Irish Printer Issue 2 2022

I S S U E 2 2 0 2 2 | | T H E V O I C E O F T H E I N D U S T R Y | | W W W. I R I S H P R I N T E R . I E

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04 News A look at what’s happening in the print industry

11 Project Focus Erin’s Isle GAA Club got the Horizon Digital Print treatment recently with a new inspiring stairwell

13 Graduation Participants in two DPP Skillnet courses celebrated their graduation recently at the National Print Museum

14 3D Print Rob Fletcher looks at the opportunities for traditional print businesses in the 3D print sector

18 Cover Story Phil Buttress at Heidelberg Ireland chats about adapting to a changing market and how customers are set to benefit from the new “Heidelberg Plus” digital portal

14 17 Taking care of business Trimwel continues to record impressive growth and announces new appointments

267 Investment A new iGen 5 Press will help Esmark Finch win more business and increase its presence in the food, pharma and tech sectors

287 Interview John Fennessy at MCC Castlebar talks to Irish Printer about exploring potential at the print firm

207 Innovation Material Solutions has once again diversified its product offering with Interie, a new division for interior designers and architects

227 Irish Print Awards Finalists Find out who’s been shortlisted at this year’s Print Awards

28 327 Last Orders McGowans Digital Print has installed the first Highcon Digital Finishing System in Ireland

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ED’S LETTER Editor: Denise Maguire Email: editor@irishprinter.ie Creative Director: Jane Matthews Designer: Lenny Rooney Production: Claire Kiernan Contact:

Welcome to issue 2 of Irish Printer for 2022.

Irish Printer,

The Irish Print Awards, in association with Realt Paper, are due to take place on the 6th of May in the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport in Santry. After such a tumultuous couple of years and with the future still looking uncertain, the Print Awards are an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate what’s great about the industry – a determination to create and deliver outstanding work.

Always an important date in the industry calendar, the Irish Print Awards set a benchmark for quality and excellence in Ireland’s print sector. They also reflect the changing dynamics of a market in flux and one that’s currently hampered by rising costs and a lack of skills. Some things never change though and the Irish Print Awards continue to recognise excellence in print. To see who’s made the shortlist, go to page 22.

Also in this issue, Heidelberg’s Phil Buttress chats about adapting to a changing market and how customers are set to benefit from the new “Heidelberg Plus” digital portal. AI-based applications are also in Heidelberg’s future, set to interactively advise the user on how to optimise their own operations. In the future says Phil, big data means customers will be able to access the entire digital world at Heidelberg using a single sign-on. On page 28, John Fennessy at MCC Castlebar talks about developments at the facility and plans to break into new sectors. Finding skilled staff is a challenge, he says, even at a print firm like MCC where training is front and centre. The print industry needs to start creating its own talent because, says John, it’s just not out there.

Unit 55, Park West Road,

Ashville Media Group, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F Tel: (01) 432 2200 Web: www.irishprinter.ie Printed by:

McGowans Print

Printed on: HP Indigo 10000 using Novatech paper supplied

by Antalis.

All rights reserved. Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate. The publishers cannot, however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. © Ashville Media Group 2022. All discounts, promotions and competitions

As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts on this issue, please drop us a line at editor@irishprinter.ie. Enjoy!

contained in this magazine are run independently of Irish Printer.

The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize. ISSN 0790-2026

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 2 2022

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NEWS

U P D A T E S

NEW ECO-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR DISPLAY BOARDS FROM ANTALIS Antalis has expanded its portfolio of environmentally friendly products with the introduction of three new fibre-based, outdoor display boards. The company says the new boards help meet an increase in customer demand for plastic-free products, expanding Antalis’ Visual Communications sustainable portfolio and choice of highly rated materials within its Green Star System, which has been designed to make it easy for customers to identify a product’s environmental credentials.

Antalis’ Visual Communications Product Manager, Paul Neale, said: “Customers are looking for eco-responsible alternatives for outdoor applications. Traditionally, plastic-based products have been used due to harsh weather, restricting the use of fibre-based materials. We’ve been working with our suppliers to explore fibre-based products that are suitable for external environments,

ANTALIS

providing quality and durability, as well as strong environmental credentials.”

The new fibre-based outdoor display board products are: • Libra Weather Board – an alternative for the creation of short-term signage and promotional displays that can be used outdoors for up to eight weeks. It has a core of water-repellent recycled fibres, laminated either side with a kraft liner to give the product rigidity. Libra Weather Board is made from FSC® certified fibres and is 100% recyclable.

• DISPA Outdoor – a smooth, printable, white surface with a unique paper core that provides flatness and dimensional stability whilst being lightweight. DISPA Outdoor is suitable for short-term outdoor display and signage applications and is made from FSC certified paper and is 100% recyclable.

• Katz Outdoor Board – an environmentally-friendly alternative to PE-coated substrates and polypropylene fluted sheets. Comprising a water-resistant spruce wood core laminated with poster paper, it’s the ideal choice for shortterm (up to 12 weeks) outdoor advertising, such as for election campaigns, event signage and POS. It offers excellent print quality and can be recycled in standard waste paper streams.

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"STAY INSPIRED. NEVER STOP CREATING."

@REALTDESIGN

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SPECTRUM SURE FLOW KEEPS PRINTHEADS AT THEIR BEST Xaar has launched Sure Flow, its new ultrasonic self-cleaning mode, designed to help users keep their print at its very best, without the need to remove the printhead at any stage during the process. Xaar says that its TF Technology ink recirculation means regularly maintained printheads are extremely unlikely to block. However, external factors and challenging applications can create exceptionally harsh operational environments clear and prevent nozzle blockages without

Spectrum Digital is new Mimaki Sign & Graphics reseller partner

the need to remove the printhead. Users

Spectrum Digital Services has been appointed an

simply activate the mode as required by

authorised reseller for Mimaki’s wide format sign

adjusting the settings and loading a command

and graphics product range by the company’s

file. This drives each channel to work at

exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland, Hybrid

maximum power and frequency to create

Services. Dublin-based Spectrum Digital was

ultrasonic waves that produce controlled

founded in 2009 by John Sweeney and Declan

vibrations of the channel walls without

Douglas and has over a decade of experience

pausing production or the need to remove

supplying and supporting wide format inkjet printing

the printhead. Graham Tweedale, General

and cutting solutions. “With Mimaki’s extensive

Manager of Xaar’s printhead business, said:

sign and graphics portfolio and clear commitment

“By minimising downtime and maintenance,

to the print industry, we are confident we can offer

Sure Flow can provide users with unrivalled

our customers new opportunities and continued

reliability and enhanced productivity across

growth,” said Declan. “Spectrum Digital is a strong

the Xaar recirculating printhead range.”

addition to our reseller partner network,” said

for inkjet printing. Sure Flow enables users to

Hybrid’s Managing Director, Brett Newman. “Their proven commitment to customer service and investment in demonstration equipment puts Mimaki front and centre in their business and we look forward to working closely with John, Declan and the team in the coming months and years.”

Mimaki’s latest wide format solvent printer, the JV100-160, is available for demonstration at Spectrum Digital’s showroom. “With the new Mimaki JV100 we have the perfect solution for our customers looking to move into wide format, outdoor durable printing,” John said. “We greatly look forward to helping our customers explore new revenue opportunities with Mimaki’s range of sign and graphics systems.”

