Against the backdrop of a weakening economy Chinese printing companies are faced with new challenges and are therefore interested in business models and applications enabling them to reach new markets and target groups. The KBA roadshows which have taken place regularly every autumn since 2007 support these companies with current information on new technologies, processes and trends in different markets.

Each with over 200 print experts in attendance, the events on 7 November in Kunshan and 11 November in Guangzhou drew the largest crowds. The latest technology in large-format packaging printing and current automation solutions were on the agenda in Kunshan. What is more, the participants were also treated to live print demos on Rapida 145 presses at Kunshan Dobin Display and Kunshan Aobo. The large-format print samples were very popular. A focus of the presentation in Guangzhou was the success story of printing house Guangdong Jinguan who operate four Rapida 106 presses with seven inking units, coater and DriveTronic SPC simultaneous plate changing.

Packaging applications (e.g. also packaging for agricultural produce) were a strong focus at the other roadshow stops in Urumqi, Chengdu, Tainan, Jimo and Wuhan. However, cutting-edge VariDry LED-UV drying and Web-to-Print solutions were also on the agenda. The presentations were tailored strongly to the individual needs of the region in question. Special emphasis was also placed on the new medium-format Rapida 105 PRO which is proving popular in China. The speakers came from KBA-China and German KBA companies, and included sales manager Lianbiao Wang, general manager web sales & service in China Andreas Friedrich and head of product management at KBA-Sheetfed Solutions Sascha Fischer. Print demos on five-colour Rapida 105 presses with coater at Urumqi Guanxiong and Qingdao Quanhengxin, an eight-colour Rapida 105 with coating at Chengdu Jiezuo and a Rapida 145 at Linglong Qingfeng all contributed to the practical part of the roadshow.