I S S U E 6 2 0 2 3 | | 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
A for
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CANON 13/12/2023 11:16
Elliott Baxter Ireland Limited
EBB Service
EBB Service is based on investment in state-of-the-art route planning, real time vehicle tracking and the latest vehicles that comply with Euro 6 emissions standards meaning increased engine efficiency, better fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
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T: +44 28 9600 1480 E: belfastsales@ebbgroup.com
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1 ISSUE 6 2023
04 News A look at what’s happening in the print industry
09 Careers MM Fiber Packaging has a number of positions open to potential recruits at its Dublin label facility
10 Sustainability Messe Frankfurt is on the right track to becoming a truly sustainable events business
13 16
Cover Story
11
Acquisitions With the acquisition of Limerick’s SignLynx earlier this year, Hacketts Print is on track for growth
16 Industry Views Printers give their thoughts on the year that was and the year to come
As the year draws to a close, we sat down with Philip Brady, Director and Donnán Cullen, Key Account Manager, to look back on what’s been a momentous year for Canon Ireland
24
24 Talking to…
Roisin Hennessy on the challenge of attracting young people into the industry and inspiring women to grow a career in print
ISSUE 6 2023 IRISH PRINTER
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ED’S LETTER Editor: Denise Maguire Email: editor@irishprinter.ie Creative Director: Jane Matthews Designer: Lenny Rooney Production: Nicole Ennis Contact:
Welcome to issue 6 of Irish Printer for 2023.
Irish Printer,
2023 was a big year for Canon. The Colorado M-Series made its debut at FESPA, offering customers something a little bit different. Since its launch, the fully modular UVgel roll-to-roll range has been installed at PD Visual, McGowans, Anglo Printers and Xtreme Signs. It is, says Donnán Cullen, Key Account Manager at Canon, a series that’s capable of printing white without any of the typical challenges white brings. Other features include double-siding, printing on clear substrates, 5-layer printing with blackout, matte and gloss prints, matte and gloss in the same job and magnetic substrate printing. This year, Canon also launched the latest Arizona 1300 GTF series, featuring new Flow Technology which improves customers’ abilities to print non-standard product shapes as well as reducing print time. It’s not just about the technology at Canon though. Building and maintaining relationships with customers is key, says Philip Brady, Director at Canon Ireland. “We pride ourselves on the relationships we’ve created over the years with our customers. Our innovation and technology are a part of that of course, but trust and resilience are key.” For more on innovation at Canon and the company’s plans for 2024, turn to page 13. Also in this issue, we asked business owners and managers for their take on the year that was and their expectations for 2024. While optimism reigns, many are concerned about rising costs, competing in an increasingly online world, increases to minimum wage and postal charges. For more views from the industry, turn to page 16. From all of us here at Irish Printer, we’d like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year!
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 2023. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are run independently of Irish Printer. The promoter/advertiser is
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!
responsible for honouring the prize. ISSN 0790-2026
IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 6 2023
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Write your success story with us.
The Speedmaster XL 106 Packaging
Label
Commercial
Heidelberg Graphic Equipment Ltd. - UK 1 Furzeground Way, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, UB11 1EZ Phone: +44 (0) 844 892 2010 www.uk.heidelberg.com
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U P D A T E S
NEWS
RICOH
New inkjet press from RICOH
Ricoh Europe has launched the new RICOH Pro VC80000, a new high speed inkjet webfed platform that’s been designed to produce exceptional quality direct mail, colour books, catalogues, magazines and commercial print applications on coated media up to 300gsm. The smallest machine in its class with a full duplex engine measuring less than 10m, the new product incorporates the latest generation ink and temperature controlled inkjet heads. Ricoh says it introduces a number of groundbreaking technologies that achieve a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200dpi, a maximum speed of 150mpm – creating a 50% increase in production output compared to previous generation presses – and focuses on maximising productivity to drive down the Total Cost of Ownership. The RICOH Pro VC80000 high speed inkjet press
RICOH Pro VC80000 » Faster startup times with new ‘firefly’ dryer technology » Next level automated quality control with a fully incorporated RICOH Pro Scanner, first introduced as an option on the RICOH Pro VC70000 » Elimination of manual image adjustment with a spectrophotometer for real time monitoring of colour reproduction » RICOH Supervisor collects and interprets operational data sourced from the RICOH Pro Scanner and other connected production print devices and creates web based dashboard views using analytics from its business intelligence tool to optimise device utilisation and throughput » Highly automated quick paper setup, enabling a brand new substrate that is not stored in the media library to perform optimally at the touch of a button » Intelligent communication enables maintenance and performance improvements.
is available from early 2024 across EMEA.
Peach Fuzz is Pantone Colour of the Year Pantone has announced that ‘Peach Fuzz’ (Pantone 13-1023) is its Colour of the Year for 2024, describing it as “a velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul”. The company added that its pick for Colour of the Year is a cosy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange. “Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director at Pantone Color Institute.