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THE IMPACT OF CONFLICT ON SUSTAINABILITY According to Two Sides, the paper and paper packaging industry is feeling the effects of the devastating war in Ukraine. Many paper and packaging companies such as Stora Enso and Norwegian carton company Elopak have suspended their operations in Ukraine, as well as halting production and sales in Russia. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in Ukraine has also made a personal appeal to everyone involved in FSC certification, encouraging stakeholders to take a stance against “the violation of the integrity of the whole region and FSC values.”

With both Russia and Ukraine major exporters of timber to Europe, supply chains are feeling the pressure. Timber from Russia and Belarus is now

CANON

considered ‘conflict timber‘ and cannot be sold as part

New web version of PosterArtist from Canon

of PEFC- or FSC-certified products. This will significantly impact the amount of certified pulp

Canon Europe has introduced a new web version of

available and more widely, other forest-based products

its ‘PosterArtist’ web application. All that’s needed

such as lumber for construction. “Wood and forest

to start poster creation is a compatible Canon printer

products from Russia and Belarus cannot be used in

and access to the PosterArtist site (https://

FSC products or be sold as FSC certified anywhere in

posterartist.canon) where a range of templates,

the world as long as the armed violence continues,”

images, fonts and Clipart images and icons can be

said FSC in a statement.

found. This free of charge poster creation web

“War is a catastrophe for people, but it also has a

application is compatible with a range of Canon

serious effect on the environment. Attacks on civilian

devices including the large format imagePROGRAF

and military sites are causing air ground and water

Series printers, imagePRESS production print

pollution that will be around for many years to come –

engines, multifunction imageRUNNER Series devices,

especially in such an industrialised country as

the iSENSYS models, right through to home and small

Ukraine,” said Two Sides. Ever since 2014, when

office printers included in the PIXMA and MAXIFY

Russia’s annexing of Crimea caused fighting to break

ranges. Hiro Imamura, Marketing & Innovation Vice

out in the Donbas region, an ecological disaster has

President, Digital Printing & Solutions at Canon

been unfolding says the organisation, with flooded

Europe, said: “Until now, customers wanting to

mine shafts and tunnels causing the release of toxic

produce posters typically needed to invest in complex

chemicals which threaten the water supply. “In a

design packages and spend considerable time working

conflict where the eco-system has been directly

out how to use them. Now, with PosterArtist’s

targeted by the deliberate shelling of industrial

intuitive user interface, every Canon customer - from

facilities and radioactive waste repositories, the

the professional graphics producer to the home user

environment is being used as a weapon of war. While

- can create impactful posters, flyers and banners,

Ukraine will be feeling the immediate devastating

whatever their level of design expertise.”

effects, pollutants have the potential to travel thousands of miles, carrying the possibility of respiratory problems.”

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CRYSTALCON

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RECYCLABLE PAPER FROM SAPPI Crystalcon, a new uncoated, compostable translucent paper from Sappi, delivers a recyclable, easy-to-implement packaging solution for a variety of food and non-food applications. When used in combination with Sappi’s heat-sealable Seal Silk,

also want to be able to examine product contents when

Crystalcon’s translucence allows consumers a

walking through supermarket aisles. Currently, film is

direct view of the package content. No additional

often used in whole or in part for such packaging. “By

converting or finishing of the papers is required.

combining Sappi Seal with Crystalcon, we are offering

According to Sappi, manufacturers are currently

manufacturers a sustainable and recyclable packaging

facing twin challenges – consumers are demanding

solution to fulfil these requirements,” says Kerstin Dietze,

more sustainable packaging solutions, but they

Key Account Manager Packaging Solutions.

FESPA GLOBAL PRINT EXPO 2022 More than 250 suppliers have been confirmed for this year’s FESPA Global Print Expo 2022, taking place from the 31st May to the 3rd June at the Messe Berlin in Germany. Visitors will see hardware solutions from major exhibitors including event sponsors Durst, Mimaki, Brother and HP, as well as Agfa, aleph, Canon, Epson, Fujifilm, Kornit Digital, Mutoh, M&R, Roland DG and swissQprint.

FESPA says visitors to the exhibition will be able to share knowledge, explore new trends, invest in new machinery or consumables and discover the latest innovations. FESPA Global Print Expo 2022

SCHEDULED FEATURES INCLUDE:

will be co-located with European Signage

Printeriors 2022

Expo 2022, Europe's leading dedicated non-

– Now in its’ sixth year, Printeriors brings together the global print community to

printed and visual communications

celebrate and showcase the latest in interior decoration

exhibition, with exhibitors displaying the

World Wrap Masters Europe 2022 and World Wrap Masters Final 2022

very latest in signage solutions.

– Featuring training workshops, industry expert demonstrations and competitions

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Book Your Seats For All Enquiries Contact: Jill Thornton, Event Manager Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 01 640 1700

@PrintAwards

Sponsorship Enquiries Contact: Trish Murphy, Sponsorship & Sales Director Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com

@IrishPrinterMagazine

Phone: 086 8379246

@IrishPrinterMagazine

Irish Printing Federation

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PROJECT

FOCUS Erin’s Isle GAA Club got the Horizon Digital Print treatment recently with a new inspiring stairwell

Horizon Digital Print Solutions recently completed this project at Erin’s Isle GAA Club in Finglas, Dublin 11. Concept to finished product on the stairwell to the Club’s Juvenile/Function room took approximately two years.

In other news from the company, Horizon recently announced it has been shortlisted for two categories in the 2022 Green Awards – Green Medium Sized Organisation of the Year and The Green Manufacturer Award. Launched in 2008, The Green Awards recognise the contribution and commitment that companies are making towards growing a greener future in Irish business today. “Our commitment to being a sustainable printer is something we’re proud of and reaching the final shortlist is a huge achievement for everyone at Horizon Digital Print. Congratulations to all shortlisted, we look forward to celebrating with you. Keep your fingers crossed for us and wish us luck for April 21st,” said the company.

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TECHNOLOGY

WORK SMART Available from Quadient, Duplo’s new DC-648 is all

process. Approximately 250 pre-sets on the machine mean you

about automated precision. Not only does the Multi

can store all different types of jobs, making t much easier for the

Finisher deliver high levels of speed, durability and

person on the production side.

versatility, it can also set up and manage jobs without

Duplo is well known for the quality of its finishing. The DC-648

operator intervention. Integration with pre-press

is no different. “The finishing is excellent and on another level

workflow is also possible, ensuring jobs are created

compared to similar machines.”

efficiently and accurately, first time. “With the new DC-648, Duplo has made ease of use, connectivity and

DC-648 slitter/cutter/creaser – the facts

automation the star of the show. In terms of efficiency

• High durability cutter

and quality of finish, Duplo has always been ahead of the

• Camera for fast mark reading ensures negligible impact

game but with this new machine, they’ve really excelled themselves. I think for printers, the main advantage is simplification of workflow. Every element is streamlined

on production speeds • Export and import job layouts with pre-press imposition Typical speeds, SRA3 per minute:

and touchpoints are reduced, allowing for greater

• 1 x A3 Leaflet 35.3

efficiencies that bring multiple benefits to a customer’s

• 4 x Greetings cards 25.5

business,” said Dave Rainsford, Graphics General

• 8 x A6 Postcards 20

Manager at Quadient. This is the first machine from

• 21 x Business cards 12.2

Duplo to really incorporate all the features a printer needs. “The Multi Finisher takes away the requirement

5 unique features of the Duplo slitter/cutter/creasers

for additional machines. Really, it can do it all.”

