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1
The job update tracking from the courier was comprehensive, so I was able to keep the client fully posted on delivery which was great. The programs arrived on Friday and look fab –we’re all so happy with them!
Thanks again for turning it around so quickly.
Dom 12/2/26
2
As a small business, we know we’re a very small fish in the industry. However small our orders may be, I truly appreciate more than anything that we’re not made to feel like a low priority in any way.
Our experience in the past with other companies have left us feeling a little helpless and not important due to our size, this is certainly not the case with Hero.
Liv 6/11/25
3
This job was delivered yesterday morning!!!! MIND BLOWING turn around time. Less than 24 hours!!!
You guys have really impressed us.
Gary 26/11/25
4
You’re a legendeverything was brilliantproduct through to service - and a day early in peak season.
I can’t thank you enough!
Steve 17/12/25
A news roundup from the world of print
12-13 Star Business: Printrade � automated, lean and process-driven
The mix that powers Melbourne B2B operation Printrade
14 Advertorial: Mimaki creates a new balance in wide-format production
How Mimaki is addressing change with its technology
18-19 Women in Print: Country Mile Signs goes the distance in regional print success
Co-owner Joanna Biggar has grown a thriving regional business and is now championing greater inclusion across rural Australia
20-22 Cover Story: Spot Productions turns to Ricoh for next phase of growth with complete refresh
Spot Productions has installed five new Ricoh machines
24-27 Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 preview: A technology showcase in May
The latest innovations in wide-format, digital, screen and textile printing, signage, personalisation, packaging, and display
28 Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 preview: Durst to showcase integrated production power Durst to present a comprehensive vision for the future
30 Case Study: Fleetmark installs Zünd Cutter Expands capabilities with a new Zünd G3 L-3200 Cutter
32-33 Downtime: Ball & Doggett unveils new Experience Hub in Queensland
The Experience Hub will host regular demonstrations, training sessions, and industry events
34 Comment: What employers should know about employees exhausting personal leave Charles Watson outlines the key legal and practical considerations
35 Comment: No Successor? Is this the end of the line � or a new beginning?
Andrew Ash explains how and why family and privately owned businesses should plan beyond the founder
36 ProPrint Diary
Keep up to date with the latest industry events
Editor Pamela Connellan, pconnellan@intermedia.com.au
Design and Production Manager Sarah Vella, svella@intermedia.com.au
Managing Director James Wells, james@intermedia.com.au
Subscriptions (02) 9660 2113, subscriptions@intermedia.com.au
Printed by Hero Print Alexandria, NSW, 2015
Mailed by D&D Mailing Services Prestons, NSW, 2170

Welcome to our April edition of ProPrint where we take a close look at Spot Productions’ recent install of five new Ricoh machines – two Ricoh Pro C9500 machines, a Ricoh Pro C7500, a Ricoh Pro 8420S, and a lightproduction Ricoh C5310S.
We speak with founder and owner Simon Carmody, who tells us how this all happened after an initial meeting with Ricoh at the Drupa exhibition in Germany back in 2024.
He says this change in direction was carried out after they undertook an evaluation process to ensure the right fit for the business over the next five to 10 years. For more, see our story on page 24.
As well, you can check out the spacious new premises and

equipment that powers Melbourne’s Printrade.
This business is now operating from new premises with a 600 square-metre production area, and it’s run by key members of the Ilieski family and staff.
Director Paul Ilieski says Printrade’s plans for the future are about automation and being lean and processdriven. For more, take a look at page 12.
And we’re only weeks away from one of the industry’s biggest events of the year, Fespa Global Print Expo for 2026 will be held in Barcelona, Spain, from 19-22 May.
In this issue, we give you a sneak preview of what some of the industry’s leading brands will be showcasing at the event.
Co-events include the Global Print Expo, the European Sign Expo, the Personalisation Experience, WrapFest, Corrugated, and Textile. For more, see our special Fespa preview from page 24.




