduced two years ago, Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023 was the first international show at which the press was exhibited.

Stefan Steinle on Fujifilm’s Integrated Inkjet Solutions

Published March 28, 2023

David Zwang talks with Stefan Steinle of Fujifilm Integrated Inkjet Solutions Group about how Fujifilm integrates its inkjet heads and other inkjet technologies into a variety of production environments.

Miyakoshi’s Masahiko Kamei on the Japanese Printing Market

Published March 27, 2023

David Zwang talks to Masahiko Kamei of Miyakoshi about the current state of the printing industry and the market for print in Japan.

Canon’s Francis McMahon on “Leaving the Industry a Better Place”

Published March 27, 2023

David Zwang talks to Francis McMahon of Canon Solutions America about the need for printing industry veterans to “leave the industry a better place” and help prepare the next-generation of industry leaders to take over.

Kyocera Takes the Fast Track to Industrial Print with the Acquisition of NIXKA

Published March 23, 2023

Kyocera’s intention is clear: they are moving into the production print industry, and while they may be new to this market, NIXKA isn’t. They actually have 30 years of expertise in developing ink and material jetting solutions, with an impressive track record. This acquisition should help fast track them to their intention.

Andrew Bailes-Collins on Ultimate TechnoGraphics’ Extensive Software Portfolio

Published March 23, 2023

David Zwang talks to Andrew Bailes-Collins, Head of Product Management for Ultimate TechnoGraphics, at Hunkeler Innovationdays about the company’s extensive software solutions for prepress processes such as imposition, tiling, ganging, and nesting, as well as binding automation.

Davy Verstaen and Tomas Van Rossom on Enfocus Software

Published March 22, 2023

David Zwang talks to Davy Verstaen and Tomas Van Rossom of Enfocus about the company’s flagship products PitStop and Switch and how they fit into the overall print production ecosystem.

Smithers’ Sean Smyth on Inkjet Production Workflow

Published March 22, 2023

David Zwang talks to Smithers’ Sean Smyth at the recent Hunkeler Innovationdays about the evolution of inkjet printing and the focus away from print engines and more toward workflow and software.

HP Indigo Doubles Down on Digital Flexible Packaging with the 200K

Published March 21, 2023

Now that the market for digital production of flexible packaging is starting to take hold, HP has developed the next generation of product that builds on the expertise gained with the 25K as well as their other products and technologies.

Ricoh’s Mark Little on Automation

Published March 21, 2023

David Zwang talks to Ricoh’s Mark Little about automation, integration, and the entire print production ecosystem.

Canon Solutions America’s Francis McMahon on Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 21, 2023

David Zwang talks to Canon Solutions America’s Francis McMahon about his impressions of what was on display at the recent Hunkeler Innovationdays.

Ulbe Jelluma on Print Power

Published March 20, 2023

David Zwang talks to Ulbe Jelluma, managing director of Print Power. Print Power is an initiative started by European paper manufacturers in response to the surge of digital advertising that emphasizes to advertisers and marketers the value of print media.

Marco Boer on Inkjet Printing at Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 16, 2023

David Zwang talks to Marco Boer of IT Strategies at Hunkeler Innovationdays about the current state of production inkjet printing.

Martijn Eier on the Growth of Cloudprinter

Published March 16, 2023

David Zwang talks to Cloudprinter founder Martijn Eier about Cloudprinter’s offerings and the company’s growth over the past few years.

Jennifer Kolloczek on Canon at Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 15, 2023

David Zwang talks to Canon’s Jennifer Kolloczek about the vast array of equipment that Canon was showing at the recent Hunkeler Innovationdays.

SPC’s Adam LeFebvre at Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 14, 2023

David Zwang talks to Adam LeFebvre, president of Specialty Print Communications, about his first time attending Hunkeler Innovationdays and his impressions of the event.

Meet New thINK President Lori Messina

Published March 14, 2023

David Zwang talks with thINK’s Eric Hawkinson and Access Direct’s Lori Messina, the new president of thINK, about the organization and her involvement with it.

Ricoh at Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 9, 2023

David Zwang talks to Ricoh’s Mike Herold about the equipment that Ricoh was showing at Hunkeler Innovationdays last week in Luzerne, Switzerland.