Finish banners – Can be adjusted to process long banner sheets

Services that printers may have had to outsource or run

up to 999 mm or more in length while maintaining the same

on multiple machines can be completed on the DC-648,

accuracy by utilizing the image shift compensation on the fly

alleviating bottlenecks and improving turnaround

Interchangeable tooling stations – Duplo’s Rotary Tool

times, says Dave. The machine also comes with a PC

Modules (RTM) have interchangeable processing wheels which

controller, a piece of software that allows for even

eliminate the need for multiple modules to produce various

greater ease of use. “For example, you can integrate the

types of finishes. Each RTM comes typically with a pair of the

machine with Efi Fiery which means that from the

following: standard perf, micro-perf, rotary score and slit-score.

pre-press side, you can very easily use templates, set up

Process applications with raised UV coating – soft sponge

the work from a pre-press and send it to the machine.

roller system allow for accurate process applications with raised

Also with the barcoding system, you can load multiple

UV coating.

jobs and the machine will change setup per job

Add in-line folding – Duplo’s Integrated Folding System (IFS)

automatically. It means that the person using the

allows for the elimination of an extra setup by adding an in-line

machine doesn’t have to be a technical expert; it allows

knife folder to user’s device.

for a much more simplified use of the machine.” Even if

Produce Tiny Cards - a new feature called “Process All”

you don’t use Efi, there are templates available that can

allows the DC-746 and DC-646 to produce cards smaller than

be laid out in prepress, which further simplifies the

50 mm in length.

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In March, the Design, Print & Packaging Skillnet

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Participants in two DPP Skillnet courses celebrated their graduation recently at the National Print Museum

celebrated the graduation of some of its students

Change

Futre-Proofed for

Graduation of Diploma in Packaging Students run by Design Print and Packaging Skillnet and accredited by TU Dublin, which took place in the National Print Museum in early March

E

from the Diploma in Packaging Technology and

Masters in Professional Practice

the Masters in Professional Practice courses. The

If you’ve been thinking about doing a Master’s but are put off

ceremony, which is accredited by TU Dublin, took

by lengthy academic programmes, the Masters in Professional

place in the National Print Museum.

Practice could be an option. This course is designed specifically

For print industry professionals interested in

for experienced professionals who are now seeking a practical

either of these courses or in any of the courses

yet challenging programme to build their business skills in

run by DPP Skillnet, now’s the time to apply, says

the latest digital marketing and strategic marketing techniques.

Network Manager Brian Colleran. “The courses we run are dictated from conversations we have with print firms, so they’re directly tailored to the industry. We feel that if a print firm isn’t availing of our services, they’re missing out on an important element that helps keep their company fresh and relevant in an ever-changing marketplace,” he said.

Diploma in Packaging Technology The Diploma in Packaging Technology is suitable for those responsible for specifying packaging or working in a role as a packaging technician. DPP Skillnet says it’s also suited to those buying or selling packaging or those using/packing/filling in the food, drink and pharmaceutical sectors.

To qualify, participants must have three years’ experience in a packaging environment and ideally possess a Level 6 qualification or above.

Graduation of Masters in Professional Practice run by Design Print and Packaging Skillnet and accredited by TU Dublin, which took place in the National Print Museum in early March

Masters in Professional Practice – application deadline is November 2022 Those interested are advised to get their application in now to confirm their place

Diploma in Packaging Technology – next start date is September 2022

For more information go to www.dppskillnet.ie, email brian@dppskillnet.ie or call Brian Colleran on 087 2928900

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Growth

14

3 D

P R I N T

Rob Fletcher looks at opportunities for the more traditional print business in the 3D print sector

IS THERE

SUCCESS 3D PRINT? TO BE FOUND IN

Though 3D print has been around for some time, it’s only

their existing production lines.”

over the past few years that we’ve seen a much wider roll-out.

Looking at the latest entry-level solutions from

However, the core question for many print companies

Mimaki, Drieman pointed to the 3DUJ-2207, an

remains – am I able to capitalise on this work and integrate

inkjet 3D printer that offers a 10 million colour

3D printing as part of my service offering? After all, while the

range. “Our objective was to provide an

basic elements of 3D print are similar to traditional printing,

end-to-end solution at an affordable price, so

it is entirely different in terms of how it works.

that those entering the market don’t feel like

I spoke with some of the leading manufacturers of 3D print

they have to compromise quality in favour of a

technology to find out if there are opportunities for printing

lower cost. That’s why the 3DUJ-2207 is

companies in this market and if so, how they can go about

available with 3D Print prep Pro software and

moving into this fast-moving segment.

the 3DCS-322 post-processing unit to streamline the entire full-colour 3D printing process.”

New possibilities First up, Mimaki has moved into 3D print, adding the

Empowering users

technology to its wider line-up of print solutions. “Opening

Massivit 3D has a wide range of 3D printing machines on

up to new technologies always offers new possibilities for

offer to the market. Based on the company’s Gel

printers, with a whole new array of applications at their

Dispensing Printing (GDP) technology, the manufacturer

disposal. For example, when we first launched our small-

said the new Massivit 5000 introduces new resolutions,

format, direct-to-shape printers (UJF Series), it allowed print

materials and automation capabilities that address

service providers to print full-colour custom designs directly

industry 4.0 needs, enabling production of large-scale

onto phone covers, name badges and so on,” said Jordi

parts within hours instead of weeks.

Drieman, 3D application specialist at Mimaki.

A new printing material, DIMENGEL 110, was also

When looking for a professional yet entry-level 3D printer,

launched, which Massivit 3D says facilitates high-

Drieman said it’s important that companies do their research

definition printing and greater fidelity to CAD designs.

and identify their business needs. “The next thing they need

Two new resolutions enable print optimisation according

to look out for is machine uptime and the support provided

to layer thickness and speed requirements, while the

from the printer manufacturer. When entering a new market,

Massivit 5000 also offers a Dual Material System that

it’s key that companies buy from a reputable provider who

allows operators to print simultaneously with a different

will support them as they integrate this new technology into

material on each head.

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The Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 inkjet 3D printer offers a 10 million colour range

Future trends Meanwhile, HP is another print manufacturer that has expanded into the 3D print sector. Emilio Juárez, vice president of EMEA for 3D printing, said there are three major trends that are set to positively impact this market.

“3D printing is providing more sustainable manufacturing methods that removes excess weight and waste to local production that leads to a lower carbon footprint.” He also picked up on how the pandemic has changed attitudes and approaches to work, explaining that companies are developing new supply chain strategies to guard against future disruption. Juárez said advanced 3D print solutions can help them accelerate this transformation. “We expect industries will look at 3D printing to disrupt their traditional supply chains, making them more efficient and flexible.”

