The successful global launch of KBA’s new Rapida 105 was one of the high spots at the All in Print trade fair from 14 to 18 November in Shanghai, which drew 629 exhibitors and over 100,000 visitors.

“The printing world has changed over the past few years. Prior to 2008 the EU and North America were our biggest markets,” said KBA executive vice-president Ralf Sammeck. “Since 2010 China has become our largest market, and the Rapida 105 has proved to be a popular model here – which is why we chose this show for the worldwide launch of our new Rapida 105. We want to give our customers in China an edge by having this new technology available six months ahead of Drupa.”

Jürgen Veil, head of KBA sheetfed marketing, added: “The new Rapida 105 is not an enhancment of its predecessor but a totally new press with an array of technical features and automation modules adopted from our makeready world champion, the Rapida 106. A wider choice of configurations allows the press to be customised for diverse applications, from commercial and packaging printing to labels and high-quality inline finishing.


As befitted a world premiere, KBA’s stand was designed like a theatre, allowing 200 visitors to attend each of the live press demonstrations. The Rapida 105 showcased was officially handed over to Jiangsu Zhongcai Printing. “We are very pleased to have this new machine, with its many outstanding features,” said Zhongcai vice-president Jiao Xiaoping. “Now we have five Rapida presses, which will help to improve our productivity and quality. We look forward to working with KBA in the future.”

The successful market launch resulted in orders for over twenty presses. C&C Printing HK, a 100-year-old Hong Kong-based giant international printing group that has made a name for itself in book, commercial, security, packaging, web, digital and card printing, placed an order for three Rapida 105s, which will join the company’s two Rapida 142s. C&C managing director Liang Zhaoxian said: “C&C is not just buying KBA equipment but also trying to work with KBA on how to best deal with the future of the printing industry.”

“We are delighted with the result of the show,” said Ralf Sammeck. “We have landed a lot of contracts and we can see there is keen interest among our Chinese customers. Two trends are noticeable in the Chinese market: more automation and longer machines with six, seven or even eight printing and coating units. The new Rapid 105 is the perfect fit.”