Irish Printer Issue 5 2021

I S S U E 5 2 0 2 1 | | 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

FROM

MONO TO COLOUR

AWARDS GLORY P+D strikes Gold at Popai Awards

Future-proofing at PrintPost with new Xerox Baltoro HF

Going

Bringing colour back at

FESPA

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Europe’s largest speciality print exhibition returns

UP

The rising cost of doing business in Ireland

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1 ISSUE 5 2021

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

07 Remembering Albert Morris Dick Hogan remembers Albert Morris, founder member of Topic Newspapers

15 08 Bringing colour back The focus was on ‘bringing colour back’ after an extraordinary 18 months for the print industry at FESPA Global Print Expo 2021

10 Awards glory for P+D P+D strikes Gold at the 2021 Popai Awards

20 Costs on the up IPF President Diarmuid Dawson talks to Irish Printer about the rising cost of doing business and the scarcity of skilled staff

From mono to colour A new Xerox Baltoro HF at PostPrint has opened up a world of possibilities for the An Post subsidiary

22 Green Sleeves A new online presentation at the National Print Museum examines the Irish-printed album cover

22 NATIONAL PRINT M U S E U M

23 A new online presentation at the National Print Museum examines the Irish-printed album cover

GREEN SLEEVES Thanks to funding from the Heritage Council, the National Print

1980s. Yet even with the decline in production and

Museum is presenting online installations of four exhibitions

sales, the vinyl record and the album cover have

previously held on its premises. First up is ‘Green Sleeves – Seven

both persisted and have seen a revival of late.

decades of LP covers in Ireland’, curated by Dr Ciarán Swan and

Despite selling in much smaller numbers than its

Niall McCormack. The project consists of album covers, designed

heyday, the format has proven remarkably resilient

or printed in Ireland for Irish groups who worked at home or

and album covers continue to be designed in

abroad, as well as albums from abroad referencing Ireland or

Ireland.

This exhibition is divided into five broad

Irishness from the late 1950s to the present day.

Arising from the increase in popularity of the vinyl record, the

categories. These categories are not entirely

Irish print industry saw an increase in companies solely devoted

chronological, but seek to make connections

to album covers in the 1960s. This business flourished for two

between disparate genres of music, drawing out

decades, before declining along with the vinyl record in the

commonalities of musical approach or sensibility.

originally these were generic paper or plastic covers used to avoid scratches. By the 1970s however, they evolved to specially designed printed sleeves containing additional information and song lyrics.

Each iteration brought with it different They provide a framing device for the album sleeves in the

requirements as well as cover sizes. As time

exhibition. Rather than supplying definitive answers, these

progressed, the demands of musicians and record

categories propose questions about genre, identity, authenticity

labels saw considerable experimentation in the

within broader societal and cultural dynamics and how these

form of the cover itself. For example, gatefold was

work with and against those creating the music and the imagery

employed – an oversized cover folded to the

of the album sleeve. As the exhibition is focused on sleeves

record’s standard size, along with other

printed in Ireland, it does not include some Irish artists signed to

innovations. This gave more area to experiment with artwork and text. The cover became a piece of

international labels.

Records inside album covers were usually held within sleeves –

art and design in its own right.

For more, go to www.nationalprintmuseum.ie/green-sleeves/

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 5 2021

ISSUE 5 2021 IRISH PRINTER

24 Talking to…

Donnan Cullen The Key Account Manager at Canon UK & Ireland talks about digital earning its kudos and why becoming a park ranger might be on the cards

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

Welcome to issue 5 of Irish Printer for 2021.

Irish Printer,

For this issue of Irish Printer I spoke with John Brady, Managing Director at PrintPost, about the new Xerox Baltoro HF that the An Post subsidiary invested in last year. The move has created new business opportunities for PrintPost and increased its competitiveness in the transactional mail market. The machine has also, says John, provided existing customers with a new techdriven, cost-effective solution. The aim is to continually add value to An Post and with the new Xerox Baltoro HF, John and his team are now in a position to offer a comprehensive suite of added-value services to customers, both old and new. For more on how PrintPost intends to diversify into new markets, turn to page 15.

