March 5, 2003 -- PrintCity, the strategic co-operation of companies within the graphic arts industry, is pleased to announce that world-leading packaging industry supplier Bobst Group is to join its drupa 2004 “Print Factory” project, co-operating with PrintCity’s Packaging and Sheetfed Activity Groups. The Lausanne, Switzerland-based company is the leading supplier of equipment and services for the Folding Carton, Corrugated Packaging and Flexible Packaging industries worldwide. Its products include technologies for printing, laminating, coating, die-cutting, and stamping, as well as folding and gluing. “This is the missing piece in the jigsaw for the Packaging Factory at drupa 2004,” says Thomas Wythe, the Activity Group Chairman. “The Bobst Group has tremendous expertise in the postpress area, and so we are delighted to welcome a true world leader in Bobst Group.” The purpose of the Print Factory at drupa (Hall 6), is to show complete and recognisable workflows in diverse graphic arts industry sectors, using integrated PrintCity partners’ technologies. These will deliver live jobs and demonstrate new business solutions for customers. While the Bobst Group is committed to taking a full and active part in this exciting PrintCity concept, the company will also maintain an independent presence with its own booth outside of Hall 6 at the Düsseldorf Messe. “PrintCity’s drupa concept presents an exciting opportunity for Bobst Group to enhance the profile of its innovative technology on the industry’s largest stage,” says Olivier Gardiol, Head of Bobst Group’s Folding Carton Business Area. “It will give us the ideal opportunity to showcase how our products can add value to the packaging production process.” Philippe de Preux, Head of Bobst Group’s Market Organisation adds: “There will be massive interest in PrintCity at Drupa, and our participation in the Print Factory will provide access to a wide audience looking to expand in the packaging field. It will be a tremendous opportunity to speak with potential clients.” “The Bobst Group will be a perfect addition to PrintCity’s Print Factory project,” says Rainer Kuhn, managing director of PrintCity. “Bobst Group’s world class technology will play a key role in developing innovative and integrated workflows in the packaging and sheetfed areas.” PrintCity’s drupa 2004 concept will build on the success of the Print Factory at IPEX in 2002, and will be PrintCity’s biggest and best exhibition yet. “Obviously PrintCity will be an important part of drupa 2004, having already started its plans for what we feel sure will be a winning formula for Hall 6 at the show,” says Horst Klosterkemper, managing director of Messe Düsseldorf.