He says that while IPEX has given the printing industry food for thought with what the coming months will bring in new technology, this will be played out at the next Drupa show in 2008.
His enthusiasm is driven by the company’s sales results at IPEX with HAN’s orders 39% above target, and following the best year the company has reported in sheetfed.
Vels Jensen says the HAN team was taken somewhat by surprise by the region’s buying spree at IPEX, with sales activity reflecting a consistent buoyancy across segments – commercial, industrial and packaging.
“While you don’t have to travel to Birmingham to place an order, a trade event allows you to network, interact, ask questions, learn more, and more often than not, you can’t avoid coming away from a show without at least one good idea that will benefit your business. Some of these good ideas translated into direct orders; there is always a percentage of buyers who like to sign at the show.”
Heidelberg reported considerable sales activity on its stand, particularly in relation to the Suprasetter; six were ordered at IPEX, two alone going to the same customer.
Also of interest was the XL105, the Speedmaster 52 ten colour long perfector and the CD74 running at 20% faster. “The issue of increasing productivity was high on the agenda and these presses gained a lot of attention,” says Glenn Plummer general manager product management & marketing.
IPEX also saw the world wide launch of Heidelberg’s latest edition to its successful Saddle Stitcher range; the ST450.
For those who did not make the trek to IPEX, Heidelberg will showcase these innovations at Printech in Auckland next month.
