Iconic label brand will manufacture a hybrid flexo-inkjet press to be showcased at its St Gallen factory post-LabelExpo. The company has made a decision not participate for the first time in LabelExpo Chicago in September, preferring to introduce its new technology at its factory in Switzerland.
The decision not to exhibit at the US show is part of a continuing re-evaluation of trade shows by suppliers that is taking place across the industry. No details, or even a name, for the new Gallus hybrid press are available, although it will be based on the granite-core ECS-340, the largest selling press in the company’s range.
The development follows Gallus’ initial engagement with the Linoprint L CSAT (pictured), which was the Heidelberg inkjet, now owned by Markem-Imaje. According to Stefan Heiniger, COO, currently visiting Australia, the company will continue to support and sell the Linoprint, identifying a different market segment for the two technologies. He claims the Fujifilm inkjet, with up to seven colours, will produce “graphic arts quality” imagery and te xt.
The project will see a renewal of the Gallus Heidelberg development partnership, as the offset press manufacturer also develops its inkjet strategy with Fujifilm. The two have initiated a joint project to develop an industrialized inkjet-based digital printing system for use in commercial and packaging printing.
Gallus decided not to use the LabelExpo exhibition as a launch pad for the new press, citing the frequency of trade shows and the proliferation of exhibitions around the world. It affirms the company’s support for LabelExpo Brussels in 2015.
The events come against a backdrop of a reviving label equipment market, with both Heiniger and James Rodden, managing director, Gallus Australia, declaring that the sector is growing again. This year has been the best in equipment sales for the local company for a long time with three major installations underway since the beginning of the year.
“It’s looking very positive,” said a pleased Rodden.