The rising cost of doing business and the scarcity of skilled staff in the print industry are just a couple of the topics discussed by Diarmuid Dawson in our interview on page 20. Costs have gone up, raw materials aren’t available and trying to plan ahead is, says Diarmuid, virtually impossible. The skills shortage in the print sector is as problematic as ever, but there may be some light at the end of the tunnel. The Design Print & Packaging Skillnet is in the early stage of an initiative to identify and address the skills requirements of the print sector. A project manager will be appointed to lead the project and will work with a committee of employers to guide it. The goal of the project is, says DPP Skillnet Network Manager Brian Colleran, to provide new entrants and existing employees with the technical foundation knowledge for a range of core skills required by the sector. Companies interested in participating in the project can contact Brian at brian@dppskillnet.ie.

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 2021. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are run independently of Irish Printer.

The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring

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!

the prize. ISSN 0790-2026

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Lowest total cost of igniting growth.

How can inkjet drive growth for your business? The Xerox® Baltoro® inkjet platform can streamline, automate and accelerate work. Our platform’s seamless expandability, green-button simplicity and lowest total cost of ownership create more opportunity for you: We call that inkonomics.

Learn what inkonomics can do for your business at www.Xerox.ie/BaltoroTCO ©2021 Xerox Corporation. All rights reserved. Xerox® and Baltoro® are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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U P D A T E S

NEWS The financial impact of greenwash on the print industry For over 10 years, Two Sides has been actively engaging with organisations found to be making misleading and unsupported environmental claims against print and paper. Its Anti-Greenwash campaign has successfully challenged over 750 global organisations, primarily service providers like banks, utilities and telecoms, that subject their customers to repeated greenwashing messages which are damaging to the print industry. At the beginning of 2021, a research project was conducted in partnership with consumer

Canon has been appointed the Official Imaging Supporter for the

examined:

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and is hoping to use its

• The reach and impact of greenwashing

CANON

Canon is official imaging supporter for Birmingham 2022

expertise to showcase the event and inspire people across the world, while also nurturing a new generation of sports fans.

research organisation Censuswide, which

on consumer behaviour • The financial impact upon the paper, print

Through the sponsorship, Canon will support athletes and organisers

and mailing industry as a result of

with on-site medical imaging services, dedicated Canon professional

greenwashing

service (CPS) support and printing solutions which will help to

• The volume and value of preserved print,

bring the Games to life to more than a billion spectators and viewers.

paper and postage as a result of the Two

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see around 6,000

Sides Anti-Greenwash campaign

athletes from 72 nations and territories compete in 19 sports and

• The potential for further preservation of

eight para-sports across 14 competition venues from 28 July until

volumes and value if the current Two Sides

8 August 2022. It’s expected to attract more than one million

success rate to stop greenwash is

spectators to the city and have a global TV audience of 1.5 billion.

improved and extended to more countries.

Yuichi Ishizuka, President and CEO of Canon Europe, Middle East

Two Sides has put together a fact sheet that

and Africa, said: “Canon Professional Services will give photographers

explores the damaging financial impact of

and broadcasters behind-the-scenes support in capturing every

greenwash on the paper, print and mailing

moment of the action, while dedicated on-site printing services will

industry, including the value preserved by

help the event organisers and venues to deliver an exciting fan and

the Anti-Greenwash campaign and how

spectator experience.” Cutting-edge medical imaging services will

much value is at risk annually from

also support athletes’ performance during the Games. MRI,

greenwashing messages. To download the

ultrasound and X-ray imaging services will be available throughout

fact sheet, go to https://www.twosides.info/

the athletes’ village and in diagnostic vehicles to provide support for some of the world’s biggest sports stars.

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A perfect partnership

5

A reseller partnership between Litho Supplies and CERM reaffirms Litho’s commitment to the print trade

P A R T N E R P R O F I L E

Litho Supplies Ltd is the longest established

improves your productivity up to 30% with the

distributor of print equipment, consumables,

same amount of people and equipment involved.

workflow and service to the Irish printing trade.

At CERM, we believe in an automated workflow,

As of today, Litho now also represents CERM, a

in connecting all elements of your business and a

worldwide MIS supplier for labels and packaging

continuous striving for operational excellence.

converters.

Through partnerships with industry leaders, we

This new partnership between CERM and Litho

create complete and scalable end-to-end solutions

Supplies is the continuation of Litho’s commitment

for your entire value chain. All questions or

to the delivery of first-class products and technically

enquiries may be sent to Richard Styles, Sales

advanced solutions to an ever-changing print trade.

Director at Litho Supplies and dedicated CERM

The implementation of the CERM MIS Software

supplier for the Irish market.