Following the recent acquisition of Currie Group by Aldus Group, a series of restructuring changes have been announced at both companies.
The former majority shareholder of Currie Group, David Currie, has joined the newly formed board of Currie Group following the sale of the business to Aldus Group, alongside directors Rob Mesaros, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Mark Daws, and Frank Floriano.
Currie Group was acquired by Aldus Group in early 2026 following a comprehensive process led by Company Director and shareholder, Frank Floriano. Following the acquisition, Currie Group will operate as a stand-alone business within the broader Aldus Group of companies, with Rob Mesaros remaining as Currie Group CEO.
“David is a wonderful person and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and will continue to help position Currie Group strongly for the future,” Floriano said.
“David has been instrumental in shaping Currie Group into the business it is today. We acquired the company for what it stands for and believe its future is extremely strong as part of Aldus Group.
“There are many things to like about Currie Group. The company has built strong, long-term relationships with both customers and partners, including HP, ABG, OMET and Horizon.
“Currie Group has consistently been one of the best performing distributors for HP globally and we don’t expect that to change. We have been impressed by the longevity of staff and there are good people in the business with long tenures, and we are keen to ensure they remain with the business.”
Floriano confirmed all previous shareholders of Currie Group have been bought out, and the business is now 100 per cent owned by Aldus Group.
John Story joins Aldus Group
Aldus Group has announced a management restructure with the appointment of John Story as the new CEO of the company.
Story replaces Floriano, who stepped down from the position of CEO following his role in acquiring the Currie Group business. Floriano, who has worked with the business for 32 years, remains as a director, shareholder and board member of Aldus Group. Floriano was appointed CEO of Aldus Group after his former business Tronics was acquired in 2017. In recent years, Floriano has been responsible for the corporate side of the business
managing the mergers and acquisitions for the Aldus Group and is currently undertaking a handover to Story.
“Following the acquisition of Currie Group and the changes to the management team, we are currently undertaking a transition including new budgets as well as movement of brands within the business and hope to have everything in place for the beginning of the new financial year,” Floriano said.
Story has extensive financial experience over the last 20 years including as Chief Financial Officer for Veso Foods and Modern Star and Managing Director of a venture capital company – Catalyst Investment Managers.
In his role, Story will manage Scottishbased API Foilmakers, UK-based Paragon Inks, Tronics as well as Aldus Engineering (Kewder Engineering and Advatek).
The current General Manager of Aldus Group, Daniel Black, has also announced his resignation and is contracted with the company until the end of the financial year.
“Daniel has done a very good job and worked relentlessly in his time with the
business. He has been extremely diligent over the last two and half years and we thank him for his service,” Floriano said.
Aldus Group has grown from 14 staff members in 2015 to now employing over 500 staff globally following a series of acquisitions throughout the last decade.
Currie Group Director of Operations, Marcus Robinson, has left the company after three decades with the business.
“After almost 27 incredible years at Currie Group, I have made the decision to finish up and move onto my next chapter,” Robinson said.
“I want to thank the amazing team that have worked alongside me over the years, your dedication, support and friendship have meant more to me than I can put into words. I’ve been extremely lucky to work alongside such talented people.
“To the customers I have supported over the journey, thank you for your trust, friendship and partnership. It has been a privilege to support your businesses and be part of your success.
“And lastly to all of the suppliers I have been a part of over the years, thank you for the collaboration, commitment and friendships we have built along the way.
“Currie Group has been a big part of my life and I’ll look back with gratitude for the opportunities, the friendships and the overall journey.”
Robinson was promoted to Director of Operations in December 2022. Mesaros acknowledged Robinson’s long-standing contribution to the business.
“Marcus has dedicated almost three decades to Currie Group and has played a significant role in strengthening our service and operational capability,” Mesaros said.
“He has built strong relationships across our customer base, supplier network and internal teams, and leaves with our genuine thanks and respect.”
Mesaros said Robinson has chosen to broaden his leadership experience in a new sector.
“After nearly 30 years in our industry, Marcus has made the decision to further develop his leadership career in a different environment. I respect that decision and fully support his next step. I am confident he will continue to build on what has already been a strong career,” he said.
Mesaros added that the business remains firmly focused on continuity






and growth following its recent acquisition by Aldus Group.
“The acquisition by Aldus Group marks a significant step forward for Currie Group. It positions the business strongly for its next phase of growth while maintaining the values and customer focus that have defined us for more than 75 years,” he said.
“As with any long-standing organisation, leadership transitions occur, but our direction is clear and our commitment to customers, partners and staff remains unchanged.”
Currie Group has appointed two internal leaders to key service roles, reinforcing its operational structure following the recent departure of Robinson.
Mesaros confirmed the business will not appoint a direct replacement for Robinson, instead implementing a refined leadership structure designed to sharpen focus across service operations.
“Maintaining strong service leadership and delivering a consistent customer experience remains critical to our business,” Mesaros said.
“Following Marcus’ departure, we have taken the opportunity to refine our structure and promote experienced internal leaders who understand our customers, our partners and our operational standards.”
Currie Group Customer Relationship Manager Allison Whitelaw has been promoted to the role of National Service Leader – Australia.
“Allison brings deep operational knowledge, proven leadership capability and the confidence of our teams and partners. Her commitment to customer outcomes, people development and operational discipline positions her well to lead the service function during this period,” Mesaros said.
Craig Thornton has been promoted to a newly created role of Service Operations Manager reporting to Whitelaw. Thornton will take on responsibility for managing spare parts, the remote support desk, and continue driving special projects across Australia.
“Craig’s experience and understanding of our service environment will be instrumental in maintaining reliability, responsiveness and continuity for both our teams and customers,” Mesaros said.
He also said the appointments reflect the depth of capability within the organisation.
“These changes demonstrate the strength of our internal bench and our ability to evolve without disruption,” he said.
“It is very much business as usual. Our focus remains on reliability, responsiveness and delivering high-quality outcomes for our customers and partners.”
Mesaros confirmed that a separate structure covering New Zealand operations, including spare parts, installations and inventory, will be announced shortly.
Spicers Limited recently announced that its Australian subsidiary and the European owners of the Spandex Group recently entered into a sale agreement for Spicers Australia to acquire Spandex Australia.
Spandex Australia refers to two legal entities – Spandex Australia Holding Pty Ltd. and Spandex Asia Pacific Pty Ltd.
The transaction relates only to Spandex Group’s Australian business; the Spandex Group will continue its global operations across Europe and the US.
Both the Spicers and Spandex businesses will continue to operate independently, as they do today. The transaction was completed on 1 April 2026.
“I am pleased to announce that, Spandex Australia will join Spicers’ Australian operations in 2026. Spandex has a proud history in the Australian sign and display industry, and we all look forward to welcoming Spandex Australia employees to the Spicers Group,” Spicers Limited CEO David Martin said.