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MCGOWANS
5 We see CarbonQuota as another tool in our arsenal of positive progression towards a more sustainable company Emerson Palmer, Sales Director, McGowans Emerson Palmer, Sales Director, McGowans
consumption behaviours. We see CarbonQuota as another tool in our arsenal of positive progression
Journey to sustainability
towards a more sustainable company,” said Emerson
McGowans recently announced its partnership with
Palmer, Sales Director at McGowans. Initially, the print
CarbonQuota, signalling its commitment to delivering
firm engaged CarbonQuota to assess its Scope 1 and 2
honest and accurate sustainability reporting in the
carbon footprint and since then has integrated
industry. CarbonQuota offers companies access to five
CarbonQuota’s carbon calculator into its Management
years of activity-based, scientifically sound and real
Information System (MIS). This integration captures
sector data to measure carbon emissions accurately.
specification data at point of entry for a quotation and
Unlike more general carbon calculations, CarbonQuota
returns product-level carbon footprints directly back to McGowans in seconds.
does not use financial spend data or averages, but instead uses a specific
Dominic Harris, Co-Founder of
industry-led and science-rooted
CarbonQuota, said: “With consumers
database which forms the engine that
and regulations applying pressure for
drives its accuracy.
organisations to go Net-Zero, the need
“We believe that to truly make a
for scientific measurement and
difference, we need solid, measurable
detailed reporting of packaging and
data. Through our partnership with
print is now a pre-requisite for doing
CarbonQuota, we can now show tangible results and provide our clients with accurate, informed data on their
Dominic Harris, Co-Founder, CarbonQuota
The Spirit of Christmas with Antalis Antalis supplied a selection of festive coloured papers to members of the Paper Artist Collective, a global community of paper artists whose aim is to raise the profile of paper art and artists, for their creative responses to a brief on the theme of ‘Christmas Spirit’. ‘Christmas Carousel’ was made by Anaïs Herd-Smith out of newly relaunched papers from Antalis’ Keaykolour and Curious collections. The design features a threedimensional paper sculpture that uses a windmill mechanism as its foundation. It was created using Alchemy Gold from the Curious collection and three papers from the Keaykolour range.
business. We aim to provide a full view of the total lifecycle environmental impact of a job.”
APPOINTMENT Drytac has announced that Emily Butcher has been promoted to the role of Customer Service Manager for the UK and Ireland. Emily will be responsible for overseeing the key relationship between Drytac and its recently appointed exclusive UK and Ireland distributor, Premier Paper Group. She has been a member of the Drytac team since November 2017, serving as a customer service advisor within the Drytac Europe business for almost six years. A large part of this role has involved working with customers across a range of markets to help them access the products and solutions they need from Drytac.
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FUJIFILM
Fujifilm Revoria to debut in Europe Fujifilm’s new B2 format toner press is set to headline at a Peak Performance Print event in Germany in early 2024. The
Peak Performance Print (PPP) 2024 will also feature live demonstrations of the rest of Fujifilm’s digital press portfolio
Revoria Press GC12500 is the market’s first B2, sheet-fed digital press using dry toner technology, developed to make high quality B2 format digital printing even more widely accessible. The new printer can print double sided on paper up to 750 x 662 mm, the largest
APPOINTMENT
B2 sheet size for a digital press
Neil Little joins Miraclon
in the industry. This means it
Miraclon has announced that Neil
can print six A4 pages per sheet
Little has joined its team as Sales
and can also handle a variety
Manager for the UK, Ireland and
of paper weights from 64 to 450
Nordics. In his role, Neil will be
gsm and print on a wider range
supporting customers and prospects
of substrates including
to maximise their production
sy nthetic
productivity and efficiency for
papers.
Peak
Performance Print (PPP) 2024
business growth, while ensuring they
w ill
get the most value out of their
a lso
feature
live
demonstrations of the rest of
investment in new technology from
Fujifilm’s
press
Miraclon. With a long career in the
portfolio, which now includes
print and packaging industry, Neil
options for all commercial and
brings a wealth of knowledge and
multi-site reprographics provider York
folding carton packaging print
experience from previous roles at
Reprographic and inline print
businesses.
Esko, Coveris, Sessions of York,
inspection companies AVT & EyeC.
dig ital
3M Guarantee for Agfa printer and inks 3M recently granted Agfa’s Tauro wide format printer series and Anuvia 1551 ink the 3M Performance Guarantee. The two products were subjected to a series of rigorous mechanical and physical tests carried out under 3M’s stringent assessment conditions to qualify for the Performance Guarantee. Dieter Jancart at Agfa said: “At Agfa, we’re committed to partnering with print service providers to help them achieve sustainable growth. Our best-in-class Tauro printers provide a modular printer platform with advanced automation options. With the 3M Performance Guarantee, we are even better equipped to give our customers peace of mind and empower them to meet the highest quality standards and achieve boundless creativity. It lets them take full advantage of the Tauro and Anuvia performance across a full spectrum of graphics including banners, front- and back-lit graphics, self-adhesive vinyl, rigid plastics, cardboard and more.”
IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 6 2023
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DAMASTOWN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, D15 RYY9 Ideally located 5 minutes from the M50, 2 minutes from the M3
With 48,000 square feet spread across two warehouses, we provide Expert Packaging Solutions and Trade Finishing Services such as: Laminating | Die Cutting, Window Patching | Gluing & Handwork
TRADE FINISHERS PROVIDING SEAMLESS SUPPORT FOR THE CARTON AND CORRUGATED PACKAGING INDUSTRY SINCE 2007 TEL: 01 254 1985
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E: patrick@venturefinishing.ie | www.venturefinishing.ie
13/12/2023 21/08/2023 10:47 16:26
CALL FOR
ENTRIES
The Irish Print Awards aim to recognise the country’s best companies in the print and press sector, with over 400 professionals from across the print industry celebrating the best in their industry.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS THE 16TH OF FEBRUARY 2024
www.irishprinter.ie/ awards for more information
VISIT
DATE
26TH APRIL 2024 Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf Dublin 3
#PRINTAWARDS23
@PrintAwards
@IrishPrinterMagazine
For All Enquiries Contact: Jill Thornton, Event Manager Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 01 640 1700
@IrishPrinterMagazine
Sponsorship Enquiries Contact: Trish Murphy, Sponsorship & Sales Director Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 086 8379246
Irish Printing Federation
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MM Fiber Packaging has a number of positions open to potential recruits at its Dublin label facility
9 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT MM FIBER PACKAGING
T
he search for talent is on at MM Fiber Packaging, a
organisation provides career opportunities in a multinational
global company with a longstanding presence in
footprint. As a company of scale, the ability to weather uncertain
pharmaceutical and medical device printed components
times and supply chain disruption provides security and stability
in Ireland that currently employs over 400 skilled print
to the workforce, while the family-owned business promotes a
and packaging team members. Growth is driven by significant
positive and engaging work environment.
investment with expansive plans over the next five years. With two pharmaceutical division sites in Dublin and one in
MM Fiber Packaging employees have an exciting future. By investing in training and development, creating a positive work
Cork, as a core supply chain partner to key industries, the company
environment and exploring new growth opportunities, the
is well placed to increase its share locally and globally. Ongoing
company will build a team to thrive in the years ahead.
investment in upgraded premises and the latest print and finishing technologies across the sites embrace efficient and sustainable
Positions to support opportunities are currently advertised for the
platforms to meet the evolving needs of customers, staff and
Dublin Label facility. If you would like to join a company on an
the environment.
ascending growth path and would like your career to grow alongside,
To deliver this future, MM Fiber Packaging focuses on attracting and retaining highly skilled employees. Development within the
please send a copy of your CV to sheldon.booth@mm.group or contact us at 01 806 2200.
DBM-700 key advantages
DUPLO
» Enhanced automation – the DBM-700 is designed to streamline operations, featuring a high degree of automation that simplifies complex tasks, ensuring accurate and efficient booklet production
Duplo launches DMB-700 Duplo International has launched the DBM-700 booklet maker, designed to diversify booklet making capabilities and optimise productivity. The new booklet maker, which has been engineered to accommodate print outputs from multiple presses, streamlines workflows and reduces production time, while maintaining exceptional quality. Duplo says one of the standout features of the DBM-700 is its adaptability and ability to handle a wide array of printing jobs, including the capability to create square spine booklets. This functionality allows users to meet the demands of the widest range of applications, all from a single booklet system. The DBM-700 booklet maker is available through Quadient
» Thicker book capacity – with an expanded capacity to handle thicker books, this system empowers businesses to take on a broader range of projects, accommodating diverse client needs effortlessly » Higher speed – significantly elevating production efficiency, the DBM-700 operates at an accelerated pace, reducing turnaround times and meeting the demands of high-volume projects without compromising quality » Square spine innovation – the addition of a square spine feature introduces a higher level of finished quality to the booklets, offering a professional finish that delivers a highly premium offering.
Ireland; email info.ie@quadient.com for more information.