Litho Supplies Richard Styles – Sales Director richard@lithosupplies.ie 00353 872342881 CERM MIS Software for Labels & Packaging Sebastiaan Hermans – Marketing Manager Sebastiaan.hermans@cerm.net 0032 50 833883

Improve your productivity with CERM MIS Software

Process more orders faster and better by

Complete the CERM RADAR on our

integrating all elements of your business.

website and learn how CERM MIS

We automate your workflow and turn

improves your productivity.

endless possibilities into reality. Stay ahead of the herd with CERM MIS Software for Labels & Packaging.

All questions or enquiries may be sent to Richard Styles, Sales Director at Litho Supplies and dedicated CERM supplier. richard@lithosupplies.ie 00353 872342881

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Retriever Sports’ Managing Director Ian Bennett with an award presented by Mark Andy’s Phil Baldwin (centre) to commemorate the first Evolution 5 to be installed in the UK, with Graphic Designer Colin Raynsford

Retriever Sports installs first Mark Andy Evolution 5 In one of the more unusual applications for narrow web flexo technology, UK manufacturer of darts and accessories, Retriever Sports, has added a Mark Andy Evolution 5 to its production facility in Slough, some 20 miles west of London. The six-colour flexo press is the first of its kind to be installed in the UK and replaces one of two Mark Andy Scouts that have been in use at Retriever Sports for several years. Retriever Sports manufactures around 10 million sets of dart flights each year in its

Landa lands at McGowans Installation of the new Landa S10 at McGowans has finished, with the mammoth piece of equipment now up and running. The company’s acquisition of the nanographic printing press is, said Mal McGowan, all about moving the company’s small format division up a gear. The new machine (the first in Ireland) opens up a whole new set of opportunities for the company, such as direct mail, publishing, commercial print, folded carton and POS. According to Mal, the Landa S10 has the potential to change Ireland’s print sector. “I predict that it will be the next big technology to impact the industry. The market is headed towards a more focused, targeted and sustainable future and one where huge print-runs are just not compatible. Nanography is poised to be the answer and we’re excited to be the first business in Ireland to take it to market.”

20,000 sq ft factory. Most dart flights are six colours, or five plus varnish. The moveable cold foil system in the new Evolution allows for a greater degree of creativity in decoration that the market now demands. Since full commissioning in April and two weeks of training, the new Evolution 5 has added 50% to Retriever’s output.

Not all dots are created equal Matt Manteit explains how innovative dot-adhesive technology is at the core of quick and easy installation of promotional graphics A large retail chain announces an upcoming Christmas promotion

The devil is in the detail

and the supporting graphics need to be installed in over 1000

The size, positioning and distribution of the dots is critical for air

stores on windows, walls and floors. However due to time and cost

removal and adhesive performance. Air can be trapped and issues

constraints, it is not possible to hire professional installers for many

may arise if the dots are too large or too small, too close together

of the stores, so who will install the graphics? Is it realistic to expect

or too far apart, or not uniformly distributed.

shop assistants to apply the graphics and achieve the same

Often overlooked but equally important is the liner. A high quality,

professional result?

double side PE liner is critical for stability and trouble-free print

The consequences are often seen in stores all over the world:

performance. Cheaper alternatives use lower quality kraft liners,

decals with unsightly bubbles, creases and curled edges that

which are highly sensitive to heat or moisture and can result in

cheapen and distract from the core marketing message. However,

costly print head strikes and tunnelling in the liner.

a solution exists, a material that is often overlooked because of

As with many things in life, it is often more cost and time-efficient

price, but that ultimately saves time and money - dot-shaped

to do your research and invest in the right graphics solution for

adhesives. During installation, any air naturally flows out effortlessly

the right application from the outset. Especially when the graphic

through the channels between the dots as pressure is applied to

might well need to be installed by a relative novice.

the film. Professional results are easy to achieve, even by store staff who may typically be more at home serving customers than

Matt Manteit is International Sales Manager

installing graphics.

at Neschen Coating GmbH

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ALBERT MORRIS Dick Hogan remembers Albert Morris, founder member of Topic Newspapers

1936 – 2021

Mullingar lost one of its best known and most popular

double wedding ceremony in the Cathedral, when Eileen’s sister

personalities early on September 23 with the death of Albert

Mary was also wed to Paddy Kenny.