The third trend is the highly personalised health and wellness sector, an area where HP sees the most potential for huge growth. “For example, orthotics and prosthetics is a rapidly growing opportunity for additive manufacturing, particularly in relation to mass-personalisation. We are Massivit 3D last year introduced its new Massivit 5000 industrial-grade machine

particularly excited about the promise of additive for mass metal manufacturing, given that it’s the fastest growing segment of the traditional 3D printing market.”

Last year also saw Massivit launch its new Massivit 10000 composites tooling system, to help users eliminate bottlenecks of mold production. The solution leverages thermoset polymer casting materials that provide a high HDT (Heat Deflection Temperature) and low CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion). This technology, Massivit 3D said, eradicates the need to produce an initial master and consolidates existing 19-step molding workflows

There’s no doubt that 3D printing is one of the most innovative areas of the print industry, with manufacturers producing all kinds of futuristic applications. With demand for 3D printed work on the rise following the pandemic, it’s safe to say that a move into this sector could set your business up for huge growth of its own.

Rob Fletcher is a journalist with FESPA, www.FESPA.com

into just four steps. In addition, the Cast-In-Motion technology offers greater geometry freedom for more complex designs.

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Thank You To Our

SPONSORS For All Enquiries Contact: Jill Thornton, Event Manager Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 01 640 1700

@PrintAwards

Sponsorship Enquiries Contact: Trish Murphy, Sponsorship & Sales Director Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com

@IrishPrinterMagazine

Phone: 086 8379246

@IrishPrinterMagazine

Irish Printing Federation

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17 COMPANY NEWS

Trimwel continues to record impressive growth and announces new appointments

TAKING CARE OF

BUSINESS Supplying the sign and print industry with the tools and materials they need is something that Trimwel seems to be doing well. In the three years or so that Trimwel has been part of Metamark’s growing family of companies, it has more than doubled in size.

According to Trimwel’s Managing Director Nick Little, the company’s

company sets itself. Ross Douglas is now overseeing this

formula, which underpins its success, is centred around people, products

dimension of the business in the newly created role of

and sound service-led business ethics. Having the products that

Operations Director. Ross brings significant experience

customers need on the shelves and ready to ship and making those

to the role gained during Trimwel’s spectacular growth

products available at prices that people are happy to pay, makes for a

and will ensure, together with a very capable team, that

great business model and ensures customers return time and again.

Trimwel continues to delight its customers.

Growing businesses need a solid team behind them and with Trimwel

Nick Little said: “It’s great to see the product of a lot of

delivering more products to more customers than at any time in its

very hard work by a wonderful team producing such great

history, the company’s sales function has been strengthened further

results for us as a company and keeping so many customers

with the appointment of Columb McCluskey to the role of Sales Director.

coming to us for their needs. I’d like to personally

Columb’s face will be familiar to many of Trimwel’s customers already

congratulate Columb and Ross on their new roles that

from his previously-held field sales role. In his new position, Columb

we’ve created. I’m confident that they will help us further

will be managing a team that covers the whole of Ireland, North to

enhance our attractiveness to the market as a whole and

South.

In addition a growing portfolio of self-adhesive vinyl, digital media and hard-to-find speciality materials from Metamark and other leading manufacturers, Trimwel supplies its customers with a whole range of tools

to every customer who chooses to use us as a supplier. Trimwel has a wonderful future ahead and I look forward to bringing yet more products and services to our market as we continue to advance.”

that make signs and graphics manufacturers’ lives easier. That range now includes products from Rolls Roller; these flatbed applicator-laminators significantly improve finishing productivity and output quality, at a price that makes sound commercial sense.

Well-managed operations ensure Trimwel continues to deliver the high levels of service standards that the

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18 COVER STORY

Phil Buttress, Head of Sales for Heidelberg Ireland, chats to Irish Printer about adapting to a changing market and how customers are set to benefit from the new “Heidelberg Plus” digital portal

Customer SATISFACTION What’s your opinion of the Irish print market?

Though the commercial market has a “new normal” below pre-pandemic levels, the book printing, packaging and label segments continue to grow. The major issues

DELIVERED

facing the industry are raw material shortages, heavy inflation, digitisation/automation, the sourcing of quality

production with a speed of 9,000 sheets per hour, is one of the most

staff and environmental sustainability.

productive die cutters in the Heidelberg portfolio. It combines die cutting, stripping and blanking in a single system. Two trends we’re

Have print firms’ requirements changed over the past few years?

seeing are the push for automation and sustainability. With our

Since Covid, demand has dropped and there’s a push

and our range of Versafire digital presses meet global standards for

across the industry to save on costs by increasing

sustainability and recycling.

Prinect range, we are leading print automation solutions worldwide

efficiency and reducing waste. Print houses are also driving diversification and automation in a big way.

What’s business like at Heidelberg?

2021 was a unique year as the world settled into the new normal. This

Has Heidelberg adapted its range to cater to these new requirements? If so, how?

came with supply chain challenges, at both local and global levels.

Heidelberg continues to cater to new markets and offer

volumes. We’ve also seen the industry evolve into an inflationary

new products. For example, the Mastermatrix 106 CSB, a

driven market. On the positive side, 2021 also brought an increase in

high-performance industrial die cutter for folding carton

book printing and a strengthening of the packaging and label

The commercial segment has settled at a level far below pre-Covid

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We place a great deal of importance on digitisation and automation. In addition, Heidelberg Ireland offers unparalleled support and backup services

19

incorporating all production steps – from prepress and press to postpress. Today, all our machines for the prepress, press and postpress stages are available in carbon-neutral designs. In this respect, we have a unique selling point on the market. Together with the independent Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology, we have developed a process that enables us to demonstrate the carbon neutrality of our machines.

Are there plans to launch new technology in 2022?

We are taking customer relationship digitisation to the next level by incorporating useful value-added services. All elements of the Heidelberg ecosystem will be combined in the new “Heidelberg Plus” digital customer portal. This includes everything from internet presence with website and eShop to various performance report, segment. There has been a general acceleration of plans

monitoring and service applications in the production sector, along

to reach net carbon zero. As market consolidation

with access to instructional videos plus white papers covering

increased, so has the adoption of automated and digitised

technical aspects and applications. Developments in the areas of

processes and equipment. Heidelberg is the global

cloud technology, IoT, big data and AI have created new possibilities

industry leader and we hope to continue to be so, thanks

that Heidelberg will now be systematically harnessing to offer

to our focus on innovation and excellence and delivering

customers further added value. Examples include developing the first

what the customer really needs.

AI-based applications to interactively advise the user on how to optimise their own operations, with Heidelberg leveraging and

What differentiates Heidelberg technology from similar machines on the market?

supplying its big data expertise. In the future, customers will be able to access the entire digital world at Heidelberg using a single sign-on.

Technology from Heidelberg is integrated. We place a great deal of importance on digitisation and automation.

What are you excited about in the print sector?