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10
10
P A R T N E R P R O F I L E
EMAS certification FOR MESSE FRANKFURT
Messe Frankfurt is on the right track to becoming a truly sustainable event business
Messe Frankfurt has passed the audit for the internationally
a sustainable trade fair sector.”
recognised environmental management system in accordance
This environmental management system (EMAS) is geared
with the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). With
towards companies that continually improve their
the EMAS validation, which also meets the requirements of
environmental performance on their own initiative. Companies
environmental management norm ISO 14001, the company
that adopt the EMAS environmental management system
commits itself to continually improving its environmental
commit to recording all environmental aspects of the company
performance.
and conforming with all environmental laws. To meet these
Messe Frankfurt President and CEO Wolfgang Marzin said:
requirements, Messe Frankfurt drew up an environmental
“Last year, Messe Frankfurt decided of its own accord to
policy and set ambitious environmental targets. These are
introduce an environmental management system in accordance
included in Messe Frankfurt’s binding ecological target to be
with the EMAS Regulation. This means that we now have an
climate-neutral at its Frankfurt base by 2040 at the latest. The
internationally recognised instrument with which we can
company sees this as attaining greenhouse gas neutrality and
optimise our ecological sustainability target architecture and
establishing a sustainable water management system. The
demonstrate our progress in a consistently transparent and
transformation process includes all Messe Frankfurt companies
measurable way. In this way, we can take the next verifiable
at its Frankfurt base. To this end, Messe Frankfurt has created
steps to reaching our ambitious environment-related corporate
a sustainability target architecture that not only includes long-
objectives by 2040 and can usher in the transformation towards
term targets but also short- and medium-term milestones.
WORKING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE EVENT BUSINESS As one of the world’s leading organisers of trade fairs, congresses and events with their own exhibition grounds, Messe Frankfurt is a driving force for climate protection and a sustainable event business. In recognition of its efforts to create a sustainable event business, Messe Frankfurt has received the AEO Excellence Award 2023 in the Best Sustainability Initiative category. In 2022, the company participated in an ESG rating (Environmental, Social and Governance) for the first time and was awarded a bronze medal. The Group underlines its sustainable business practices with a series of voluntary commitments, such as the United Nations Global Compact and the Charter of Diversity. As well as supporting the sustainability initiatives of sector associations AUMA and UFI, Messe Frankfurt has also signed the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge.
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11 With the acquisition of Limerick’s SignLynx earlier this year, Hacketts Print is on track for growth
E
P A R T N E R P R O F I L E
A Good Fit arlier this year, Hacketts Print who have multiple
signage industry in the mid-west region. With an excellent
locations across Ireland, acquired SignLynx, Limerick.
management team led by Jack O’Loughlin, SignLynx comes with
SignLynx has been owned and operated by Jack
deep industry experience, which in this current climate is difficult
O’Loughlin since 2005 and alongside his staff, has
to obtain. We have ambitious growth plans and I’m very glad to
proudly served their customers starting in Drombana Co
Limerick, moving to East Link Business Park, Ballysimon Road in Limerick in 2008. Jack O’Loughlin commented: “Having started SignLynx 20 years ago, we have enjoyed much success and amassed a strong list of
say SignLynx is now a part of those plans.” With our own 65+ years in business, combined with Jack’s 20 years industry experience, Hacketts looks forward to continuing to move forward as part of our ongoing growth and acquisition strategy.
good customers. There have been challenges, all of which we have overcome, but many times more opportunities. This year a chance
For any enquiries please contact Brian O’Loughlin, Director,
opportunity arose to bring SignLynx to another level, to be able to
Hacketts on 086 608 7644 or brian.oloughlin@hackettsprint.ie
provide our clients with a full gamut of print and signage services.
or see www.hackettsprint.ie
“I am delighted that SignLynx has found its new team. In Hacketts, there are 60+ people who can now provide all the quality skills and services that SignLynx customers will further benefit from. Moreover, there’s now so much more that SignLynx can offer its customers that we couldn’t before. So, it’s a good fit and one I am very pleased with. It works for SignLynx, Hacketts and our combined customers. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of my many customers over the last two decades for their loyal custom.” There were obvious synergies between Hacketts and SignLynx which appealed from the start, perhaps the most obvious being the two companies’ combined expertise in the internal and external signage market in Munster. Now with the merging of our two businesses, as well as the good-will acquired, Hacketts will ensure that SignLynx’s existing customers can expect the same reliable and excellent service, as well as enjoying greater access to a wider range of print services via our multiple locations in Ireland. Brian O’Loughlin, Director, Hacketts said: “SignLynx is an exemplar in the print and signage sector in terms of its people and quality of service. This acquisition provides multiple opportunities to drive long-term growth and build on our future in the print and
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SAVE THE VISIT
DATE 26TH APRIL 2024
@PrintAwards
DATE
www.irishprinter.ie/ awards for more information #PRINTAWARDS23
Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf Dublin 3
@IrishPrinterMagazine
For All Enquiries Contact: Jill Thornton, Event Manager Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 01 640 1700
@IrishPrinterMagazine
Sponsorship Enquiries Contact: Trish Murphy, Sponsorship & Sales Director Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 086 8379246
Irish Printing Federation
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COVER STORY
to
A Year for
CANON
As the year draws to a close and we look ahead to 2024, we sat down with Philip Brady, Director and Donnán Cullen, Key Account Manager, to look back on what’s been a momentous year for Canon Ireland
“There’s no doubt that 2023 has been a hugely successful year for us,” said Philip Brady, Director at Canon Ireland. “We’ve been able to introduce dynamic new technologies to the Irish market which our customers have been very quick to embrace. “But for us, it’s not just about the technology. It’s about how we’ve been able to work in partnership with our customers to help them build and futureproof their businesses. We pride ourselves on the relationships we’ve created over the years with our customers. Our innovation and technology are a part of that of course, but trust and resilience are key too. It’s been a challenging year for businesses and it’s a testament to their strength that they’ve pushed forward and continued to thrive.”