Morris of 2 St. Loman’s Terrace, one of the founder members of

Albert, who loved most sports including horse and greyhound

Topic Newspapers half a century ago and who went on to set up

racing, hurling and boxing, and particularly the outdoor life, was

his own printing business on Patrick Street, Mullingar.

a loyal Wexford man. For years, he enjoyed hunting rabbits with

Beloved husband of Eileen (nee Crowley) and father of David,

ferrets at weekends and he also kept greyhounds for a period. He

Vinny and Greg, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his

was an excellent singer, with a fine tenor voice and having lived

family, at Tullamore Hospital, following a short illness. He will be

with his grandparents for a time near Wexford Opera House and

greatly missed by all who loved and knew him, including former

sneaking into rehearsals there, had a special appreciation of good

colleagues and friends in Topic.

singing and music.

Albert, in his 86th year, was born in June 1936, a native of White

Cycling was something he also greatly enjoyed and in Mullingar

Rock View, in Wexford town. One of a family of 16, he was a

with his eldest son Bertie, (whose passing at just 19 years of age

printer by profession and very skilled at his trade. His father Tom

was a huge blow to Albert, Eileen and the family), he was a

was also a printer, as were his brothers. He learned the trade as a

founder member of Mullingar Cycling Club, now Lakeside

teenager in the local Wexford People and then worked in

Wheelers. He was a great person for early rising throughout his

Lemington Spa in Britain before coming to Mullingar to take up a

life and someone who loved company, a chat, a drink and a

printing position with the Westmeath Examiner in 1957, offered

‘flutter’ on the horses. He was also a man of firm faith and found

to him by the then newspaper Manager, the late Kevin Cadogan.

it tested in adversity over the years and severely again last year,

Albert continued as a printer with the Examiner for 14 years

with the death of a second son, Conor.

until mid 1971, when he and Dick Hogan left and were joined by

We extend heartfelt sympathy to his much loved wife Eileen,

Tommy Kiernan, who had left a short time earlier. With the late

his sons David, Vinny and Greg, his daughters-in-law Mary, Nora,

Michael Eivers, they started Express Print at Dublin Road,

Catherine and Melanie, his brothers Frank and Eddie, sisters

Mullingar and in November 1971, the first edition of Topic was

Margaret, Elizabeth, Bernie, Mabel, Kathleen, Christine, Patricia

printed and published. Albert went on to establish his own print

and Ann, his adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren and

works at Patrick Street and begin a new family business, which

other relatives and friends. May his kind soul rest eternally in

his son Greg still continues. Down the decades, Albert remained

God’s peace.

a good friend and a regular visitor to Topic, right up to a few months ago when he first became indisposed.

Devoted and faithful to his wife and family, as the celebrant of

Dick Hogan is the Editor at Topic Newspapers Image courtesy of Mick Flanagan, Topic Newspapers

his funeral Mass Fr. Norman Allred stated, he and his wife Eileen met just a day after he first came to town, at a dance in the County Hall. The couple were wed two years later in 1959, in a

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BRINGING

COLOUR The focus was on ‘bringing colour back’ after an extraordinary 18 months for the print industry at FESPA Global Print Expo 2021

BACK

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Canon showcased its Colorado 1630 and Arizona 135 GT printers at the event.

According to Canon, the modular architecture of the Colorado 1630 helps users to configure the printer to their unique business needs by adding options such as Europe’s largest international speciality print exhibition, FESPA

FLXfinish, a second media roll and double-

Global Print Expo 2021 took place from the 12 – 15 October at the

sided printing, without the need for a service

RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam. Hundreds of exhibitors

visit. The company says the Arizona 135 GT

showcased their latest innovations and product launches for the

is the only printer in its segment with a

digital and screen printing sectors for graphics, signage, décor,

field-upgradable Roll Media Option (RMO)

packaging, industrial and textile applications. Several suppliers also

to print on flexible media, while the Arizona

launched new products and shared major product announcements

2380 XTF allows users to increase

at the show. Agfa launched a new flagship inkjet printer for the high

productivity by over 20% by minimising the

end of the sign & display market. The 3.3m hybrid Jeti Tauro H3300

need for masking and taping. It also allows

UHS LED, aka ‘the Beast’, is geared towards the reliable 24/7

you to work with more challenging media

production of print jobs of first-rate image quality. It’s also well-

such as cardboard, wood and glass. At the

suited to printing corrugated cardboard, says Agfa.

Mimaki stand, customers had the opportunity to take a look at the new highvolume UV flatbed printer, the JFX600-2513, the high-speed, high-quality UJF Series printers and the full-colour desktop 3D printer, the 3DUJ-2207.