In addition, Heidelberg Ireland offers unparalleled

As print businesses increasingly adopt automated and digitised

support and backup services.

processes and equipment, they’ll enable cost-efficient and competitive production. This is significant, as they can take

How important is it for printers to continually invest in new technology?

advantage of the opportunities that come with economic growth or

Particularly after Covid, many printers invested in

sustainability is exciting to watch.

recovery in 2022. In addition, the industry’s move towards

innovation to improve efficiencies. Automation and robotics are the cutting-edge of print technology and are

What are the ambitions for 2022 and beyond?

a requirement in the modern print house to keep

We are hoping that the Irish market will continue to see growth in

processes efficient and reduce cost.

packaging and the adoption of new technologies, automation and robotics. My expectation is that the commercial segment

How important is sustainability at Heidelberg?

consolidation we’re currently seeing will continue and only increase

For many years now, Heidelberg has been demonstrably

digitisation as well. I also think that there will be an increased trust

investing in sustainable production. We have also been

and focus on plans to reach net carbon zero. One 2021 trend I hope to

equally determined to help print shops put sustainability

see easing is the extreme supply chain challenges and raw material

into action. Wherever possible, we boost the energy

cost hikes.

in coming years. I see an acceleration of adoption of automation and

efficiency of our products. We reduce paper waste, process emissions and process waste. What’s more, we optimise the overall efficiency of entire systems by

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Growth

20

INNOVATION

Material Solutions has once again diversified its product offering with Interie, a new division for interior designers and architects

FRESH THINKING Material Solutions is a company that’s not afraid to step

differentiate their projects. A website for the new division

outside its comfort zone. Previously known as Print

– www.interie.ie – has been developed to showcase the

Solutions, the firm rebranded to Material Solutions late last

products. “As a company, we’ve always been quite

year, a move that reflects the company’s move into areas such

innovative. A couple of years ago we entered the industrial

as industrial and construction plastics, interior design

plastics market, which is now turning over about €4 million

materials and glazing products. While print and signage

a year; that was an entirely new sector for us, as is the

remain the foundations of the business, the name change

interior division now. I firmly believe that you’ve got to

reflects the scope of the products manufactured by the firm

spread risk; if one division is having a bad day, then you can

today.

fall back on the others. That idea really came home to roost

Interior design and architecture are areas in which

during Covid. Our sign market fell by 95% and yet our

Material Solutions is making its presence felt. Its new

plastics division grew tenfold. That’s why we’ve created this

division, Interie, supplies a range of innovative products to

new division, to spread the risk and to take advantage of the

these sectors, including the likes of privacy films, graphic

opportunities in the interiors space,” said Ian Scouler,

solutions, architectural lighting and antimicrobial hygienic

Managing Director at Material Solutions.

sheets – all of which are intended to help design teams

A longstanding relationship with Avery Dennison also helped spark the move into the interiors sector. “We saw some of the innovative products that Avery Dennison was manufacturing for this sector, two of which we now supply, and we began to investigate the possibility of moving into interiors.” Once you open up a dialogue with interior designers and architects, says Ian, you soon realise the scope of the potential in this area. The division has grown organically and today, Interie supplies a diverse range of products to the interior design and architectural world. One such product is Vela Privacy Film, a film that’s retrofitted to glass and manufactured by Avery Dennison. Designed to enhance the appearance and functionality of interior spaces, it’s ideal for use in open concept offices with glass rooms and dividers. Voice command means that all the user has to

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21 converted the room.” For the owner, wrapping the furniture was a less costly alternative to replacing it all.

“He said that if he were to go down the traditional route, he’d potentially be closing down a whole floor whereas by using our Interior Film product, he was just closing down one room at a time.” It’s also a more sustainable option; instead of going to landfill, furniture is being upcycled and reused.

Innovation underpins the Interie products. Organoid Natural Surfaces, again manufactured by Avery Dennison and supplied by Material Solutions, is a nature-inspired, handcrafted material with a self-adhesive backing. “It’s a really unique, organic material. You can choose moss or grass or daisies and when you smell it, you’ll smell that fresh scent.” All of these products are aimed at architects, interior designers, even hotel groups and shop outfitters.

“We’ve organised seminars where architects will say to us, it’s all very well purchasing the products, but how do we fit them? We’ve built up a whole network of subcontractors that either specialise in hygienic cladding or in furniture wrapping. Some traditional sign-makers are looking for other ways of expanding or improving their business and they have also come on board, which is great.”

A new showroom featuring all the Interie products is set to open shortly. CPD programmes, certified by the Royal Institute of Architects, are also underway. “The aim is that by the end of the year, more architects, interior designers and shop outfitters are aware of our range of products and the possibilities they offer when it comes to design. So far, interest in the new division has been very encouraging. It’s an exciting new sector for us.”

do is speak out loud for the glass to frost or close. It’s being used in the Beacon Clinic, Johnson & Johnson and other office environments around the country. “There’s so much potential with this product. This year, we’re hoping to pursue applications in the likes of emergency departments, where it could replace the old traditional cubicle curtain.”

Also available from Interie is LX Hausys Interior Film, a self-adhesive treatment designed for flat lamination and profile wrapping. It’s a product that’s easy to apply, not only to flat surfaces but also to irregular surfaces, saving time and money.

“We just completed a pilot project for the County Arms Hotel in Birr. We rewrapped the furniture in one of the bedrooms in a wood veneer, we mounted panels on the walls; essentially, we

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

BOOK PRINTER OF THE YEAR • • • • •

Impress Printing Works Ltd Grangegorman Public Art Book KPS Colour Print George Macnemara of Cong KPS Colour Print Behind The Mask KPS Colour Print The History of Tourmakeady KPS Colour Print Spirorbis Book

BEST USE OF PRINT • • • • • • • • • •

NeoGen FSI Annual Report 2019 KPS Colour Print Spirorbis Book Sign Flair VDC Frozen Yoghurt Bar and Cafe Sign Flair DaraCore Racing McGowans Print Cardboard Magic Kaizen Print Keoghs Crisps Business Cards Roomeo Waterford Treasure Museums Feature Walls Esmark Finch SundAir Airbus 320-214 Aircraft Wrap P+D Nytol Window P+D Clarins Christmas Window Displays

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY • • • •

NeoGen FSI Annual Report 2019 P+D Dettol Window Display NeoGen Coillte Annal Report 2019 KPS Colour Print Spirorbis Book

DIGITAL PRINTER OF THE YEAR • •

• • • • • • • •

Horizon Digital Print Nestle Aero Six Sheet Print Media Services Ltd Glenveagh MW Design, Print & Signs General Printing & Large Format P+D Canesten Combi Boots Tray McGowans Print Ectomobile WOW POS Display Horizon Digital Print Shaped by Limerick Lenticular Prints Smurfit Kappa Peroni FSDU Display Ireland Go to Print Ltd Cardinal Health

DIGITAL PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR • • • • •

McGowans Print Chinese New Year Chocolate Boxes P+D The Good Glow Self Care Packs P+D Nourish Launch Box Display Ireland - Smurfit Kappa Lamber de Bie Pink Flower Box Go to Print Ltd NEOSTRATA

LITHO PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Realt • • • • • • •

Print Media Services Max Benjamin Candle Boxpak Ltd Silver Hill Duck Range KPS Colour Print BEO KPS Colour Print Airmid Soap Cartons CUBE Water Bottle CUBE Print Media Services The Nature of Things KPS Colour Print Izzys Magical Adventure Gift Box