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14 Through tailored demonstrations its certainly proved itself time and again. And with customers being able to be hands-on with it themselves, they’ve seen the benefit it could bring to their business Meeting demands across the industry With a number of innovations having launched throughout 2023, it’s been exciting to see how these have been received by the industry. The Colorado M-Series, the latest iteration of Canon’s market-leading Colorado range of fully modular UVgel roll-to-roll printers, is a prime example of this. Launched earlier this year at FESPA, the Colorado M-Series offers printers something a little different including the capability of printing white without any of the typical challenges white brings, double-siding, printing on clear substrates, 5-layer printing with blackout, matte and gloss prints, matte and gloss in the same job, magnetic substrate printing and much more. “The ability to print white without worry is a feature which has really resonated with our customers. Since the M-Series was launched, we’ve successfully installed devices with PD Visual, McGowans, Anglo Printers and Xtreme Signs who are all seeing benefits to their business,” says Donnán Cullen. Donnán comments: “We have also installed the latest Arizona 1300 GTF series with Hackett’s in Cork. The new Flow Technology has improved their ability to print non-standard product shapes as well as reducing print time. Our new Canon varioPRINT 140 Quartz mono series has also supported customers producing offset matte finishes with our original CopyPress technology, which our book printing customers are appreciating. “With the much-anticipated launch of our imagePRESS V series, it gave us the opportunity to relook at our Customer Experience Centre in Dublin, enabling us to feature a new range of devices to showcase to our customers. With the introduction of the imagePRESS V1000, we’ve been able to give our customers the full experience of its consistent productivity, quality and reliability. Through tailored demonstrations, its certainly proved itself time and again. And with customers being able to be hands-on with it themselves, they’ve seen the benefits it could bring to their business.” In May of this year, the team took 12 customers from
across Ireland to visit its European Customer Experience Centre in Munich, Germany. A vast facility holding all the new technology Canon has brought to market, customers were able to immerse themselves in hands-on demonstrations of market-leading technologies, most notably the varioPRINT iX-Series, ColorStream and ProStream inkjet digital presses.
Committed to the future of Irish printing For a number of years Canon Ireland has supported the Irish Print Awards, celebrating the diverse and exciting talent in the Irish print industry. In 2024,
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Looking ahead to 2024 Canon Ireland is certainly pushing forward and not just with new technologies but with infrastructure, having recently completed a move to a new head office just around the corner from its previous home in CityWest Business Campus. “This move will futureproof our presence here in Ireland,” says Philip. “It gives our team access to a modern, sustainable, state-of-the-art workspace which embodies who Canon is as a world leading imaging company. It also gives us a tremendous platform to grow our market share and realise our ambition as the go-to name in Irish printing. The service we provide our customers is made possible through the
This move will futureproof our presence here in Ireland
work of our local technicians, consultants, account managers and management team. We firmly believe that having a local presence is the only way to provide the service our customers require. “We’re also excited to return to DRUPA next year alongside some of the key players in the industry. This is a huge opportunity to not only showcase new technology, but also celebrate our achievements over the last few years. We expect to see a lot of conversation around
the advancement of inkjet technology when it comes to production and wide format print and are excited to share our developments in this space.” We can’t wait to see what exciting innovations Canon will bring to the market in 2024. To get in touch with Canon, feel free to email marketing.ireland@canon.ie
Canon Ireland will be contributing a bursary towards one deserving candidate’s enrolment fee in the Masters in Professional Practice in partnership with DPP Skillnet and @TU Dublin. “We firmly believe that our industry needs support to ensure its growth and viability for the future. By investing in education and supporting the next generation of young people, we aim to help futureproof the Irish print industry through fuelling the ambition of the amazing talent here in Ireland. We’re looking forward to working with DPP Skillnet and TU Dublin to realise this ambition in 2024,” said Philip.
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INDUSTRY VIEWS
DERMOT DOWNER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, WESTSIDE PRESS LTD How was business in 2023? It was the same as last year which isn’t bad as the volumes of work are decreasing.
been difficult. The launch of the Print Media Technician course through the IPF and Skillnet will hopefully help us attract the next generation. In the meantime, we have
What are some of the challenges facing the business?
employed a couple of people with no
The amount of commercial print is certainly
ourselves, which has worked out well.
decreasing and that’s why companies have diversified into packaging and large format, to give them a wider range of products to offer their clients.
