Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

The Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Tim Lawless on the Transition to Continuous-Feed Inkjet

Published November 7, 2024

In this video sponsored by HP, Nick Gawreluk talks with Tim Lawless, Chief Operating Officer at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, about how increasing volume led them to transition from digital cut-sheet presses to continuous-feed inkjet via the HP PageWide.

Bella Printing’s Edwin Fioretti on Digital Embellishments

Published September 30, 2024

In this video sponsored by HP, Nick Gawreluk talks with Edwin Fioretti, Operations Manager for Bella Printing about how Bella has been using digital embellishments to enhance the company’s offerings to customers.

Bema Digital Innovation’s Gordan Galloway on Digital Printing

Published September 12, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Gordan Galloway, Director of Marketing for Bema Digital Innovation, about the company’s new digital printing initiative.

Bella Printing’s Salvatore Mattace on Becoming a Print Business

Published September 3, 2024

In this video, sponsored by HP, Nick Gawreluk talks with Salvatore Mattace of Bella Printing about the company’s transformation from a company procuring print materials for big box home improvement stores to a digital-based commercial printer.

PPA’s Gerhard Märtterer on Marketing Automation

Published August 6, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Gerhard Märtterer from the Programmatic Print Alliance (PPA) about PPA’s mission as it relates to “programmatic print,” aka “marketing automation.”

The Future of Printing: Inkjet Technology and AI

Published July 30, 2024

Nick Gawreluk and Taylor Blackwell, President and Owner, Walker360, discuss Walker 360's shift from offset to inkjet printing. They talk about the benefits and opportunities inkjet technology offers, provide advice for printers contemplating the transition, and envision the future of the printing industry, particularly the role of AI and automation.

WirbelWild’s Tobias Köngeter on Acquiring Effective Tools for Print Production

Published July 30, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Tobias Köngeter, Owner of WirbelWild, about how WirbelWild acquired the tools and the skills to deliver highly personalized, high-value print communications.

Sustainability and Innovation in the Printing Industry: A Discussion with Calvin Lakhan

Published July 29, 2024

Nick Gawreluk and Dr. Calvin Lakhan, York University, discuss everyone's favorite topic: waste management and how it affects sustainability and the future of the printing industry. Lakhan shares his insights on communicating sustainability and his perception of the industry.

Mimaki’s Textile Printing Solutions at drupa

Published July 25, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Marc Verbeem, Supervisor Product Manager at Mimaki, about the company’s solutions for textile printing and sustainbability that were on display at drupa 24.

HP’s Nachum Korman on the Analog to Digital Transformation

Published July 25, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Nachum Korman, Vice President & General Manager, Worldwide Industrial Print Go To Market at HP, about how HP Indigo has been one of companies leading the analog to digital transformation.

Transitioning Digital Printing in the Textile Industry

Published July 17, 2024

Nick Gawreluk and Ronen Samuel, CEO, Kornit Digital, talk about the shift from analog to digital printing in the textile industry. They discuss the challenges and opportunities this presents, the evolution of direct-to-garment and direct-to-fabric and software solutions like KornitX for print-on-demand orders.

The Future of Printing Industry: AI, Digital Presses, and Partnerships

Published July 15, 2024

Nick Gawreluk and Cheryl Kahanec, CEO, Quantum Group, talk about the adoption of AI and new technology in the industry, and the anticipation for a 40-inch digital press with offset capabilities. The significance of partnerships and collaborations for the industry's future is also discussed. Quantum Group's future plans include becoming a leader and exploring other facilities, focusing on partnerships, profitability, and independence.

Enrico Barboglio and the Role of ACIMGA in the Italian Print Industry

Published July 11, 2024

Nick Gawreluk sits down with Enrico Barboglio, Director, ACIMGA, which serves print equipment manufacturers. They talk about the association's origins, its mission to promote Italian technology, and its support for manufacturers.

Allied Printing Jill Straub on the Digital Printing Transformation

Published July 8, 2024

In this video, sponsored by HP, Nick Gawreluk talks with Jill Straub, Account Executive at Allied Printing, about her perspective on and experiences with the offset to digital printing transition.

Integrating Workflow and Innovations for Improved Efficiency with Esko and X-Rite

Published June 27, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Joël Depernet, President, Esko and Antoine Preisig, VP & GM Regional Business, X-Rite, about the vision of integrating workflow for customers and the excitement of exhibiting at drupa 2024. They focus on merging various products and innovations into a single platform using AI technology. They stress the importance of partnerships, open systems and integration, and the need for simplification in complex printing systems.

Kurz’s Markus Hoffmann on Rethinking What’s Possible

Published June 25, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Kurz’s Makcus Hoffmann about the company’s presence at drupa 24 and the company’s slogan for the show: “Rethink What’s Possible.”