NeoGen FSI Annual Report 2019 McGowans Print Chinese New Year Chocolate Boxes

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23

BROCHURE PRINTER OF THE YEAR • • •

LARGE FORMAT DIGITAL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by GPMI • • • • • • • • • •

McGowans Ectomobile WOW POS Display P+D Donegal Catch sustainability Horizon Digital Print Panadol Extra Free Standing Display Unit MW Design, Print & Signs Covid 19 Sanitiser Stations Sign Flair Mobile IceCream Alphaset Ltd Frozen II Photo Booth – Arboretum Carlow The Printed Image Kilbeggan FSDU SL Graphics Limited Bord Gais Theatre - The Lion King Display Ireland - Smurfit Kappa Sullivan’s Brewing Company FSDU Ballyprint Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

NEWSPAPER PRINTER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Manroland • • • •

Interpress N.I The Irish News Webprint The Clare Champion Newspaper Interpress N.I The Impartial Reporter Smurfit Kappa News Press The Irish Sun

MAGAZINE PRINTER OF THE YEAR • • •

Plus Print FLASH edition 6 W&G Baird Anthology, a collection of Beautiful Experiences McGowans Print Hot Press 1000th Issue Special

• • • •

Print Media Services Ltd Design & Crafts Council Critical Selection 2021-2022 Impress Printing Works Ltd The Marker Hotel Brochure Print Media Services Ltd Meeting in Isfahan for Chester Beatty Gallery Impro Printing Limited Hinch Distillery - An Chead Dun Cask Release Brochure Character Print Solutions Merlyn Arysto April Character Print Solutions New Writing From Ireland W&G Baird Irish Arts Brochure

MUNSTER SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by HP • • •

Quality Print My Green Journal with Benjy Roomeo Waterford Treasure Museums Feature Walls Quality Print Grand Opening Invitation

SELF-ADHESIVE ROLL LABEL PRINTER OF THE YEAR • • • •

Label Tech Ltd The Whistler Mosaic Marsala Irish Whiskey Watershed Group Jameson Tokyo Limited Edition 2020 Set Watershed Group WILDE IRISH GIN Munster Labels Ltd Thank You to our Healthcare Workers

REPORTS & ACCOUNTS PRINTER OF THE YEAR • • • •

NeoGen FSI Annual Report 2019 Print Media Services Kingspan Annual Report NeoGen Coillte Annal Report 2019 Print Media Services Glenveagh Annual Report

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24 BEST BUSINESS INNOVATION AWARD Sponsored by Quadient • • •

PRINT FINISHING AWARD

•

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

KPS Colour Print Spirorbis Book Plus Print Ltd Midleton MVR Silent Distillery Print Media Avoca Charity Cards Boxpak Ltd Writers’ Tears Copper Pot Japanese Cask Boxpak Ltd Aldi Specially Selected Exquisite Florentine Selection Display Ireland - A part of the Smurfit Kappa Group The Candy Box Display Ireland - Smurfit Kappa Kraken FSDU Ballyprint Dram Decks

DIGITAL PRINT LABEL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Xeikon/Flint Group • • • • • •

Label World Mic’s Chilli Sauce Range Label Tech Ltd Silkie Irish Whiskey Multi-Color Labels Irish Aviation Company - Runway 26 Irish Craft Gin Label Tech Ltd The Liberator Irish Whiskey MW Design, Print & Signs Covid 19 Floor Graphics Multi-Color Labels The Artisan Collection Blackford Blended Scotch Whisky

SHEETFED COLOUR OFFSET PRINTER OF THE YEAR • • • • • •

Impress Printing Works Ltd Grangegorman Public Art Book Plus Print FLASH edition 6 W&G Baird Townley Hall Plus Print Ltd All Sorts of Impossible Things W&G Baird The Book of Sligo Impress Printing Works Ltd The Marker Hotel Brochure

McGowans Print Cardboard Magic Northside Graphics eConsult Health Limited Roomeo Innovative use of print in changing environment Esmark Finch SundAir Airbus 320-214 Aircraft Wrap Display Ireland - Smurfit Kappa The Candy Box Display Ireland - Smurfit Kappa Peroni FSDU P+D Donegal Catch sustainability P+D Clarins Christmas Window Displays

ULSTER SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by HP • • •

Ballyprint Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Ballyprint Dram Decks Graphic Design & Print

COLLABORATION AWARD Sponsored by Canon • • • • • • • • • •

Plus Print Ltd This Place Plus Print Ltd All Sorts of Impossible Things Display Ireland - A part of the Smurfit Kappa Group The Candy Box Kaizen Print Glencree Sign Flair Child friendly Covid signage Rooney Media Graphics Wall Graphics Quality Print My Green Journal with Benjy The Printed Image Southern Comfort - PR Box #RemixTheSpirit P+D Centrum Health January Campaign Print Media Blanco Nico

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 2 2022

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25 WRAP PRINTER OF THE YEAR

CONNACHT SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR

•

Sponsored by HP

• • • • • • • • •

Esmark Finch SundAir Airbus 320-214 Aircraft Wrap Sign Flair Lauralynn Renault Twizzy Wraps P+D Radio Nissan Qashqai Wraps Sign Flair Piano Tuner Car Wrap PD Visual Dundrum Town Centre Brown Thomas Graphics The Printed Image Cadbury, Easter Campaign The Printed Image B. Braun Building Ireland Horizon Digital Print DSPCA Wrap Horizon Digital Print DSPCA Wrap P+D Brown Thomas DTC Wraps

FLEXO PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR • •

• •

Alert Packaging Flahavan’s Original Granola Multi-Color Labels The Shed Distillery Drumshambo Slow Distilled Sausage Tree Irish Vodka Alert Packaging Shamrock Gift Company Multi-Color Labels Boyne Valley Foods - Kinetica 100% Creatine

• • • •

LEINSTER / DUBLIN SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR • • • • • • • • •

OUT OF HOME PRINTER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Irish Printing Federation • • • • • •

P+D Brown Thomas DTC Wraps SL Graphics Limited Bord Gais Theatre - The Lion King P+D Brennans Bread Outdoor SL Graphics Limited 2 x 14m high Lift Shaft Wrap at T2 Dublin Airport P+D Dettol Window Display SL Graphics Limited Lift Shafts at T2 Dublin Airport - Paddy Power

MW Design, Print & Signs Gortskehy National School Signage Triest Press Letters of Hope MW Design, Print & Signs Rounfort Parish Magazine MW Design, Print & Signs General Printing & Large Format

Print Media Services Ltd Design & Crafts Council Critical Selection 2021-2022 Plus Print Across Borders Go to Print Ltd NEOSTRATA SMC Print & Design Calendar Range SMC Print & Design Charity Cards Go to Print Ltd TDN Europe Print Media Services Ltd Kingspan Annual Report and Financial Statements 2021 Print Media Services Ltd Meeting in Isfahan for Chester Beatty Gallery Plus Print Midleton MRV

SPECIAL PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR • • • •

The Printed Image Heineken 0.0 Advent Calendar 2021 & 2022 KPS Colour Print Codex Christmas Carton Display Ireland - Smurfit Kappa Lamber de Bie Pink Flower Box KPS Colour Print Nuasan

