The latest ‘Printing Outlook’ survey from the BPIF shows 50% of printers increased output levels in the third quarter of this year. A further 30% held output steady whilst 20% experienced a decline in output. The figures are marginally above the Q3 balances of recent years, but the forecast for Q4 is more dour - 30% forecast output will fall in Q4, which, if realised, will be the worst Q4 experienced for five years.
Perspex Distribution is introducing Multishield, a new steel composite panel offering large-format printers the opportunity to produce whiteboards or printed magnetically receptive panels with no additional processes. Also new is a white formulation of the company’s anti-static PVC foam.
Fefco, the European Packaging Association, has awarded Elitron its ‘Most Inspiring Newcomer’ gong for the Kombo TAV-R automation technology that fills the gap across non-automated tables and high-volume die cutters.
Outdoor leisure brand Regatta has overhauled its Manchester showroom with the help of Huddersfield-based Leach Impact, which has fitted a .8m x 2.5m Product Wall Lite product display system. The 65mm thick wall-mounted system integrates graphics with ultra-bright LED illumination and magnetic shelving.
Antalis’ Digital Academy has partnered with motor-racing charity Mission Motorsport to engage a new audience in the opportunities presented by digital print.
New from Drytac is WipeErase Clear overlaminating film for the creation of bespoke dry-erase boards. Compatible with solvent, UV and latex printing technologies, the clear PET film has a gloss, hard coat finish and pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive.
After eight years with KEP Print Group Joel Mudie has been made sales director. Now part of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (Lichfield and Tamworth division) and the Made in Britain organisation, KEP also has a new marketing, PR, and social media department to support the sales team.
Fujifilm has added the tilia Griffin wide-format automatic layout solution from Tilia Labs to its XMF workflow offering. Available either to buy, or on rolling subscription, tilia Griffin features barcode tracking, camera registration, grommets etc.
Prismm Environmental has begun using Bitcoin. The company is accepting payments against invoices in the currency, and will shortly pay for a paper load in Bitcoin too.
UPM Paper is cutting its graphic paper production capacity in light of falling demand. "During the last years the demand for graphic papers has been declining - and the decline is expected to continue,” said Winfried Schaur, executive VP, UPM Paper ENA.
Image Reports
Supporting the wide-format digital print sector