Generative AI: Koenig & Bauer's Kyana Assist and the Future of Automation

Published June 7, 2024

Sandra Wagner, Vice President, Koenig & Bauer talks about the features of their generative AI, Kyana Assist. She talks about its advantages for users and the digital unit's emphasis on technology and AI. They also spotlight the market's need for automation and data use, and how the technology is accessible to all customers, regardless of size.

Strategic Alliance of MGI and Konica Minolta: Innovations in Industrial Printing and Embellishment

Published June 6, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Victor Abergel, Executive Vice President, MGI about the strategic alliance between MGI and Konica Minolta with a focus on their industrial printing and embellishment product line. They discuss the significance of embellishment in the printing industry, offering guidance for companies considering investment. This tête-à-tête also covers market adoption of these solutions, the evolution of inkjet technology and MGI's dedication to innovation.

Exploring China's Printing Industry: Trends, Growth Drivers and Future Outlook

Published June 5, 2024

Ivy Zhou, Managing Partner, Shanghai Realscheme Management Consulting Co., Ltd talks about the dynamics of China's printing industry. She discusses the industry's growth and future outlook.

Sustainability in Packaging: Coatings, Recycling, and the Future with ACTEGA

Published May 31, 2024

Dennis Siepmann, Head of Sustainability, and Markus Locher VP Head of Barrier and Sustainable Packaging Solutions discuss sustainability; focusing on coatings, printing impacts, recycling and packaging challenges. He highlights the influence of regulations, customer perception, and brand owners on packaging and recycling. The necessity for recycling improvement and industry collaboration is stressed. New testing scenarios and guidelines to enhance recyclability are discussed.

Exploring drupa: The Future of Print Technology

Published May 31, 2024

Bernd Zipper, Chairman, Initiative Online Print, and Roland Keppler, CEO, Onlineprinters talk about the vibe at drupa, vendors display technology and machinery, highlighting the significance of workflow and digitalization. They discuss the idea of mass customization and print on demand, and the challenges and opportunities of embracing new technology are discussed.

RISO's Evolution and Innovations in Inkjet Technology

Published May 30, 2024

Marc Willmann, Product Line Manager, RISO, visits the drupa daily studio to talk about the company's history, the evolution of their inkjet portfolio, and the innovations displayed at drupa. He talks about upcoming trends, the shift to inkjet systems, and RISO's emphasis on the PPS market.

Digital Transformation and Business Innovation at Canon

Published May 30, 2024

Cathy Bittner, Strategic Business Development, Canon. Their booth at drupa features the Printworks area, a hub for digital transformation and business innovation. The future of Printworks is seen as a space for collaboration, creativity, and leveraging technology for comprehensive solutions.

Innovations and Future of Finishing Technology: An Interview with Jakob Ekeberg

Published May 30, 2024

Jakob Ekeberg, VP of Product at Plockmatic Group, discusses Plockmatic Group's background, innovations displayed at drupa, collaborations with print vendors, and short run packaging labeling. They also delve into the future of finishing technology.

Road to drupa: Plockmatic Group’s Jan Marstorp

Published May 23, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Jan Marstorp, CEO of Plockmatic Group about Plockmatic’s plans and presence at next week’s drupa 24.

Road to drupa: Matik's Steven Leibin

Published May 20, 2024

In this video, sponsored by Matik, Nick Gawreluk talk to president Steve Leibin about Matik's road to drupa as a distributor of European converting, packaging, and printing machinery in North America.

Road to drupa: IT Strategies' Marco Boer - Part 2

Published May 20, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with industry analyst Marco Boer of IT Strategies talks about some of the new and enhanced technologies he expects to see at drupa. Marco says workflow software is something everyone should pay attention to at drupa.

RPI's Andy Cooney on Evolving with HP

Published May 16, 2024

In this video, sponsored by HP, Nick Gawreluk talks with Andy Cooney, VP, Operational Excellence, for RPI, about the company's evolution and adoption of digital printing.

Road to drupa: The John Roberts Company

Published May 16, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Emily Schultz, Vice President of Sales and Client Services at The John Roberts Company, about the importance of drupa to The John Roberts Company and what she expects to experience at her first time attending the show.

Road to drupa: Marco Boer

Published May 16, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Marco Boer of IT Strategies about what he is looking forward to seeing in production inkjet at the show.

Road to drupa: Fiery's John Henze

Published May 15, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with John Henze, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Fiery, about the company's plans for drupa 2024.

Road to drupa: Sean Smyth

Published May 13, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with print & packaging analyst Sean Smyth about the significance of this year's drupa and what it personally means to Sean.