PRINTERS
Did costs come down at all in 2023? It was good to see energy costs coming down. Paper came down a small bit, which isn’t much compared to the rate it went up last year.
experience and have trained them up
What will you not miss about 2023? The weather.
What issues are most likely to impact your business in 2024? The smooth supply of raw materials. As the volumes of commercial print decrease, the likelihood of consolidation gives companies a better chance of concentrating on sales and
How difficult is it to find and retain staff? Have you had to introduce new incentives to attract and keep employees?
outsourcing production.
Introducing young people into the trade has
Yes, we always welcome the challenges ahead.
Are you optimistic about next year?
CIARAN BOWE, SALES DIRECTOR, P+D What are some of the challenges facing the business? The cost of business remains a significant factor. Costs in certain areas have
GIVE THEIR THOUGHTS ON
continued to escalate and the cost of living crisis is having an impact on wage costs. Digital advertising continues to erode print spend, but the diverse range of products and markets that we operate in have insulated us to an extent.
How did you find 2023? It was a very positive year for P+D. We won a number of new clients and produced some exceptional campaigns. Picking up seven Irish Print Awards and three POPAI awards was a huge achievement for the business and our staff. We have seen our third consecutive year of growth. This continued trend has allowed us to accelerate our investment programme with the arrival of a new EFI Pro 32R and two new Canon Colorado’s.
Did costs come down? Some material costs have reduced but we’re extremely careful with our procurement and investments to maintain control on costs. Energy costs have stabilised, but the general cost of living crisis continues to be a factor for our staff.
THE YEAR THAT WAS AND IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 6 2023
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17 EUGENE HEALY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TRIMFOLD Did costs come down this year? Costs stabilised in 2023 but it looks like they’re starting to rise again as we head further into winter.
How did you find 2023?
The launch of the Print Media Technician course through the IPF and Skillnet will hopefully help us attract the next generation
Ahead of where we were in 2022, but down on budget.
What are some of the challenges facing the business? Global uncertainty leaves a lack of confidence in the market. Two major wars are having an effect on raw material and energy costs and the new minimum wage being introduced in 2024 will also reflect in higher costs.
What will you not miss about 2023? The rain and storms.
How difficult is it to find and retain staff? This is an extremely difficult area. The first difficulty is getting the quality of staff that are required, the second is getting enough of said staff and the third is retention. The competition from big pharma etc is very hard to compete with!
Has recruitment been an issue? We’re lucky that we have a very limited staff turnover. Some staff members have been with P+D for over 40 years. Treating staff with respect and trying to be flexible where possible has helped us retain our core of committed staff members. Since coming through the pandemic, we’ve built a high level of trust and teamwork across departments and this has helped us develop a great company culture.
What will you not miss about 2023?
What issues are most likely to impact your business in 2024? The negatives are postal charges, energy costs, staff costs and retention. The positives are sustainability reporting, carbon footprinting and the removal of plastics.
World Cup loss to New Zealand.
Are you optimistic about next year?
Are you optimistic about next year?
optimistic, then we
2023 was a great year but I think like most people, I want to forget the Rugby
We maintain a cautious optimism into 2024. There may be macroeconomic challenges, but we have more new kit arriving early in 2024 which shows our continued optimism. We’ll continue to focus on delivering award-winning innovation and with a continued commitment to our long-term client
If we can’t be shouldn’t be in business. Optimism is a prerequisite of being a business person.
relationships, we’re very positive about continuing our growth and development in 2024.
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18 NIALL MESCALL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, READS DIRECT How was business in 2023? We were happy with 2023 and overall it was successful. We had changes in premises and we also upscaled some of our equipment.
Did costs come down? Staff costs, overheads and all the usual suspects play on everyone’s bottom line, so no change there really. Make sure you pigeonhole your suppliers for set costs or advanced notice on increases. They survive on regular business and most Irish suppliers are excellent. Our suppliers really provide a top class service especially
Nobody knows what’s around the corner, so all you can do is be prepared and ready for the good and the bad
Premier Paper, Material Solutions, Quadient, MJ Flood, Xerox IBS and Print & Finishing Equipment, to name just a few. Top notch service and speed of supply is vital for anyone in this game.
What are some of the challenges going into 2024? For a lot of printers and finishing businesses, upgrading equipment and machinery will be a challenge, as will dealing with online business competition, new challenges in AI and ChatGPT as well as the general day to day issues that thwart advancement or increases. If you can upskill staff and systems, upgrade machinery and equipment and advance your online presence, you have a
months – that was a real hassle and disruption.
What issues are most likely to impact your business in 2024? If costs keep increasing, our business model will be affected. Players driving down quality to get low costs to clients is also never a good thing. If you’re able to move with technology
very good fighting chance.
and advancement in creative areas, you will be
How difficult is it to find and retain staff?