Hunkeler Innovationdays: Innovation and Excitement

Published March 7, 2023

Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023 was a resounding success for the partners, the attendees, and the industry at large. The theme of the event was Next Level Automation and it was displayed in every solution on display at the event. Importantly, it is also a sign that the industry as a whole is on the right track.

Hunkeler’s Hans Gut on Smart Logistics Solutions

Published March 2, 2023

David Zwang talks to Hans Gut, Chief Marketing Officer for Hunkeler, about the company’s new Smart Logistics Solutions, which helps to quickly move on-demand printed materials, such as book blocks, from press to finishing equipment, tracking and monitoring where each job is and where it’s going.

Hunkeler’s Hans Gut on Digital Web Finishing

Published March 1, 2023

David Zwang talks to Hans Gut, Chief Marketing Officer for Hunkeler, about digital web finishing. Hunkeler’s digital web finishing products initially served the transactional print market and has expanded into book production, launching next-generation solutions for automated book block production.

Hunkeler’s Patrick Treyer on the Cut-Sheet Finishing Market

Published February 28, 2023

David Zwang talks with Patrick Treyer, Area Sales Director for Hunkeler, about Hunkeler’s recent introductions for the cut-sheet finishing market including DocuTrim, a new line supporting the transactional and transformational markets that features dynamic perforating.

Hunkeler’s Matthias Anaheim on Next Level Automation

Published February 28, 2023

David Zwang talks with Matthias Annaheim, Head of Marketing for Hunkeler, about the theme of this year’s Hunkeler Innovationdays: Next Level Automation, and how Hunkeler equipment needs to connect to a variety of different systems often within a single printing plant.

The New Fiery Is Not Really New, but It Is More Nimble

Published February 14, 2023

David Zwang talks with Toby Weiss, CEO of Fiery. Fiery is now a standalone company, with lots of opportunity and an established management and team. Toby Weiss speaks about the change and looks at the future.

New Challenges and Approaches to Packaging Workflows—Part Three

Published February 14, 2023

The integration of analog and digital equipment can provide lots of opportunities but also challenges in plant optimization. Workflows, especially front office and plant for packaging operations, have to address many complexities not found in commercial printing workflows.

Workflow Integration Is In Demand

Published February 13, 2023

David Zwang talks to Tom Peire, CEO of Four Pees, about how, as print and packaging continue on the journey toward a more automated and connected value chain, integration and support are key.

Off-the-Shelf Software Is No Solution: How to Customize a Software Solution That Solves Your Workflow Needs

Published February 6, 2023

With the shifting market directions of procurement and print production there is a lot to be learned about the new requirements, processes, and pain points of the customer base. Building a “one size fits all” solution will usually fall short of those goals. Ultimately the solution needs to fit the specific needs of a PSP and their customer and partner relationships.

New Challenges and Approaches to Packaging Workflows—Part Two

Published January 31, 2023

More printing companies are finding opportunities in packaging production as more targeted and shorter packaging production runs increase and new digital tools help reduce the skill sets required. However, many are finding that different production tools and workflows as well as new processes are required to optimize and succeed.

EFI and Fiery Transform for Opportunities and Growth

Published January 31, 2023

EFI and Fiery have been one company under Siris Capital for a while now, and the time has come to let each of them grow to their individual potential. David Zwang talks to Jeff Jacobson, former CEO of EFI and now the Executive Chairman of both companies, about how he will help support the new growth.

New Challenges and Approaches to Packaging Workflows—Part One

Published January 24, 2023

Since there is an increasing shift of consumers from large global brands to smaller local/regional brands, so is the amount of disparate packaging required. However, while the diversity of needs commercial print are feeling the pressures, packaging adds many other level of complexities.

Lithec’s Clyde Tillman on Color Control Systems

Published January 17, 2023

David Zwang talks with Clyde Tillman of Lithec about the company’s 25-year-history in developing color control systems primarily for packaging systems. Six years ago, Lithec introduced LithoFlash, an in-press color control system for offset presses.

Hunkeler Innovationdays: A Unique and Important Event

Published January 17, 2023

Hunkeler Innovationdays is not really an expo as you might expect, but is instead a unique gathering and presentation of complete digital print and finishing workflows. There are no expos or other events like this that provide the latest in digital printing and finishing equipment, in live and running complete multi-vendor end to end workflows.