“We are confident that this acquisition will collectively enable us to better serve all customer segments, by leveraging the strengths of both teams and their highly complementary portfolios. In the coming months, delivering for our customers will remain our top priority,” Signet and Visual Communications executive general manager Darren Milligan said.
Spandex Australia is a Sydney-based distributor of wide-format products, including digital print media, adhesive films, vehicle wrapping films, and laminates, and is known for its long history of supplying to the signage and wide
format market. The full list of brands represented, according to the Spandex website include: 3A Composites, Arlon Graphics, AUTO, Avery Dennison, Cobra Wrap Tools, Contra Vision, Cover Styl, Gerber Technology, HP Printers & Digital Media, ImageBond, Imageperfect, Kiwalite Reflective, Knifeless Tape, Mimaki Printers, Cutting Plotters & Inks, Mutoh, My Wrap Game, Nazdar Ink Technologies, OLFA, Omega Skinz, Onyx Graphics, Pizazz Display Systems, PROSERIES, SAi Flexi, Siser, STEK Automotive, Summa Cutters, and TransferRite Application Tapes.
Epson has announced details of its SureColor V4000 – a mid-range UV flatbed printer addition to its V-Series UV printer lineup, which will be released in Australia and New Zealand later this year.
The SureColor V4000 is designed to meet the needs of small- to medium-sized sign shops and merchandise production businesses, looking to expand their service offerings with reliable, high quality output and broad material handling capabilities.
Positioned between Epson’s entry-level and high-end UV flatbed printers, the SureColor V4000 provides a new option for businesses looking to move into higher value customisation, signage, and décor segments.
The SureColor V4000 has a compact footprint and the ability to handle media up to 980mm by 700mm and up to 200mm in thickness. It supports printing on a wide range of rigid and flexible substrates such as acrylic, vinyl, corflute, film, canvas, and wood.
This range of options enables the production of signage, POP/POS materials,

décor panels, premium packaging, cabinetry components, and customised promotional items, giving growing businesses some new paths to broaden their business opportunities.
The printer features Epson’s UltraChrome UV ink with eight colours plus white and varnish, enabling a vibrant colour expression, smooth tonal gradations and sharp detail reproduction. It also delivers high line and text quality, producing detail that can be beneficial for small-format applications which demand a high level of clarity.
Dedicated printheads for colour, white and varnish support simultaneous multi layer printing, allowing users to create high-impact layering effects and textured
finishes, without losing productivity.
Variable Sized Dot Technology (VSDT) enhances image precision across all applications, while the ability to apply white and varnish either as a full layer or in selected areas provides additional flexibility for finishes.
The printer is compatible with Epson Genuine UV DTFilm solutions, supporting printing onto complex or three dimensional surfaces.
The SureColor V4000 also incorporates several features intended to support efficiency and consistent daily operation. Front access allows for straightforward media handling and maintenance, while an auto media height laser sensor allows for accurate head alignment across varying substrate thicknesses.
Epson Australia senior product manager for professional print solutions Shuhei Sato said, “The SureColor V4000 fills an important space in our UV flatbed portfolio, offering a smart balance of productivity, media versatility and image quality for customers who are scaling their operations.
“This model is designed for sign makers and merchandise producers who need the capabilities of a mid-range system without the footprint or complexity of a high-end flatbed.”
The SureColor V4000 UV flatbed printer is expected to ship in Australia and New Zealand in late 2026 and pricing will be announced closer to this time of release.


RELIABILITY
•Dependable performance
•Trusted platform
•Easy maintenance
PRODUCTIVITY
•High machine uptime
•High volume label printing
•Consistently high print speed