Are you optimistic?
As we have the latest technologies and systems
Very! We’ve just taken in our fifth Roland – a
like Slack, Monday.com, ChatGPT, AI, excellent
new Truevis VG3 640 fully loaded, along with
IT backup as well as the latest computer
a new Versant and a new Morgana. A new HP
technology with full Adobe suites and modern
large format printer arrives in January, along
machinery, it’s easier to retain staff. Good clients
with three new digital copiers for traditional
and customers are often better than just lumping
self-service photocopying. We have new online
money at staff – once they have a good working
features on the website – conferences &
environment, fair wages and all their holidays,
exhibitions area, design your own personalised
it’s certainly easier. Travel is the big bugbear in
gifts, plus much more to come in 2024. If you
the staff area – sitting in traffic, long journeys
have projects and goals to reach, it really helps.
and extra travel costs really hurt.
Every year rolls into the next one faster and
fine.
faster. Nobody knows what’s around the corner,
What will you not miss about 2023?
so all you can do is be prepared and ready for
Leaks in my new premises that went on for three
the good and the bad.
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19
MAL MCGOWAN, OWNER, MCGOWANS PRINT How was business in 2023? It was good, we launched our folded carton division and it is growing day by day.
What are some of the challenges facing the business? Getting on top of sustainability and shouting about what we have done so far. IT development - to allocate more resources. Attracting more young people into the business.
Did costs come down at all in 2023? Some costs came down but not by the amount they should have. Massive profit taking in 2021/2022 by suppliers which printers can not and should not pass on.
How difficult is it to find and retain staff? Have you had to introduce new incentives to attract and keep employees? Staff retention is good, the incentive that I have difficulty with is working from home. If you don’t give it to your admin staff, they will find employment somewhere else. It creates another unnecessary division between production and admin.
What will you not miss about 2023? Global wars. Morality and inhumanity have hit an all-time low.
What issues are most likely to impact your business in 2024? Positively - our continued passion to grow and promote digital technology as the future. Negatively - the real potential for a global recession.
Are you optimistic about next year? I am always optimistic, so yes.
On the positive side – our continued passion to grow and promote digital technology as the future
ENDA BROPHY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GPMI LTD What will you not miss about 2023?
Did costs come down in 2023?
2023 was a positive year for all at GPMI so nothing to
On balance, no.
not miss!
What was positive about it?
What do you foresee as the obstacles to growth next year?
Following the acquisition by PPG, 2023 was a year of
Further business uncertainty, a slower economy and
change for us. We migrated to a new group IT system
a risk of bad debts.
and integrated into the PPG group. As far as business goes, it was quite inconsistent in 2023. The year got off to a slow start, with business uncertainty generated from
Are you optimistic about next year? Yes! Bring it on!
interest rate increases and a reducing rate of inflation.
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As the industry contracts, we see more opportunities opening up for us as there are fewer competitors in our space
PADDY GALLAGHER, SALES DIRECTOR, PRINT MEDIA SERVICES What will you not miss about 2023?
Did costs come down?
Although 2023 was a very successful year for the business,
As the pendulum of supply and demand swings slightly in
all of the team here at PMS will be glad to see the back of it
our favour, we have seen some commodity costs decrease.
as it was challenging for all.
The cost of energy is also going the right way.
How was business this year? Business started off quite slow in January. Book really took
What issues are most likely to impact your business in 2024?
off in February and unusually kept its momentum right
One of the biggest issues for us and for many small to medium
through the summer until December. It’s fair to say business
size printing companies will be the issue of more key suppliers
was quite good in 2023.
closing their doors due to owners retiring and voluntary liquidations. We’re talking here about some well-established
What are some of the challenges facing the business?
suppliers getting out of the trade.
2022 saw some challenges in relation to supply of various
Are you optimistic?
materials, but 2023 saw the additional challenge of supply
Yes, of course. I’m very optimistic about next year. 2023 was
of services, with some of our suppliers moving/merging and
a very good year as we saw a definite upturn in new business
some closing their doors in 2023. As I write this piece I am
with some lovely ideal accounts being landed. As the industry
also being made aware of some takeovers/mergers happening
contracts, we see more opportunities opening up for us as
with some of our existing suppliers, which may also pose
there are fewer and fewer competitors in our space actively
challenges for us in 2024.
chasing business. When those opportunities come along, we grab them with both hands.