RISING STAR AWARD Sponsored by Heidelberg • •

Matt Harrison - Northside Graphics Melissa Walsh - MW Design, Print & Signs

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26 INVESTMENT

Investment in a new iGen 5 Press will help Esmark Finch win more business and increase its presence in the food, pharma and tech sectors

Next GENERATION TECH Earlier this year, Esmark Finch invested in a new Xerox iGen 5 Press to replace its old iGen 4 which had, says MD Declan Halton, run its

course. The new commission continues the print firm’s longstanding relationship with Xerox. “On a personal level, I’ve been dealing with

Xerox since 2005. It’s been an excellent relationship, both in terms of

the top quality equipment we’ve invested in and the customer service

the new machine will allow us to do that.”

we’ve received from the Irish team. Our previous machine, the iGen

This year, Esmark Finch is forecasting 26% growth

4, was installed on our packaging line and enabled us to expand

compared to 2021. Business is good, says Declan. “We’ve

within the digital packaging space. We expect the new iGen 5 Press to

been on a solid growth pattern for the last number of

go even further.”

years, hitting our targets month by month, quarter by

A faster, more economical machine, the new iGen 5 has a larger sheet

quarter or year by year. There’s significant flux in the

size capacity. “That means we can expand our offering to the

marketplace in terms of price increases, particularly on

marketplace. Run times are also faster, so we can get through jobs at

the material side, at the moment. Sourcing materials in

a greater speed and get more work out the door. That’s a big plus for

the marketplace is proving difficult for some firms, but I

us.” Esmark Finch opted to install the fifth print station on the new

think we’ve been pretty clever about how we approach

machine, which is the first in the iGen range to offer a fifth colour

that issue.” An analysis of customers’ buying patterns for

option alongside CMYK. “That flexibility allows us to get better colour matching to Pantones and much higher digital printing enhancement.” Digital packaging is Esmark Finch’s area of expertise; with the new iGen 5 Press, the print firm can now offer customers larger cartons. “With the larger 660mm length sheet, we can obviously produce bigger cartons. We can also fit more smaller cartons planned up on the same print sheet.” Esmark Finch services customers across a diverse range of sectors including food, technology and pharma. Investing in the iGen 5 isn’t about breaking into new industries, says Declan. “We’re aiming to expand further into the markets in which we currently operate. The fifth print station will definitely help us compete for more business in sectors like pharma where colour is absolutely critical. With the iGen 5, it’s a case now of expanding our offering, winning more customers and increasing our product lines for existing customers. I’m hopeful that

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27 retail, we would have suffered dreadfully. We thank our lucky stars every day that the markets we were in were buoyant.”

Declan attributes the success of the company to an excellent, resourceful team and an ongoing investment in technology. Constant engagement with customers and an awareness of what customers need underpin the ethos at Esmark Finch. “When a customer comes to us with a project, however tricky, we always say yes. It’s our job to go away and find a solution and make it happen. That’s the culture that exists within the organisation, right from the top down. Everybody’s willing to get behind a problem to come up with a solution and then work to make sure the customer is happy.”

Training on the new iGen 5 Press at Esmark Finch is currently ongoing. The new acquisition will, says Declan, help steer the company on its current growth path. particular products has helped the firm successfully manage the

“We’re lucky in that we’ve always felt a valued customer

supply chain issues currently affecting so many print firms. “We’ve

of Xerox. If we have a problem, they’re never behind the

also engaged with our customers and educated them as to how the

door when it comes to getting us the help we need. Even

market has changed. Instead of ordering just in time, we encourage

in terms of the installation, we worked together to plan

them to look further down the line and think about committing to

everything effectively and to minimise the impact on our

what they’ll need in two months’ time rather than two weeks. That

business and more importantly, on our customers. It’s a

kind of forward thinking allows us to pre-order and have the material

relationship that we value and one that I expect will

in place. It’s giving our customers confidence that we won’t let them

continue into the future.”

down.”

Commenting on the investment at Esmark Finch,

With so much of its customers in the food and tech sectors, the team

Norman McNellis, Production Business Manager at

at Esmark Finch found themselves busy during Covid. During

Xerox said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership

lockdown, demand for food sleeves and food packaging increased

with Esmark Finch. They set the standard in agile supply

considerably. “On the tech side, sales of Xboxes, Playstations and

chain print management back in 2009 with the iGen4

other entertainment systems were going through the roof so that side

Gallop line and enhance their value proposition even

of the business was very busy. The pandemic helped us deliver one of

further with this latest investment. In terms of an

our busiest ever years. Previously, we would have had quite a large

all-round press, when you consider uptime, productivity,

footprint in retail markets but just before Covid, we shifted our focus

image quality, sheet size, colour gamut and total cost of

into other areas. I think that if we had maintained our presence in

ownership, the iGen5 is best in class.”

Xerox iGen 5 Press Cut-Sheet Format

Optional 5th Print Station

media. Document Finishing Architecture (DFA)

Large digital cut-sheet format, up to

iGen 5 enables you to add Gamut Extension

compatibility means you can add your choice of

364 mm x 660 mm.

Colours (Orange, Green and Blue), Xerox White,

automated inline finishing solutions.

Optional Extra-Long Sheet (XLS) Capability

Clear and Fluorescent Yellow Dry Inks as well as

Xerox IntegratedPLUS Finishing

Extra-long digital cut-sheet format, up to 364 mm x

MICR to bring differentiating value to digital

889 mm for additional application flexibility.

applications.

Standard or Matte Dry Ink

660 mm Stacker

a specific printer. An operator simply loads sheets

Standard Dry Ink is available in CMYK. Matte Dry

A larger stacker module and two wheeled carts per

and covers into the finishing device, scans a

Ink option is ideal for photo-rich applications.

stacker enable productive stacking up to 660 mm

bar-coded banner sheet and presses “start.”

Selected finishing devices can be set up automatically, whether or not they are attached to

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Growth

28

When it comes to growth and new opportunities, MCC Castlebar is only scratching the surface. General Manager John Fennessy talks to Irish Printer about exploring potential at the print firm

I N T E R V I E W

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

E

arlier this month, Multi-Colour Corporation (MCC) announced a €4 million investment in its Castlebar facility, along with the creation of 30 new jobs. Specialising in print for the healthcare industry, MCC says the funds will be used to increase capacity at the facility, along with investment in new technology.

With over 13,000 employees and 102 sites in 26 countries, MCC is one of the world’s largest label and packaging suppliers. In Ireland, the company has three sites – Castlebar, Drogheda and Roscommon. Offaly native John Fennessy is General Manager at the Castlebar site. “In Castlebar, we’re slightly niche in that we print booklets and instruction manuals for the pharmaceutical industry. Open a packet of paracetamol and chances are, we’ll have printed the information leaflet. Our plants in Roscommon and Drogheda focus mainly on pharma and medical device labels.” In 2016, MCC acquired the Castlebar site from well-known family business Cashin Print.