A visitor favourite, World Wrap Masters Europe 2021 took centre stage at the event and saw competitors battling it out in live timed vehicle wrapping matches. Norman Brubach from Design-Freiburg won the match and was crowned “Wrap Master of Europe 2021” on the final day of the event.

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P+D strikes Gold at the 2021 Popai Awards

AWARDS GLORY FOR This project was set up in record time with multiple executions in different-sized pharmacies, some of which hadn’t previously stocked Dettol. The display features clear, effective, simple messaging

P+D At this year’s Popai Awards, P+D beat off strong competition from Team ITG and Display (a part of the Smurfit Kappa Group) in the Home & Garden section to win gold for its Cuprinol Ducksback ‘Duckhouse’ unit. The judges commended P+D for its ingenuity and creativity, stating: “A complex, impactful unit which makes good use of store floor space. Delivering strong branding, it really shows the finished paint colours well. They even had to produce additional units to meet demand.”

In the Pharmacy & Wellbeing category, P+D took the silver award for its ‘Dettol Pharmacy Launch’ product.

Commenting on the unit, judges said: “This project was set up in record time with multiple executions in different-sized pharmacies, some of which hadn’t previously stocked Dettol.

The display features clear, effective, simple messaging.”

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Expand into packaging with the New Speedmaster CX 104

Explore the special advantages of the new Speedmaster CX 104, which has been especially designed for flexible production and the changeover from commercial to packaging printing.

Experience an autonomous changeover as well as refinements such as drip-off and spot coating.

Find out how Heidelberg can help you achieve your goals

www.uk.heidelberg.com +44 (0) 844 892 2010

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SAVE THE DATE 1ST APRIL

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From

to

A new Xerox Baltoro HF at PrintPost has opened up a new world of possibilities for the An Post subsidiary PrintPost, a wholly owned subsidiary of An Post, was established in 1994 to support the An Post Group with the provision of a secure print and fulfilment solution for business customers. Operating from two “mirrored” sites in Dublin and Portlaoise, PrintPost provides customers with an unparalleled hi-tech document management system. From day one, the company has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Xerox, its key supplier. Last year Print Post purchased a Xerox Baltoro HF inkjet colour printer, an investment that will allow the company to change up its offering to customers, both old and new.

Traditionally, PrintPost operated on a mono printing on pre-print format for its transactional mail business. Over the past few years, an evolving market has seen this core business move to single pass printing, removing the need for overprinting shells. “It allows for more flexibility and efficiency so we identified a business need to present our customers with an expanded offering. We also saw it as an opportunity to market ourselves to new business,” said John Brady, Managing Director, PrintPost.

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“We embarked on a competitive tender process with Xerox, who came forward with a well thought-out solution that would allow us to meet the needs of our existing customers, while attracting new business. It is important that when we invest, we invest with an eye on the future and that in-field upgrades can further broaden the range of work we produce as our market develops. Essentially, it was a proposal that amounted to a collaboration with us, as opposed to a simple commercial transaction.” The Baltoro HF is a sheetfed inkjet press that boasts Xerox’s own High Fusion inkjet heads and HF inks to print productively onto a wide range of paper stocks. Aimed at the transactional, direct mail and catalogue markets, the Baltoro is a four colour B3 press, with high levels of Automated Intelligence including an inline X-Rite spectrophotometer for tight colour management, a broad range of paper and substrate support down to 52gsm and flexible feeding and finishing options. For added flexibility, it also features an option to cap the cyan, magenta and yellow heads to use it as a monochrome only device.

“Ultimately, what won it for us was the combination of the performance outputs that it was providing, the cost of the machine and our ability to choose the appropriate quality and associated cost placed the

Damian Mooney, Head of Operations

Xerox Baltoro handsomely ahead of everyone else.”

The new Baltoro has already helped to drive business growth and further improved PrintPost’s competitiveness in the

Xerox Baltoro, we’ve started that journey; we’re now offering our

transactional mail market. “It has also allowed us to go to our

customers a colour print solution for transactional mail and we’re

existing customer base and say, rather than going down this road,

in a position to include inserts in envelopes, a fulfilment service

here’s a solution that will give you a better return

that our customers have welcomed, particularly since

on your spend. We’re finding that several of our

Covid. New investment will allow us to move into other

existing customers are in the process of migrating

areas.” PrintPost carries out all of An Post’s transactional

to colour print solutions so now, we’re in a position where we can remove their storage and logistics costs and offer them a simple, efficient, costeffective solution.”

