HP expands Middle East and Africa presence with Al Eqtessad partnership

  Saudi Arabian-based Al Eqtessad has emphasized its longstanding partnership with HP, highlighting how the collaboration has enabled the company to support print service providers and customers across various industries. Established in 1966 and headquartered in Riyadh, Al Eqtessad operates two core divisions – Machines and Furniture – with print solutions being the primary focus …

All4Labels Hamburg enhances productivity with automated platemaking system

  Asahi Photoproducts announced that All4Labels’ site near Hamburg, Germany, has significantly boosted productivity by installing the CrystalCleanConnect automated platemaking system. Developed by Asahi Photoproducts, ESKO, and Kongsberg, the system has replaced the manual process, reducing errors and scheduling problems.   “CrystalCleanConnect had answers to all these problems,” said Mirco Wilke, head of prepress, flexo …

HEIDELBERG reports strong financial year ahead of drupa 2024

  Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has announced preliminary figures for the 2023/2024 financial year, showing stable sales and profitability despite challenging market conditions. The company achieved sales of approximately €2.4 billion and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 7.2 percent, meeting its forecast.   Free cash flow, excluding special items, reached around €50 million, marking the …

Komori Europe appoints Thomas Heininger as new CEO

  Komori Europe has appointed Thomas Heininger as its new CEO, bringing extensive industry experience and strategic expertise to the role. Heininger, who will also continue as CEO of MBO Group, is expected to drive strategic initiatives to bolster the company’s growth and competitiveness.   Heininger’s appointment is seen as a pivotal move for Komori …

NPPC upgrades Koenig & Bauer press for enhanced efficiency

  National Printing & Packaging Co (NPPC) is upgrading its Koenig & Bauer Compacta C408 presses as part of a dedicated investment program aimed at boosting productivity and reliability. The Saudi Arabian textbook printing specialist, which operates two Compacta C408s installed in 2002 and 2013, is investing in a series of retrofits to future-proof its …

Xeikon and Sappi introduce sustainable candy packaging solution

  Xeikon and Sappi have unveiled an innovative, sustainable packaging solution for sweets, featuring the “Maoam Chew Fruit Mix” candy packs. These packs are made with Xeikon’s TITON dry toner technology and printed on Sappi’s Seal Silk 67 g/m2 paper, offering vibrant colors, high image quality, and a smooth surface. Notably, this packaging is fully …

Digital print for packaging takes center stage at drupa 2024

  As I reflect on my recent visit to the United States in March, one event stands out prominently amidst the buzz of activity: the solar eclipse on April 6th.   The anticipation was palpable everywhere I went, from museums to gift shops bustling with customers seeking eclipse-themed merchandise. It struck me how seamlessly brands …

HP Indigo unveils R&D investments and market strategies for Labels and Packaging

  An exclusive interview with Packaging MEA, Eli Mahal, Head of Marketing for L&P at HP Indigo, discussed HP’s investment in R&D, aimed at addressing market needs and trends in labels and packaging. Mahal emphasized the critical role of his team in understanding market dynamics and designing products tailored to meet customer demands.   Usha: …

XSYS introduces Catena ProServX for enhanced equipment monitoring and reporting

  XSYS has unveiled Catena ProServX, a cloud-based solution designed to provide real-time monitoring, alerting, and reporting for plate processing and ThermoFlexX TFxX Imaging equipment. This new offering aims to elevate customers to Industry 4.0 operations by offering insights into machine performance and consumable usage, ultimately optimizing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and reducing waste.   …