The story goes that owner Seamus Cashin started the company from the basement of his parent’s house in 1965. “Over the years, he developed and grew a very successful, profitable business with solid foundations. At the time, MCC had a number of plants in the US and Europe and was keen to increase its footprint into Ireland. The company saw the acquisition of Cashin Print as an excellent opportunity to do so.” The cluster of multinational pharma companies in the West of Ireland was also a big draw. “About 97% of our business is in the healthcare sector. We service all the large pharma and med

John Fennessy, General Manager at MCC Castlebar, showing Tanaiste Leo Varadkar around the facility

device companies in the region.”

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29 The leaflets that MCC produces for its clients in the pharma

he led the operations side in the company’s early days in

or medical device sector are just as important as the product

Galway. “I worked with a great guy there called Dave Keane.

they’re going into, says John. “You sometimes hear about people

He shared my belief that you can have all the technology in the

receiving the incorrect instructions and the consequences of

world, but if you don’t have people with the right training and

those mistakes. Every element of the supply chain has a bearing

the right approach, you’ll never make it work.” John also spent

on the end result. I’m lucky in that I can bring my experience in

a number of years in Saudi Arabia, designing and

the medical device sector to the team in Castlebar and help

manufacturing fireproof tents for the Saudi government. Mina,

them realise that they could be printing a leaflet that could be

also known as the “City of Tents”, is a region about 8km from

going into a device for their mother, sister or brother. If you can

the city of Mecca. It’s an area most famous for its role in the

get people to make that link, you get great buy-in.”

Hajj (the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) and where

Previous roles in Zimmer Biomet and Abbott Vascular have

travellers stay for several nights during the pilgrimage. Over

stood John in good stead for his role at MCC. At Zimmer Biomet,

100,000 air-conditioned tents have been built in the area and

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30 to focus on the island of Ireland and I think that’s going to John Fennessy, General Manager at MCC Castlebar

continue. That’s great news for service industries like ours.” As of yet, MCC hasn’t experienced any issues with its supply chain. An overstock of materials means it’s well placed if such issues arise. “We don’t know what’s coming down the line. Our paper provider is based in Finland and the mill is quite close to what’s going on in Europe at the moment. Thankfully, we’re in good shape right now. Our customers are happy and demand is growing for our products.”

The biggest challenge to growth is sourcing skilled staff, says John, particularly on the West coast of Ireland.

“Everybody is hiring so there’s huge competition out there. We’re just not making people quick enough!”

Training is big at MCC; as soon as someone walks in the door, they’re being trained to move onto the next level.

Hiring external staff is the issue. “We pay a good salary but it wouldn’t be possible for us to compete with the pharma companies. However, we’re doing quite well in our hiring at the moment; we had 30 roles to fill a few weeks ago and we’re almost there.” About 30% of staff at MCC are aged 60 or over. “These are extremely skilled printers that we’re lucky to have. It’s a very skilled role and it takes three to four years to be really proficient at it. I think it

with a capacity of up to three million people, Mina has been called the largest tent city in the world. “I was responsible for engineering, designing and eventually the manufacture of 144,000 tents. To say it was an experience wouldn’t be giving my time spent there enough credit.” All in, John spent about seven years on the tent project in Saudi. Cultural differences were part of the experience. “It gets very hot out there, particularly during the summer months. We used to leave the doors of the plant open to try and cool the building down a bit.

When we arrived into work one Monday morning, we found a big grey camel sitting in the middle of the floor. We then had the problem of trying to get it out! Every day brought a different experience.” John remembers going to the shops at the end of the working week to buy orange juice and Mars bars for 200 workers. “They’d eat the snacks and then they’d all sing as they left the building at the end of the day. I really enjoyed my time there and made friends for life.”

Business is good at MCC Castlebar. “We’re finding that our

was a real mistake to get rid of the apprenticeship scheme.

We really need to re-energise it. There are a few print firms in the area here and I think if we were to put our heads together and engage with Solas, we could come up with a way of breathing life back into the scheme. We need to start creating our own talent because it’s not out there.

When a young person walks out of college today, they’re certainly not considering a career in the print industry.”

If you can print instruction manuals on leaflets for healthcare, you can print them for other sectors. MCC Castlebar is currently investigating other sectors and routes to growth, while continuously improving its service to existing customers. “We’re looking at ways in which we can partner with our customers and offer added value services. There’s huge opportunity in Ireland for a company like MCC. I believe we’re only scratching the surface in relation to what we can do and the sectors we can look at.”

clients in the pharma and medical device sectors are increasingly sourcing their raw materials in Ireland. The uncertainty caused by Brexit and Covid means they’ve started

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Lowest total cost of igniting growth.

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32 T H E L AS T WOR D

HIGH HOPES with

Thomas Neville with Sue Norton at McGowans

HIGHCON McGowans Digital Print has installed the first Highcon Digital Finishing System in Ireland

Highcon Systems Ltd recently announced that

stripping too. It does so much more than a traditional

McGowans Digital Print has taken the next step in its

analogue solution. The introduction of a digital

digital journey with installation of the country’s first

finishing process here has dramatically streamlined

Highcon Beam 2 digital cutting and creasing solution.

our production workflow for increased efficiencies,”

Alongside its new Landa press, the company says it

said Mal McGowan.

expects to utilise its new Highcon technology to

“Having the Landa S10, Nozomi and HP Indigo

expand into new and profitable packaging jobs. An

working together with the Highcon Beam 2 also

increase in revenue of about 30% is expected, says

means that we can offer customers a ‘virtual house’

McGowans.

for all their packaging or display needs. Literally,

The Highcon Beam 2 has been installed as part of an

customers can now make changes to their packaging

end-to-end digital print and packaging workflow for

designs on the fly, produce a smaller batch or simply

folding carton and micro flute corrugated packaging

run a limited seasonal promotion – but without the

jobs. McGowans says the new technology is enabling

expensive or waste of unwanted stock, that also has

increasingly tight deadlines for short run jobs, with

to be stored in expensive real estate. Cool floor

less set-up time and waste. The Highcon investment

graphics and display applications are also reaping the

will also support new business from McGowans’ new

benefits of digital cutting and creasing, including

on-demand, e-commerce packaging platform,

improved production times for point-of-sale

BoxJob.com, which officially launches in May.

displays,” he said.

“What the Highcon brings to the table is real digital finishing. It’s not only cutting, it is creasing and

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Here comes the Sun...

Making ideas happen with a smaller carbon foot print.

At McGowans Print our mission is to deliver creative, innovative, functional POP and POS and at the same time driving sustainability in our day to day operations and continuously search the globe for total recyclable or recycled print materials.

Our latest initiative is to install solar panels that will cover most of the rooftop of our main factory. This will produce a projected 391,702kWh of energy that will give us 43% clean energy of our total consumption. This is the equivalent of 277 metric tons of CO2 saved annually. Our target is to be carbon neutral in five years.

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06/04/2022 15:13 19/04/2022 07/04/2022 12:18 10:08

Unleash Productivity With the new DC-648

The all-new DC-648 is here to revolutionise your print finishing process.

Like the other DC family, the DC-648 has been designed to allow one operator to fulfill multiple finishing processes in one pass. Speed, durability, and versatility have been enhanced, but where the DC-648 stands out is through its greater automation, ease of use, and connectivity into the user’s workflow.

To find out more go to: go.quadient.com/3ityc5U or Scan the QR code.

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