Corrugated Goes Hybrid

Published January 10, 2023

The demand for shorter runs is increasing, driven by consumer market shifts across the packaging landscape. However, justifying the cost of digital corrugated production per package/box, when the ink cost is almost 10X the cost of flexo ink, and close to equal with the media in some cases, is difficult unless there is some added value or a more efficient solution.

For Gallus, New Leader Brings New Approach to the Future

Published January 3, 2023

Today, Gallus and Heidelberg, after some difficulties in the past, are affirming their roles as “natural relatives” to create the innovation and solution which benefit their customers and the industry as a whole.

Giving: What Goes Around Comes Around

Published December 16, 2022

As things start to wind down for a little while, many of us step back, think about new year’s resolutions, and take a look at what we do, how we got here, and where can we go in the future. Those reflections, in some cases, also remind us that perhaps life is really about the rewards of giving.

Time to Thrive: Digital Labels and Packaging Will Continue to Grow

Published December 14, 2022

David Zwang recaps the year in labels and packaging, with a look at notable product releases, and the continued growth of digital labels and packaging.

Bobst oneLabel Inkjet/Hybrid Press Finds Wide Acceptance in N.A. Market

Published December 13, 2022

David Zwang talks to Matt Bennett, Bobst's General Mgr. Label and Mid Web Business NA, about how Bobst has found the sweet spot between digital and flexo for label production, and how the market acceptance has been encouraging.

Bobst Is Bringing Inkjet Into Their Analog Mix

Published December 13, 2022

Bobst has taken a measured approach to entering the digital print fray. Mr. Bobst often states that he prefers to wait for market entry until he has products that are deserving of the Bobst name and will deliver against the high expectations customers have about the company. While initially they offered a few all digital devices, Bobst has now started to integrate their inkjet print technology into their analog product line.

Celebrating 10 Years: David Zwang Chats with BookBaby’s James Foley

Published December 12, 2022

BookBaby is a publishing services provider for independent, small and self-publishers. The company is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2022. David Zwang spoke with President James Foley.

BookBaby Is the Democratization of Publishing

Published December 12, 2022

With the rise of the digital generation and social media, BookBaby has created the perfect role in the publishing and promoting of independent content creators. David Zwang talks with President James Foley as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary.

WCD’s Karen Brookman Talks About Personalized On-Demand Printing

Published December 5, 2022

David Zwang talks with WCD’s Karen Brookman. WCD is a 70-year-old family owned digital printing and information management company based in Calgary, Alberta. The company offers a broad range of services, from document management and scanning to digital printing and signage. The company is focused on commerce and personalized on-demand print.

The 144-Year-Old Anstadt Company Expands Its Digital Fleet with HP Indigo

Published December 1, 2022

David Zwang talks talks with Matt Doran of The Anstadt Company. Founded in 1878, the company is a fifth-generation family-owned commercial print business that has expanded and diversified. It has been shedding its offset equipment in favor of HP Indigo Digital Presses.

DIY Integration: The Secret to Operational Success

Published November 29, 2022

The print service provider, their suppliers, and their customers are all a part of a value chain ecosystem, and as such their individual processes need to be aligned and bridged with each other for maximum operational benefit. As a result many of the more successful PSPs have tailored their workflow systems to their specific needs, usually using a modular Lego-like logic.

Shutterfly’s Dwayne Black on the HP Indigo 100K

Published November 28, 2022

David Zwang talks with Dwayne Black, COO of Shutterfly. Founded in 1999, Shutterfly started out producing 4x6-inch prints, then expanded into cards, photo books, and gifts, and now can produce whatever the customer wants to personalize. The company has installed more than 30 HP Indigo 100K Digital Presses.

One Touch Point Addresses Industry Challenges with HP Indigo

Published November 16, 2022

David Zwang talks with Chris Greene, COO of One Touch Point, a print marketing company offering direct mail printing, marketing materials, and grand-format, as well as digital marketing services. Their printing equipment runs the gamut from offset duplicators to the latest digital printing technologies. One Touch Point has worked extensively with HP Indigo, which has helped them address their business challenges.