John goes on to say: “An Post is diversifying and seeking to find relevance in a new way. That thinking has percolated into the subsidiaries,

Up to 115% more productive on legal-sized jobs than other presses in its class

including PrintPost. We’ll continue to expand our

and personalised mail and internal communications.

“We’re also fulfilling An Post’s commercial print requirements and looking at other opportunities to add value to the An Post Group such as design, vinyls and labels. Our aim is to continually add value to An Post and on the back of that, we’ll be in a position to offer these added-value services to our existing customer base.”

facilities to meet the needs of longstanding and new customers,

For PrintPost, it’s about finding ways of adding value to its

investing in the latest technology and equipment. With the new

existing customer base and growing the business organically on

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About the Xerox Baltoro HF

Specifications

According to Norman McNellis, Production

Standard Capabilities

– Production inkjet colour printing with exclusive Black-only mode

Optional Capabilities

– Roll-to-sheet feeding; Colour Accelerator media expansion module; Finishing, dual unload-while run high-capacity feeders

seeking to re-engineer and differentiate in the

Rated speed

– Up to 300 A4 images per minute Duplex, 197 A4 images per minute Simplex

market. Our best in class cost of ownership

Recommended average monthly volume – 750,000 - 3,000,000 images per month

Sales Manager at Xerox Ireland: “The Xerox Baltoro HF is the ultimate platform for printers

which we call Inkonomics, coupled with our inbuilt Automated Intelligence, drives high levels of uptime and productivity, creating a very compelling value proposition.” The

Digital Front Ends

– Xerox FreeFlow Print Server

Finishing

– Binder, Booklet Making, Cutting, Slitting and Folding, Hole Punch

Media Types

– Uncoated plain, inkjet treated, inkjet coated, offset gloss, silk, satin, matt and dull coated paper.

flagship inkjet press represents nearly two decades of customer inspired refinement. As John’s business develops, so can the Xerox Baltoro platform, as evidenced by the recently announced Colour Accelerator upgrade option, broadening the range of substrates including support for heavier stock weights and offset gloss coated material. Similarly, the just released System 14 in field upgrade provides existing users increased levels of automation and the ability through the lightweight stock kit to run uncoated paper down to 52gsm.

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that basis. “Supplementing that growth with new customers is

Leo Varadkar announced the country was shutting down. “ Despite

also part of our strategy. Ireland’s print industry has changed

all the limitations and the restrictions at the time, we managed

substantially; now we can offer our customers a far more

to get it here, get it up and running, conduct online training and

comprehensive suite of offerings compared to what we could

have it fully functional in a relatively short period of time. Given

have offered 10 years ago.”

we were in the midst of the pandemic at the time, that was a

PrintPost purchased the Baltoro HF from Xerox the same day

fair achievement!”

ISSUE 5 2021 IRISH PRINTER

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18

18

PENSION FUND

The Irish Printing Federation (IPF) shares information related to uncollected pensions for people working in the print industry in the 1970s and 1980s

PRINT INDUSTRY

PENSION FUNDS CHECKING FOR ENTITLEMENT

A bona fide investment advisory firm has recently advertised that some funds remain in print industry pension funds and may be paid out to qualifying persons (and to appropriate relatives of deceased members).

Their newspaper notice referred to the 1970s and 1980s, but we should

For reasons of confidentiality and data protection, only individuals can check for entitlements. Queries may be posted or emailed and need to include: Full Name of Employee Date of Birth Contact Phone Number Address (optional) The person should make sure they reference ‘Print Pension Funds’.

not rule out employment before or after that.

The investment company is: Acumen & Trust Financial Advisors, Sandyford Business Centre, 4A, Burton Hall Rd, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 K856 | e: solutions@acumen.ie | t: 01 2936500

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 5 2021

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Partnering with:

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17/11/2021 17:42

20 I N T E R V I E W

IPF President Diarmuid Dawson talks to Irish Printer about the rising cost of doing business and the scarcity of skilled staff

Diarmuid Dawson, IPF President and Dermot Downer, MD, Westside Press

DIARMUID

TALKING TO... DAWSON shipments. In our business here, we buy from Europe but despite that, our lead times have gone from four weeks to about seven or eight weeks. Costs have gone up, availability is scarce and trying to plan ahead is virtually impossible.”