AUTOMATION
•Seamless integration
• Streamline production
• Maximum efficiency






When DBM Signs owner Simon Power knew he needed to buy a new printer, he spent some time researching and this led him to Shanghai where he visited the Docan UV factory.
Following his research, Power purchased a Docan 3.2m Hybrid UV Printer because he said it became apparent that Docan knows how to listen to a client’s needs and tailor a machine to their requirements.
Power said he found that Docan is part of a broader trend of Chinese digital printing manufacturers who’re expanding into international markets, offering competitive, high-speed solutions to fill gaps left by Western manufacturers.
“That’s what drew me to them,” he said. “They’re pumping out a thousand machines a year and roughly 30 per cent of this is for the international market.
“Docan is finding its international clients are now ready to replace the wide format machines they currently have − which are well-known brands. Now, they’re exploring these top tier Chinese brands such as Docan.
“Here’s another example − a 10 Kyocera CMYK plus W heads in their premium model C3200 from Docan − the savings from a machine like this, when compared to other printers in this range, are significant.”
When asked how long it will take for Power to get his staff trained on the new printer he said, “Well, it’s up and running now, which is fantastic. But Docan did send out an engineer from China and we’ve had two full days of training for myself and my staff. This training is all included in the price of $70,000 for the machine − along with delivery and taxes.
“From choosing inks and heads, Docan presented me with a map that allowed me to select the right configuration for our current budget but also allowed for our growth, reserving space to triple our print heads/speed when necessary.
“Docan partners with AGFA and supplies energy-efficient LED lamps and ecofriendly, Greenguard Gold certified inks − such as the V77 flexible ink series − to
provide a sustainable, low-VOC printing solution. These systems are designed for high-speed, high-volume production while minimising the environmental impact and eliminating the need for extensive ventilation.”
Power said all of the inks Docan supplies are Agfa inks, which he says are great because, “The quality is just fantastic.” He said he used to buy Roland inks at $340 a litre but now he’s buying Agfa inks via Docan for $70 a litre.
Power said he had been looking for a 3.2m machine for a while, adding that Chinese companies are “coming up with the goods now − they’ve been around for over 15 years”.
Power said Docan is also now installing printers in LA, Mexico, Spain and Saudi Arabia, adding that he also made sure he spoke to other businesses that owned Docan machines.
“A lot of them are running heads three or four times the amount that I’m running, doing speeds of the Durst kind of amount. Whereas I’m getting about 25 square metres an hour, which is totally fine for me right now with six employees − but now, we’ve got room to grow,” he said.
“The communication is just brilliant. Some people worry about the ongoing technical support, but if ever there was a huge problem, I would be flying someone out. It’s like $1,200 for a flight. But to get my Roland printer serviced − that’s $1,000 each time. Plus, I’ve also found a local guy who can service it, so I have options.
“As well, I can communicate with Docan online − it’s all set up for this. If I have questions, the team is back within minutes saying, here’s a video, just look at this, and do this.”
For DBM Signs, its printing work is a mixture of sign design, sign installation, and banners. Power said other favourite features of the new printer are the clear coat because now they’re able to varnish their prints with either a flood or spot varnish. He said all of these factors mean this new Docan printer will be futureproofing the business.
“We’ll definitely be more competitive with our pricing,” he said.
“Our pricing is going to be able to come down and we can offer our clients much better deals. The turnaround is going to be incredible. There’s just no waiting for prints anymore.”
Power said he’s noticed a slight ‘slur’ for some people when they talk about equipment made in China.
He added, “They say stuff like, ‘Oh, he’s using a Chinese machine’. I know one guy who had a Chinese machine here in Australia and he kept it quiet as he felt if people found out, then they would use that information against them.
“But there’s nothing wrong with Chinese machines. If you buy the good ones − if you do your research like I did.”


Trade-only large format and flatbed printing. No minimums.
24-hour turnaround. Nationwide.






Spacious new premises, premium-level equipment, and a can-do philosophy is the mix that powers Melbourne B2B operation Printrade.
By Peter Kohn

Printrade is operating from new premises in Melbourne’s inner west with a spacious 600 square-metre production area. The business is run by key members of the Ilieski family, among a staff of seven.
The director is Paul Ilieski and his mother, Ubavka, oversees the trade print provider’s finances. Paul’s sister, Rebecca Ilieski, is a finishing operator and also works in despatch, while Paul’s father, John Ilieski – who’s a fitter and turner – is on hand to enhance the company’s knowledge base from his background in manufacturing.
“It’s more fun when you can work with your family,” said Paul. “And for those staff members who aren’t family, they’re treated like family. We’re known for our after-work chats”.
Adding the fact that Paul is a keen hobby barista, these interludes are further brightened with top-notch coffees.
John migrated to Australia from Macedonia in 1970 and is quietly proud of the family he has raised and the company that he and his family have established.
Printrade, an all-digital, high-end print provider to the trade, had its origins as Complete Graphics, a B2C print-on-glass service that began in 2013, printing on splashbacks. But the Laverton North business soon broke through the confines of this narrow specialty to embrace highvolume B2B customers in wide format, with a decreasing emphasis on glass printing – and so Printrade was founded.
With an average of 300 premium-quality wide-format jobs a day – including banners, labels, posters, rigid boards, stickers, and wall coverings – Printrade’s growing business needed more space. In December 2023, the company relocated to purposebuilt premises on a property adjacent to its original factory, with plans for the older property to be redeveloped as part of an
ongoing expansion. At that time, it was decided to end the glass-printing service.
As Paul said, “Our background in glass printing taught us what our customers’ expectations were. They demand speed, but also quality and precision – we understand what to look out for, problems like banding and artefacts”.
The installation of an Arizona XT roll-toroll and flatbed printer from Canon Production Printing Australia was next.
Around 10 years ago, Printrade acquired this printer that specialises in boards and can also produce banners, sometimes on an overnight turnaround, according to Paul.
In 2020, Printrade added a Canon Colorado 1650. The 1600-series, a highly automated 64-inch printer, enhanced the company’s volume work in products such as indoor and outdoor signage, posters, and wall coverings. It was at the height of the COVID pandemic, and Paul recalls, “With travel restrictions, we bought it sight unseen from Canon’s Melbourne showroom”.
But the 1650 soon proved its worth, enabling Printrade to run three production shifts a day. The 1650 claims a maximum speed of 159 square metres per hour for outdoor banner applications. It handles double-sided prints smoothly, with its UVgel technology delivering non-toxic, durable, and colourfast output that dries instantly for matte and gloss prints, with sharp dots and a wide colour gamut.
The low cost of operation and reduction in ink usage by up to 40 per cent has made it a highly competitive addition to Printrade’s production floor.
The UV inks enhance the durability of prints against outdoor conditions while ensuring significantly lower energy consumption. Features such as dual-roll feeding and automatic roll switching enable quick transitions between different materials, boosting productivity. Additionally, its low maintenance