Corefact Grows Its Direct Mail Business with HP Indigo Presses

Published November 14, 2022

David Zwang talks to Corefact’s Christopher Burnley. Corefact was founded in 2005 as a company selling analytics software to the real estate industry. They added direct mail printing capabilities to help build the software business and then began growing the print business, specializing in variable-data printing and some transactional. The company now has locations in California and Kentucky.

Three-Year-Old Start-Up Print-Hub Expands into Commercial Printing

Published November 9, 2022

David Zwang talks to Sammy Shehadeh, President of Print-Hub, a printing company founded three-and-a-half-years ago out of hospitality and real estate businesses that needed printing, had difficulty finding a printer, so decided to start a print business to serve their own needs. They soon started printing for other customers and has since acquired another print business to expand their capabilities.

Ricoh Releases the Dragon: The Ricoh Pro Z75 Goes Into Beta

Published November 8, 2022

Even with Ricoh’s background in inkjet and cutsheet digital toner press manufacturing, developing a reliable larger format cutsheet industrial press takes a lot of research, testing, and time. With the Ricoh Pro Z75, this new B2+ press may really be a game changer.

Julie Watson on Ultimate TechnoGraphics’ Workflow Automation Solutions

Published November 3, 2022

David Zwang talks to Julie Watson, CEO of Ultimate TechnoGraphics, about the post-pandemic uptick in interest in workflow automation, the factors driving that interest, and Ultimate’s portfolio of automation solutions.

Mark Little on Ricoh’s Customer-Centric Approach

Published November 2, 2022

David Zwang talks to Mark Little, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, for Ricoh about Mark’s new role at Ricoh as a liaison between the company and its customers, helping customers identify specific desired outcomes and what solutions would bring about those outcomes.

Robert Stabler on Koenig & Bauer and Durst’s Joint Venture into Corrugated Printing

Published October 31, 2022

At PRINTING United, David Zwang talks to Robert Stabler, managing director of Koenig & Bauer Durst about the joint venture between Koenig & Bauer and Durst to build single-pass inkjet presses for the corrugated printing market.

Hybrid Software Group at PRINTING United

Published October 26, 2022

David Zwang talks to Hybrid Software Group CEO Mike Rottenborn about the evolution and growth of the company. Hybrid Software Group is one company with six operating businesses—Hybrid Software, Global Graphics, ColorLogic GmbH, iC3D, Xitron, and Meteor Inkjet—which serve predominantly, but not exclusively, packaging end users and OEMs.

Folding Carton Production: Only for Converters?

Published October 13, 2022

David Zwang talks to HP Indigo Folding Carton Category Manager Glen Adams about how folding carton is the next big opportunity for digital print providers. This is a great interview to learn some of the basics!

Hybrid, Crossover, and Bespoke: Have It Your Way!

Published October 11, 2022

Print technology and production methods have been changing along with the changing market requirements. All of this coupled with the “can do nature” of print and packaging service providers, continues to push technology and equipment manufacturers in new ways. David Zwang looks at how new modular component production solutions can be integrated and combined with almost all printing technologies including digital, offset, flexo, screen, and inkjet.

Product Spotlight: Canon imagePRESS V1000 Checks All the Boxes!

Published October 10, 2022

Designing a digital press for today’s market requirements can be a challenge. Canon’s latest production digital press is the result of years of customer feedback and engineering ingenuity. It focuses on productivity, cost control, automation, quality, and ease of use, individually and collectively.

Koenig & Bauer Update…And Have They Been Busy!

Published October 6, 2022

David Zwang talks to Koenig & Bauer President and CEO Killian Renschler and Sr. VP Marketing and Product Management Eric Frank. Koenig & Bauer has been a powerhouse equipment manufacturer in the commercial print and packaging market for over a century. Through all of the changes, they have managed to keep very relevant and even thrive. Renschler and Frank talk about what the company has been working on.

TLMI’s Linnea Keen on the Resilience of the Label and Packaging Industry

Published October 6, 2022

David Zwang talks with Linnea Keen, President of Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI), a North American association of about 300 label and packaging converters, printers, and suppliers. Like the label and packaging industry in general, TLMI is growing and seeking to add new members in the flexible packaging area.

Articles by David Zwang