Horizon Smart Factory to run online in two weeks

Finishing solutions developer Horizon is running its multi-vendor Smart Factory expo in two weeks’ time, this year as a hybrid event with both in-person and online streams.

Under the banner of Connectable Automation, the week-long Smart Factory 2021 will take place 18-22 October, from Horizon’s new 10,000sqm Innovation Park (HIP) in Japan. Aussie and Kiwi printers can't go to the in-person event, but can join in with the live stream. Click here to register for the event.

In collaboration with 12 industry leading companies, Horizon will create a working Smart Factory at HIP which combines pre-press, press, and finishing processes to create timesaving, streamlined production lines.

Alongside Horizon – supplied in Australia and New Zealand by Currie Group - there will be a host of leading print solutions developers including Canon, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, Miyakoshi, Ricoh, Ryobi MHI, and Screen.

Each day will feature a morning tour and evening tour of finishing solutions focused on a particular theme, such as Inline Cut Sheet Press & Book Production. Printers can pick and choose which sessions to attend.

Between the two daily tour sessions Horizon will hold in-depth demonstrations on a finishing solution introduced during the tour. Horizon will be revealing new products, and says many of the other vendors will also have new releases.

For anyone that cannot make a particular live tour, recordings of each session will be sent directly to the email of registered attendees shortly after the live session finishes.

The week is designed to show digitally driven integrated print production, with computer power creating maximum efficiencies. Horizon says Smart Factory concept is based on breakthroughs in machine automation and data collection, which has resulted in the ability to increase productivity, while reducing labour costs and turnaround times.

Bernie Robinson, managing director of ANZ supplier Currie Group, who went to the inaugural event two years ago, said: “Seeing all the new technology working is a real advantage for what the future is holding for our industry, and working with different vendors with these products and all the Horizon finishing online is fantastic to see as well. Horizon is opening up its product line to show full automation online to other vendors items. It is well worthwhile to take the time, and log into Horizons Smart factory October expo.”

Click here to register for the event.