requirements reduce operator workload and provide greater ease of use. Meanwhile, the UVgel technology ensures fast-drying and durable prints, an essential aspect of fast-turnaround orders.
Printrade followed up with the purchase of a Canon Colorado M5 at PacPrint in Sydney last year. Paul said of the purchase, “I’ll never forget that the new machine arrived one day after the birth of my son (his first child)”.
The M5 is an industrial-grade UVgel printer designed to deliver high-volume printing and exceptional print quality. The M-series features in-field upgradeability, notably migrating from a standard configuration to options such as increased on-demand

speed and white ink, all of it able to be implemented onsite.
Printrade has always been pleased with Canon’s service and support. As Paul said, “There’s always a quick service response, usually around 30 minutes to respond and two hours to arrive. They’ve always been there for us”.
Paul’s philosophy is to keep the full production process, from prepress to despatch, under Printrade’s roof, minimising reliance on third parties which could slow down the lighting fast response to display and signage orders which are sometimes on 24-hour and 48-hour deadlines.
He added, “Substrates and peripherals are always stocked and at the ready.
We actually beat our customers’ expectations on delivery times”.
To accelerate its finishing capability, Printrade ordered a Fotoba digital cutter from supplier SmartTech Business Systems. Printrade’s cutter is the first and only custombuilt Fotoba in Australia. The machine is ideal for trimming, kiss-cutting, and XY cutting.
The XLD170 cutters can handle most flexible media up to a maximum thickness of 0.8mm, including polycarbonate, photo paper, vinyl, self-adhesive vinyl, PVC, film, duratrans, TDF, canvas, laminated or encapsulated prints, and much more.
“We do a lot of stitching and square cuts on the Fotoba for high-volume work on posters and wallpaper,” Paul added.
Since 2024, Printrade’s finishing area also features two Summa cutters from Pozitive sign & graphic supplies, optimised for high-precision digital cutting, efficiently cutting materials such as vinyl, laminate, textiles, and cardstock.
The Summas offer features such as tangential and drag-knife cutting, advanced registration, and integration with workflow software. Additionally, there’s a Colex cutter from Graphic Art Mart and a roll-to-roll laminator from Laminating System Australia for floor graphics.
Paul estimates that about half of Printrade’s work is short-run/print on demand and half is high volume. He added the company relies on PrintIQ web-based ordering for 90 per cent of its business.
“We have no office, no reps, and hardly any walk-in customers. Production workflow is automated through an Enfocus platform for preflighting, proofing, nesting and planning/ imposition,” he said.
“We invest a lot in our tech and our automation is high, so staff can just focus on doing the work.”
It’s an eco-friendly production floor, using recycled paper and board where applicable, and drawing responsibly from certified FSC-sourced materials. The new plant runs mostly on solar power, but Paul is still studying progress in solar battery development before investing in batteries.
Asked about Printrade’s plans for the future, Paul said, “We’re making steady progress. We’re automated, we’re lean, we’re processdriven. We solve problems as we go. We don’t have any hard-and-fast blueprints. Our policy is to listen to our customers, see what they want and what they might want in the future, and we offer them that service”.
The combination of safer UV inks and hybrid printing is changing how printing businesses approach rigid work, and Mimaki is addressing this with its technology.

In modern wide-format printing, ink formulation plays a central role in determining both print quality and production efficiency.
Beyond colour vibrancy, inks must deliver reliable adhesion across a wide range of substrates, from flexible media through to rigid boards. They also need to cure quickly to support production speeds while maintaining resistance to weather, abrasion, and fading.
Many commercial printing environments still rely on solvent-based inks to achieve best performing results. However, they can produce strong odours and require careful ventilation due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
By comparison, modern UV-curable inks have emerged as a safer and more environmentally responsible alternative.
These developments are particularly evident in the latest generation of wideformat UV printers such as the Mimaki UJ330H-160 – designed as a hybrid platform capable of printing both roll media and rigid boards. The new hybrid printer also reflects a broader industry shift toward conforming production systems.
The printer utilises UV inks formulated without SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) and CMR (Carcinogenic,
Mutagenic, or Reproductive toxins), supporting safer working environments while helping businesses align with evolving environmental expectations.
Because UV inks cure instantly under ultraviolet light rather than through solvent evaporation, they significantly reduce airborne emissions in the production environment. For many businesses using high-odour and potentially harmful inks, transitioning toward digital production represents a meaningful improvement in both operator comfort and workplace safety.
Production advantages make UV printing popular
In addition to safety benefits, UV printing continues to gain popularity because of its practical production advantages and accessibility.
Compared with earlier solvent-based systems, UV printing offers cost-effective advantages, including more controlled ink laydown and instant curing, which helps reduce waste and improve overall efficiency.
Workflow tools such as Mimaki’s RasterLink7 software, delivers ink laydown advantages by incorporating inksaving functions that optimise ink usage, while maintaining image quality. By
minimising unnecessary ink consumption, businesses can improve operating margins, reduce material waste and support broader sustainability objectives without compromising print performance.
In addition to this, instant curing allows prints to move immediately to the next stage of finishing or installation, while the durability of UV inks ensures longlasting performance across indoor and outdoor applications.
The ability to print on a wide variety of materials, including rigid substrates such as screen board, foamcore, and corflute panels further enhances its versatility for print production.
The UJ330H-160 UV hybrid printer offers more accessibility
The introduction of hybrid printers, like the UJ330H-160, also represents an important shift in accessibility. Traditionally, hybrid or flatbed UV systems were largely confined to larger companies with the floor space and capital investment required to support them.
Smaller companies relied on outsourcing rigid printing or producing multi-step jobs that involved printing to flexible media, laminating, mounting and finishing.
By offering a hybrid solution at a more accessible price point, the UJ330H-160 has the potential to bring rigid printing capabilities within reach of a much broader range of businesses. This shift enables smaller print providers to bring more production in-house, reduce reliance on external suppliers, and retain valuable margins that might otherwise be lost through outsourcing.
As the print industry continues to evolve, innovation will remain central to key factors within wide-format inkjet printing such as safer ink formulations and improved overall efficiencies.
With the emergence of more accessible hybrid platforms like the Mimaki UJ330H-160, these advancements are readily making this happen sooner and opening the door for businesses of all sizes.


