Sandon Global, the award-winning British anilox manufacturer, reports that its return to Düsseldorf for drupa 2024 surpassed the team’s expectations with a show that proved a resounding success.

The event drew high-calibre visitors and credible inquiries, providing Sandon Global with a prime opportunity to network with both existing and potential customers, as well as industry partners from around the globe. This marked a highly positive outcome for the company’s return to the world's leading trade fair for printing technologies after the show’s eight-year break.

Richard Millington, Managing Director, Sandon Global, expressed his enthusiasm, “It was great to be back at the Messe and I am delighted to report that drupa 2024 was a real success for our business. Whilst the number of visitors was down compared to our attendance in 2016, the calibre of visitors and genuine business development opportunities were higher. We are thrilled with the positive response at drupa 2024 and look forward to building on this momentum to support printers worldwide in achieving exceptional print quality and operational efficiency.”

One show success was the signing of a new sales agency agreement, with Jordan Lines Printing and Packaging - JLPP appointed as the exclusive representative for Sandon Global products in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. Jake Roberts, Sales Director at Sandon Global, said, “We are excited to welcome Jordanian Lines Printing & Packaging as our new agent and anticipate a successful partnership that will further expand the Sandon Global brand in the Middle East.”

Commenting on the hot topics that attracted visitor attention, Jake Roberts said, “There were a few stand-out topics that drew plenty of interest, including our patented sleeve construction (Pat. EP3368317B1 and Pat. US11059284) that extends sleeve life, plus our enhanced densification treatment (EDT) that prevents substrate corrosion. Visitors were also keen to hear how we can support a transition from solvent to water-based flexo. This attracted considerable attention, as it’s technically challenging, but we have the knowledge and experience to help guide our customers to achieve fantastic results on filmic substrates.”

As well as attracting footfall to its own stand, Sandon Global collaborated with its OEM partner, SOMA, to design a bespoke end ring embedded with an RFID chip. This innovative technology featured in live print demonstrations held twice daily on SOMA’s stand throughout the show.

Jake added, “Our end ring innovation generated significant excitement. Participating in SOMA’s live demo program was fantastic, and there is potential to develop this technology further to digitise the entire flexographic print process.”

Beyond showcasing equipment and technology, drupa emphasised the importance of personal connections.

Richard continued, “Attending drupa highlighted the value of live events. The investment is significant, so selecting the right show to ensure a good return is crucial. However, the benefits of meeting people face-to-face in a short time frame can be immense. I want to thank everyone who visited us at drupa and our international network of agents and industry partners for their continued support. We made valuable new connections and enjoyed reconnecting with industry friends. Following this success, we look forward to returning in 2028.”

Concluding, Richard said, “Special credit goes to our team, whose hard work made the show a success. Their team spirit and care for each other make these events a pleasure. Trade shows can be exhausting, both physically and mentally, so I decided to give the team a well-deserved break over the weekend, ensuring they were refreshed and ready for the second week. This decision paid off. We are already following up on the inquiries generated in Düsseldorf and eager to continue our growth trajectory as we enter our 20th year of business, ready for our next phase of growth.”

For more information, visit www.sandonglobal.com