2021 might have seen two paper price increases but

The rising cost of fuel which affects deliveries, the

there’s another one on the way, says Irish Printing

rising cost of energy and the continued rising cost of

Federation President Diarmuid Dawson. “We’re

living will also be driving wage inflation. It will be

hearing that it will kick in early Q1 next year. It’s

extremely difficult for an economy to recover with

frustrating as it’s very difficult to pass these costs

these external factors driving costs, says Diarmuid.

down to the customer. The other major issue affecting

Not a good time to have a budget that will only add to

the sector is the availability of materials, from pulp to

those costs for business.

other raw materials. I think the perception is that this

Since the pandemic hit, the explosive growth of

lack of availability is down to Brexit, but it’s not. The

ecommerce has seen a jump in activity in the

problem is that the raw material simply isn’t there.

packaging and label sector. “Despite that, I’ve heard

The likes of China and Asia are buying up as much

horror stories of people waiting three months for

pulp as they can; it’s becoming a major problem and

materials. There are some very serious obstacles to

it’s compounded by the huge cost of actually moving

recovery and growth out there for print firms at the

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21 moment.” A lack of skilled professionals is also impacting the industry, says Diarmuid. “We’ve been talking about this issue for so many years now. No training means no staff, which in turn leads to a rise in wages and other issues around the lack of casual staff, due to the PUP payment. We’ve been trying to get a few extra bodies on board for a project; the work is there up until Christmas, but we just cannot get anyone.” The only option is to struggle on with the people we have, says Diarmuid. “That has an impact on the whole cycle of job in, job out. From what I hear, a lot of the casual agency staff would have been on a basic wage, but no-one is working for that kind of money anymore.”

BRINGING SKILLS BACK TO THE SECTOR The Design Print & Packaging Skillnet, which the IPF is the sponsoring body, is currently in the early stage of an initiative to identify and address the skills requirements of the print sector (general print, packaging and labels). A project manager will be appointed to lead the project and will work with a committee of employers (to be formed in the coming weeks) to guide it. The goal of the project is to deliver a skills pathway for new entrants and existing employees that will provide the technical foundation knowledge for a range of core skills required by the sector.

For any company looking to participate in this project, please contact Brian Colleran, the DPP Skillnet Network Manager at brian@dppskillnet.Ie

Businesses availing of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) will have welcomed the news that the scheme has been extended an extra four months to the end of April 2022. The first three

the print industry and with a full (subject to

months of 2022 will be a good indicator for the sector,

restrictions) reopening scheduled for the end of

says Diarmuid. “Businesses should note that the

October, revenues could be up for some companies by

scheme will be closed to new entrants from January 1,

the end of 2021. “Some companies have done well

meaning that only businesses already enrolled in the

throughout Covid, there are some good news stories

programme at the end of the year will be permitted to

out there. I think the industry is improving; print

use it in 2022. EWSS will be tapered from the end of

firms are slowly beginning to recover. It’s important

this year, with two bands at €151.50 and €203 in

to stay optimistic. So many firms have reinvented

December, January and February, reducing to a single

themselves over the past 18 months. They’re coming

flat rate of €100 for March and April, to wean

out of the pandemic stronger but at the same time,

businesses off the subsidy. PRSI relief will also be

there are other firms that are still experiencing

eliminated for the final two months of the scheme.”

difficulties. Numbers engaging with the DPPS are up;

Along with a couple of large print firms, the IPF is taking matters into its own hands when it comes to

people are upskilling and preparing for a diversified industry.”

industry training. “There are a number of companies

Recently, the IPF posted information relating to

operating in the sector that are desperate to initiate

uncollected pensions for people working in the print

some kind of training to try and futureproof the

industry in the 1970s and 1980s. “Back in the day,

industry. We’re hoping to introduce training through

some printers were paying their union subs but what

DPP Skillnet in collaboration with a couple of print

they didn’t know was that out of that sub, a certain

firms. If you can’t provide training to people, then

amount was being put aside for their pension. In the

they’ll move on so the aim is to plug the gap where

past few weeks, we have heard of a retired printer who

people are leaving the industry; in our business, a

after making a few inquiries, received a substantial

couple of young lads left because we couldn’t offer

sum. We feel that if we can get retired printers talking

them apprenticeships, so we know the challenges that

to the right people, they might get a nice lump sum.”

a lack of training is presenting to print firms.”

For more information on pensions for retired printers,

The reopening of the events sector is good news for

see page 18.