The NEW Mimaki Hybrid UV Inkjet Printer. One platform for roll and rigid production.
Designed to seamlessly switch between roll media and rigid boards, the UJ330H-160 hybrid UV inkjet printer enables businesses to consolidate multiple applications on a single system. With a newly developed belt transport system, the printer effortlessly handles materials ranging from thin films to large rigid panels, while the high-definition print engine delivers premium image quality at production speeds of up to 14.0m²/h.
The result is greater flexibility, faster turnaround and the ability for print providers to bring more production in-house. Talk to our team today about how the UJ330H-160 could transform your business.














A night dedicated to celebrating the best of the best in the printing and packaging industry.
















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As co-owner of Country Mile Signs in Gunnedah, NSW, Joanna Biggar has grown a thriving regional business – and now, as Women in Print’s first regional ambassador, she is championing greater inclusion and connection across rural Australia.

Three years after taking over Country Mile Signs with no prior print experience, Joanna Biggar and her husband, Jayde, have turned the Gunnedah-based business into one of regional NSW’s leading print providers.
“My husband had been talking about getting into the print industry for a few years, and eventually he decided to make the jump,” Biggar told ProPrint
“It was a complete change for both of us. He was a maintenance planner at a mine site, and I had spent years as a PA – first
while raising our family, then as an assistant to a CEO. So, this was a totally new direction.
“I kept working for a while, then came on board full-time once the business started to pick up and I’ve loved it ever since. It was the best move we could have made. I didn’t know how I’d handle it at first, but I absolutely love everything about it.”
The husband-and-wife team bought the business in 2022 when it was based in Quirindi and relocated shortly afterwards with expansion in mind.
“Just a few weeks in, we decided to move everything to Gunnedah. We literally packed up and shifted the whole operation over a single weekend. We made the move because the prospects for growth and expansion were much stronger here in Gunnedah,” she said.
Since then, they have grown the business from having two existing staff at the time of the acquisition to seven additional team members.
“These days, we do pretty much everything – from trophies to signage –

servicing not just Gunnedah but surrounding towns including Tamworth. Mining is also a core industry for us. You name it, we do it,” Biggar said.
Country Mile Signs recently installed its latest Roland direct-to-fabric printer, taking its total number of Roland machines to five.
“We predominantly use Roland equipment, and we also run a Mimaki flatbed for corflute and other rigid materials,” Biggar said.
Longer term, Biggar and her husband are looking to expand their footprint.
“We expanded quickly in the beginning, and now we’re at a point where we’re comfortable with where we are – but we’d like to keep growing. Our goal is to expand into other rural areas, maybe somewhere like Moree or Inverell, within the next five years. That way, we’re not solely reliant on mining work,” she added.
Recently, the business branched into new services and is currently trialling a refurbishment project at a nursing home using Spandex’s Cover Styl textured vinyl.
“In Europe, this product is used to refurbish bathrooms and hotels, and we’re now trialling it locally in a nursing home. The great thing about it is that it allows facilities to refresh their spaces without damaging walls, and it helps reduce maintenance costs. The material is also textured, hard-wearing vinyl – durable and ideal for high-traffic areas,” she said.
In November 2024, Biggar was appointed Women in Print Australia’s first regional ambassador. The role aims to drive positive change across the industry by strengthening connections between Women in Print and regional communities.
“When I first joined the industry, there weren’t many women in it, and it felt quite closed off, especially being regional. People didn’t really talk about products, suppliers or costs, and as someone new, I just wanted to learn, connect and feel included,” she said.
“I was reading a trade magazine when I came across Women in Print, and I had no idea that the association even existed. When I saw an opportunity for a Women in Print NSW representative, I thought, why not? I’m not in Sydney, but I’ll give it a shot – the worst they can say is no. And to my surprise, they offered me the role of regional ambassador.”
One of Biggar’s first roles as Women in Print’s regional ambassador was earlier this year at the North West Regional Careers Expo in Tamworth – the largest regional careers expo for Years 10, 11, and 12 students in NSW. Biggar hosted a dedicated Women in Print table to connect with local students and showcase career opportunities in the print, signage, and packaging industries.
“It wasn’t just about encouraging young women to consider print but about showing everyone how diverse and creative the industry is,” she said.
“So many students asked, ‘What is print?’ and I loved explaining it. Around 1,500 students came through and among all the universities, police, mining, and defence stands, we were able to show how print is everywhere. I’d point to the banners around the room and say, ‘See every one of these? Someone designed it, printed it, finished it – it’s all part of the print industry’. It was a really simplified explanation, but it really opened their eyes.”
Biggar encourages anyone considering a career in print to take the leap. She says the rewards of the industry far outweigh the challenges, while acknowledging entering the industry can be daunting.
“If you’re thinking about print – just give it a go. You really will enjoy every aspect of it. When I first took over the business, I was overwhelmed,” she said.
“One of the challenges is that the industry can be very secretive – when you’re new, it can feel like you’re flying blind. It’s hard to get advice from others, but we’ve been fortunate to have help from our reps –they’ve been fantastic.”
Biggar also noted that while competition can be tough, her focus is on collaboration and enjoyment rather than rivalry.
“Competition here can be tough, but we don’t see it as competition. When we bought the business, it already had its own client base. We’re not here to outdo anyone. We’re here to enjoy what we do. That’s also why I joined Women in Print, to have that support and network,” she mentioned.
“My favourite slogan is you’re only limited by your imagination. That’s what I’d tell anyone starting out. Just enjoy what you’re doing, and you’ll love it.”
A winner in the Emerging 50 category at the 2025 ProPrint Awards, Biggar said it’s exciting to see so many women being recognised in the sector, particularly among emerging leaders.
“It’s exciting to see the industry becoming more diverse. I’ve never felt less entitled than anyone else, and you can really see the shift happening,” she said.
For Biggar, the most rewarding part of her work is bringing clients’ ideas to life.
“What I enjoy most is when a client comes in with an idea and asks, ‘can you help me?’ and I can say, ‘Yes, we can’. It might take a while, but seeing their idea come to life –whether it’s on a car, a business sign, or another project – is incredibly rewarding. We get to do that quite a lot, and that’s the part of the job I love the most.”
Spot Productions has installed five new Ricoh machines – two Ricoh Pro C9500 machines, a Ricoh Pro C7500, a Ricoh Pro 8420S, and a light-production Ricoh C5310S.