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22
PACKAGING
How do we reach new heights with digital print in corrugated packaging? ROBERT SEAY investigates
the potential EXPLORING of CORRUGATED Digital print has been promising broad transformation in corrugated for a long time. Significant progress has been made, but digital print today still only represents and addresses a small subset of corrugated print needs. New approaches are needed to broaden the reach and value of digitally printed corrugated packaging. Digital print transformation in the corrugated industry has been a promise waiting to happen for many, many years. Part of the reason for the delay could be the industry has been perceived as having one monolithic set of needs and digital print has been promoted as one generic solution to fit all of those needs. However, all corrugated needs and digital print solutions are not the same. The reality is much more nuanced. Indeed, there has been some progress in several use cases and sub-markets including high quality graphics, samples, mock-ups, displays, short-run, large
Digital print transformation in the corrugated industry has been a promise waiting to happen for many, many years
format, double-sided print and supply chain efficiency including turn-around time, but there are still a few other
As suggested, the various digital print capabilities are nuanced.
use cases like personalisation and variable data that haven’t yielded
Digital print solutions generally do not adequately address all
transformation. Regardless, digital print still only addresses a fraction
substrate, board combination and form factors. Special requirements
of the overall market for printed corrugated packaging. For this to
of the printed product like ink holdout, colour, overprint varnish,
change, we must ask why and eventually address the many gaps that
coefficient of friction, durability and gluability all play a part in what
exist today with the overall solution set.
can or cannot be done by any given digital print solution. Specific
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23 For those of us who have been championing digital print in the corrugated industry, the pace of progress is both encouraging and disappointing
press limitations might mean something can be done in limited
levels of efficiency. Digital print must do something better or different
quantities or certain situations, but cannot be done at scale and
to provide more value than analog.
remain cost effective.
Finally, digital printing must consider the macro trends and what
Digital print was and still is supposed to simplify, streamline and
the needs of tomorrow will be. These macro trend requirements
accelerate the overall graphics, print process and product development
include fast turnaround, short run lengths – for many different
for the corrugated industry. Digital print in corrugated has been
reasons – supply chain efficiency, eCommerce, lightweighting,
most successful in areas in need of disruption including samples,
sustainability and automation that could make digital solutions more
mock-ups, displays and ultra short runs. However, to get at the bulk
compelling in the future. The predominant issue with digital print is the production costs for a given run length compared to the analog alternative. For digital to win more broadly, it must look beyond just consumables cost and look at reducing overall value chain costs including running costs, maintenance, capital, useful life and any other steps or parts that can be streamlined. Digital print, in general, has a big problem with amortisation of the overall solutions supporting capital and infrastructure required. Certainly, for parts of the market already identified, digital print can work and add value. However, to get at the larger volume of work, digital must either add new value and/or improve cost structure to compete with optimised analog processes. It is encouraging to see there is a next generation of solutions being developed that will hopefully help make some of the necessary improvements to expand the segments of the market where digital can add value. With these solutions, they are addressing the broader value chain, reducing steps and improving overall economics rather than just addressing print. For those of us who have been championing digital print in the corrugated industry, the pace of progress is both encouraging and disappointing. There are pockets of great success, but there is also a lot of work to do to get us to the full transformation that all members of the value chain need. These improvements and new solutions
of the market, digital needs to contend with what analog printing
cannot get here fast enough. It will be exciting to see what’s announced
does well, day-in and day-out.
and shown at drupa 2024 to further drive the industry’s digital
It has been incrementally fine-tuned to provide the quality,
transformation.
productivity, reliability, equipment life expectancy and cost structure that the market recognises today. Different production workflows
Robert Seay is Vice President of Digital Print Strategy and Growth,
have evolved to meet various product requirements with different
Georgia-Pacific
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24 TALKING TO
The Xtreme Signs & Graphics owner on the challenge of attracting young people into the industry and inspiring women to pursue a career in print
TALKING TO...
ROISIN HENNESSY How did you get into the print industry? After completing my degree in design, I went on to do a traditional sign writing course in Cork. After that, I was hooked. I started work experience in production, followed by installing, wrapping and design. I then moved into management
Favourite film? Forrest Gump.
What’s your favourite band/ musician? Anything happy and upbeat, I don’t have a specific
roles in sign companies in Australia and New Zealand, before returning home.
one.
What do you like and dislike about the industry?
Who or what makes you laugh?
I like solving problems. I dislike that there is always a problem to be solved.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? Stripping an old van wrap outside in the freezing New Zealand cold and snow with only a wonky heatgun and old plastic scraper. Got it done in the end though!
What’s your dream job? To be in charge of designing an entire festival with no budget.
As a business, what are the main challenges you face?
Has to be my dog Tino.
What superpower would you most like to have? To be able to read my clients minds... and their budgets. Or the ability to just click my fingers and turn a low res file into a clean vector.
How would you like to be remembered? I would like to think I was remembered for inspiring women to grow in the sign industry, which
Finding new young people that are interested in the signage industry and
traditionally would have been male orientated,
showing them the potential it has as a long term career or trade.
whether in design and project management or in
What are your ambitions for Xtreme Signs and Graphics? To keep growing and adapting with the ever changing landscape in the print industry. We aim to be a one-stop-shop for all our clients’ needs.
production and installation.
Life is... Never assuming anything because it just makes an ass out of you and me!
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