Executive Label’s Jason Raye on Increasing Customers with Digital Printing

Published May 9, 2024

In this video, sponsored by HP, Nick Gawreluk talks with Executive Label’s Jason Raye about how the formerly analog-only company adopted digital production to greatly increase the number of customers it could serve

Road to drupa: Hamilton Costa on the Heartbeat of Print

Published May 8, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with International Senior Consultant Hamilton Costa, who is looking forward to drupa as an opportunity to experience the industry heartbeat and have a clear understanding of what the future holds.

Road to drupa: eProductivity Software

Published May 7, 2024

WhatTheyThink's Nick Gawreluk talks to Aleks Zlatic and Charlotte Tueckmantel from eProductivity Software about their journey to drupa and an exciting product launch taking place at the show.

Allied Printing Continues its Digital Transition

Published May 7, 2024

In this video, sponsored by HP, Nick Gawreluk talks with Dave Hamilton, VP of Business Operations for Allied Printing, about the company’s high-velocity transition to digital printing.

Road to drupa: Zipcon's Bernd Zipper

Published May 6, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Bernd Zipper, Founder & CEO of Zipcon, about the importance and significant of this year's drupa in pointing to the industry's future.

Road to drupa: Standard Finishing's Katelyn Pinch

Published April 25, 2024

Nick Gawreluk talks with Standard Finishing's Katelyn Pinch about her expectations for drupa 24—both personally and in terms of what Standard will be demonstrating at the show.

Nick Gawreluk’s Personal Road to drupa

Published April 9, 2024

Nick Gawreluk, Special Content Programs Manager for WhatTheyThink, shares his own personal “Road to drupa” journey.

The Road to drupa: HEIDELBERG CEO Dr. Ludwin Monz on drupa 2024

Published April 1, 2024

Dr. Ludwin Monz, CEO of HEIDELBERG, shares with WhatTheyThink the company's business and its focus areas. Dr. Monz also offers a preview of HEIDELBERG at drupa 2024.

The Road to drupa: PGCA

Published March 26, 2024

The PGCA is a collaborative effort between the PIA Alliance and the Graphic Arts Association, representing the print and graphic communications industry in the New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania areas. The mission of PGCA is to help printing businesses become and stay profitable, offering services such as lobbying, environmental health and safety work, training, and HR support. PGCA has organized trips to drupa in the past, providing group appointments with vendors and facilitating networking opportunities.The trip to drupa aims to foster community interaction and collaboration among competitors in the printing industry. The attendees of the trip to drupa are a mix of veterans and first-timers, providing a learning experience for all.

The Road to drupa: Pat McGrew Identifies Automation as the Hot Topic

Published March 21, 2024

Pat McGrew joins us on The Road to drupa with insight on why workflow automation is well positioned to take center stage at Düsseldorf.

The Road to drupa: Cary Sherburne Highlights the Opportunity

Published March 19, 2024

Cary Sherburne shares her perspective of why attending the drupa trade fair in late May/early June is so important—and what to look out for.

It's Not You, It's Me. Stop Getting Dumped by the Millennial Workforce

Published February 10, 2020

Nobody likes getting broken up with and we in the printing industry are no different. So why time and time again are millennials breaking the hearts of employers? In this final video of this three-part series, Nick Gawreluk provides solutions to securing a long lasting relationship.

Mission Possible? The Guide to Attracting Young People into the World of Print

Published February 3, 2020

Employers beware! It will take more than an attractive job title and competitive salary to secure the next generation workforce. In Part 2 of a three-part video series, Nick Gawreluk breaks down what is important to Millennials and practical ways to successfully attract them into your company.

Millennial Print Evangelist Speaks Out on Finding, Attracting, and Keeping Young Talent

Published January 27, 2020

Nick Gawreluk is a millennial print evangelist and proud of it. In this three-part video series, he shares the roadmap to successfully find, attract, and retain the next generation workforce in the printing industry. This is a do-not-miss for anyone looking to secure the future of their company.

What Graphic Communications Students Need to Know

Published October 25, 2017

This article contains a young professional’s perspective on how to find a successful career in graphic communications. While it is directed at students, it is also an excellent piece that teachers and professors can use to inspire their students, and that parents can also use with their kids.

Why in the World Would Millennials Want a Career in Print?

Published October 2, 2017

What Millennial in their right mind would seriously consider a career in the printing industry? There seems to be no place to hide from the preconceived notion of print being an outdated media that’s run by old-school companies who are going downhill. As a 26 year old who has been involved in print since 16, I have experienced my share of career scrutiny everywhere from family gatherings to young professional networking events.

Articles by Nick Gawreluk