An initial meeting at the Drupa exhibition in Germany in 2024 has led high-profile printer Spot Productions to purchase five machines from Ricoh Australia – marking a significant shift for the business after more than 20 years with its previous print technology provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business this year, Spot Productions is a print, signage, and display business that describes itself as “tenaciously reliable”.
Even though the company is Queenslandbased, it services a local, national and international clientele, encompassing many applications of services including offset, short-run digital and wide-format printing.
The company, that now boasts more than 100 staff, has a particularly strong reputation for offset printing – representing around 70 per cent of Spot Productions’ turnover while cut sheet, digital, and wide format makes up the remaining 30 per cent – but it was the
digital side of the business that required some investment this year.
Spot Productions managing director and owner Simon Carmody started planning his company’s recent significant investment almost 2 years ago, with an evaluation process that involved carefully assessing both technology and partner capability to ensure the right long-term fit for the business.
“We first looked at these Ricoh machines at Drupa in 2024, but we have been seriously considering the purchase for the last 12 months,” he said.
“There are several reasons why we have gone with Ricoh – obviously the brand’s reputation for speed is important, but also just as critical is the service, support, and the way they approached our business,” he said.
“This wasn’t just about replacing equipment. Over the last few years, we have been watching Ricoh’s
performance in the market nationally and their overall support for the industry. And we were looking for a partner that could support where we want to take the business over the next 5 to 10 years.”
The five presses that Carmody purchased are: two Ricoh Pro C9500 machines, a Ricoh Pro C7500, a Ricoh Pro 8420S, and a light-production Ricoh C5310S.
Spot Productions is known for keeping up with technological advancements in printing to support its full-service business, and this is what’s driving Carmody’s agenda at the company. According to Carmody, he made the decision to invest in two Ricoh Pro C9500 presses as Spot Productions’ primary production engines based on their speed.
“At Spot Productions, we keep up with technology as much as our budget can afford; this has been an integral part of the process,” Carmody said.
“The two Pro C9500 machines will run as our primary workhorses as they are rated to run at a very high speed of 135 pages per minute across a range of different stocks.
“We have also made the decision to add a Plockmatic PBM5050S with each machine as these can stitch up to 50 sheets and create square booklets of up to 200 pages as well as landscape format.
“The stitching heads on the Plockmatic are very dynamic allowing us to adjust the location and depth of the stitches, which is handy as there has been a strong growth in digital booklets from our customers.
“Previously, finishing these types of booklets was a nightmare – particularly with time sensitive work – as we would have to take these booklets offline, take them to the offset department, fold it on the folders, collate it, and then place it through the big stitcher.
“Now, you place the paper in one end and then take it out, put in a box, and send it to the customer. This is a perfect solution that we never thought would be possible just a couple of decades ago.
“From a technical perspective, the Pro C9500 has a paper path that is a lot easier to work with as it is vacuum feed-driven and not friction fed. Overall there is a lot to like about the machines – ultimately we made the decision to purchase them because we know they work.”
The Ricoh Pro C7500 also stood out to Carmody for its special capabilities.
“We’ve purchased the Ricoh Pro C7500 specifically for speciality work as it includes gold, silver, clear, and white ink, and new colours such as neons and invisibles. We have owned a Ricoh machine previously – a fivecolour machine that was the predecessor to the Pro C7500 – for specialty work, so we know these machines will be ideal for our business needs,” Carmody added.
As for the high-speed Pro 8420S mono press, Carmody selected this particular device for its ability to produce dataheavy, barcode work.
“We installed this black and white production machine – the Pro 8420S – that does almost 140 pages per minute on stocks up to 350gsm,” he said.
“We do a lot of mono work with data and barcodes, and this machine has been sourced specifically for this work. We know we can put all of these jobs through this high-speed machine, and it is fit for purpose.”
Rounding out the purchases, Spot Productions has added to its arsenal a light production device tailored for specialised applications.
“Our fifth and final machine is the lightproduction Ricoh C5310S which provides us with a machine specifically focused on envelope printing. Offering CMYK at 80 pages per minute, it can handle stock up to 360gsm,” Carmody added.
“This machine will be fantastic for our business and the different sized envelopes we produce in high volumes – straight from the tray rather than the overfeed that we had to do on our previous machines.”
With cut sheet and wide format now accounting for a significant share of the business, Carmody said the company’s investment in this tailored fleet of Ricoh machines was driven by the need for greater efficiency, specialist capability, and the right strategic partnership.