ISSUE 5 2021 IRISH PRINTER

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22 NATIONAL PRINT M U S E U M

A new online presentation at the National Print Museum examines the Irish-printed album cover

GREEN Thanks to funding from the Heritage Council, the National Print

1980s. Yet even with the decline in production and

Museum is presenting online installations of four exhibitions

sales, the vinyl record and the album cover have

previously held on its premises. First up is ‘Green Sleeves – Seven

both persisted and have seen a revival of late.

decades of LP covers in Ireland’, curated by Dr Ciarán Swan and

Despite selling in much smaller numbers than its

Niall McCormack. The project consists of album covers, designed

heyday, the format has proven remarkably resilient

or printed in Ireland for Irish groups who worked at home or

and album covers continue to be designed in

abroad, as well as albums from abroad referencing Ireland or

Ireland.

Irishness from the late 1950s to the present day.

This exhibition is divided into five broad

Arising from the increase in popularity of the vinyl record, the

categories. These categories are not entirely

Irish print industry saw an increase in companies solely devoted

chronological, but seek to make connections

to album covers in the 1960s. This business flourished for two

between disparate genres of music, drawing out

decades, before declining along with the vinyl record in the

commonalities of musical approach or sensibility.

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23

SLEEVES

originally these were generic paper or plastic covers used to avoid scratches. By the 1970s however, they evolved to specially designed printed sleeves containing additional information and song lyrics.

Each iteration brought with it different They provide a framing device for the album sleeves in the

requirements as well as cover sizes. As time

exhibition. Rather than supplying definitive answers, these

progressed, the demands of musicians and record

categories propose questions about genre, identity, authenticity

labels saw considerable experimentation in the

within broader societal and cultural dynamics and how these

form of the cover itself. For example, gatefold was

work with and against those creating the music and the imagery

employed – an oversized cover folded to the

of the album sleeve. As the exhibition is focused on sleeves

record’s standard size, along with other

printed in Ireland, it does not include some Irish artists signed to

innovations. This gave more area to experiment

international labels.

with artwork and text. The cover became a piece of

Records inside album covers were usually held within sleeves –

art and design in its own right.

For more, go to www.nationalprintmuseum.ie/green-sleeves/

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I N T E R V I E W

The Key Account Manager at Canon UK & Ireland talks about digital earning its kudos and why becoming a park ranger might be on the cards

TALKING TO...

How long have you worked in the print industry?

I’ve been working in the industry for 24 years and my role has always focused on sales. It’s a job I love and I wouldn’t want to work in any other area of the business.

How did you get into it?

DONNAN CULLEN

Back in 1997, I worked for Gestetner selling duplicators. This role led to a move to Océ in 1998 (now Canon) and I’ve been working

What’s your favourite band/musician?

for the organisation ever since. I’ve always been fascinated by the

The Clash. They just don’t make bands like them anymore.

technology and innovation used by Canon, especially in the inkjet space.

What do you see as your biggest success in life?

One of my biggest successes is that I’ve managed to spend lots

What do you love/hate about the industry?

of time with my children whilst holding down a demanding job.

I love that the industry is developing an attitude of providing

My family has and always will be my priority and I’m proud I

more than just print. The successful printers appear to be those

can look back and know I did so many things, both with and for

that add value and a point of difference to their customers.

them.

How has the industry changed?

Are you a glass half empty or half full person?

Over the years, I’ve seen digital earning respect within the

You have to be half full if you’re in sales – you also have to be a

industry. It started as a technology which was far behind other

realist to ensure you can adapt your offering to deliver the best

print formats in terms of quality. Today, the quality is on par and

service and products for your customers.

in some cases even surpasses that of litho.

Who or what makes you laugh?

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

I love the Tommy, Hector and Loreta podcast – it’s the most

When I was a teenager, I worked as a kitchen porter which was

Irish craic you will ever hear!

really tough. The chef at the restaurant would burn the bottom of the pots, making it nearly impossible to clean them properly. I

What superpower would you most like to have?

definitely prefer the world of printing!

I’d love to be able to teleport. The roads in Ireland are not as bad as they used to be, but I spend a lot of time driving in my

What’s your dream job?

role. I often wish I could blink and be at my next customers’ site

I’m passionate about hiking. I spend much of my spare time in

rather than sitting in traffic for hours.

the Wicklow Mountains and often think being a park ranger would be a dream job.

How would you like to be remembered?

I’d like my customers to remember my honesty and that I

What’s your favourite film?

always tried my best for them. Outside of work, I’d like my

Apocalypse Now. I’ve watched it so many times and it still blows

friends and family to remember I would only ever treat them

my mind.

the way I would like to be treated myself.

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