“Cut sheet and wide format has now grown to be 30 per cent of our turnover. As a result, it needs to have the right focus, and partnering with Ricoh was a good solution to provide us with dedicated machines to do specific jobs,” he said.
According to Carmody, the final configuration of the fleet was shaped through close collaboration with Ricoh Australia strategic account manager – CF and CS inkjet solutions specialist Denis Fath based on the individual needs of the business and its clients.
Fath said the project reflected Ricoh’s long-standing co-innovation approach to working with production print customers.
“Co-innovation has been a core part of how we work with our clients in this space. It starts with listening, and understanding their challenges, their goals, and what they’re trying to achieve,” he said.

“From there, it’s about working together to solve those challenges and add value. It’s not about selling a single piece of equipment, it’s about building a solution that strengthens the customer’s business over time.”
This broader, more integrated approach was a key factor for Spot Productions as it looked to modernise its digital print capabilities and support future growth.
“One of the recommendations from Denis was to have a high-speed black and white machine. Ricoh’s advice to us was: ‘why tie up a high-quality fast production machine doing black and white’. They also suggested we should have a dedicated set-up for envelopes rather than having to run envelopes on a production machine,” Carmody said.
“This was a conversation that took place over seven months, especially to discuss
our expected output and establish the fleet of machines required that would best suit what we needed the business to do moving forward. It wasn’t a quick decision. We wanted to make sure we were setting ourselves up properly for the future, not just solving for today,” Carmody said.
Fath said Ricoh’s continued investment in research and development plays a key role in enabling this approach.
“We reinvest heavily into R&D globally, which means we can bring more than just hardware to the table. It’s the combination of technology, workflow, software, and support that allows us to work with customers in a much more holistic way,” Fath said.
“Denis at Ricoh has been fantastic to work with on this project. He has been the driving force and did not let it sit – he followed us up promptly and appropriately and provided us with all of the relevant information including test prints to make sure everything was fit for purpose.
“We also did our research and asked a lot of other companies who have been making the transition across to Ricoh as well. And when we asked why – the conversation kept coming back to robust machines, limited downtime, and incredible service, making Ricoh a market leader.”
Carmody said the investment into the Ricoh machines was worthwhile and will allow the business to not only be more productive but also win new work.
“From a staffing perspective, we have two or three people running these five machines and doing some wide format work. Across that department, this means we have nine people across various shifts and there is so much more output that is done,” he said.
“The efficiencies in our business are obvious – the work will be done faster, easier, and with less downtime. Having booklet makers on the end of both Ricoh C9500 machines so we can deliver speed to market will also be a game changer for us and it will maximise client satisfaction. Most importantly, all of this gives us the ability to take on more work and respond faster to our customers, which is where the real value is.”
“When you take that kind of co-innovation approach, the outcomes go beyond productivity. It’s about enabling customers to unlock new opportunities, expand their capabilities, and grow their business with confidence,” Fath said.
Carmody said he has noticed the proportion of trade work has gradually


increased over the years and he enjoys working with other printers, that some might regard as his competitors.
“We are a bit like Switzerland – we like to help everybody in the industry. We are conscientious, confidential, and caring. There wouldn’t be a printer in Queensland that we wouldn’t do overflow work for,” he said.
“We receive work from around the country, but certainly we support a lot of local printers. We are happy for clients and competitors to come and conduct press checks and things like that at our premises – that’s not an issue.”
With the new fleet of presses, Carmody said the company is moving on the trajectory that he has planned for.
“We’re at the size now where we’re quite a substantial player in the Australian market. Larger organisations look forward to using Spot Productions for their offerings. We’re certainly positioned nicely to be a tier two printer, and that’s where we are excelling,” he added.
Just two years ago, Spot Productions expanded its premises and moved into its new facilities across the road, giving the
business the space it needs to house its newest Ricoh investments.
“Adding more machinery will give us more power, and coupled with the right workflow and production, Spot Productions is geared to get the right results,” Carmody said.
“With our recent investments into the business, we’ve found the output of Spot Productions and our turnover has increased tremendously. These new Ricoh machines will give us the ability to produce more work, which will in turn, multiply our growing turnover. We’ve got plenty to look forward to at Spot Productions.”
Ricoh Pro C9500
• Prints up to 135 ppm at rated speed on all stock weights
• Stock weights from 40 to 470 gsm, up to 600µm thick
• Auto-perfect up to 330mm by 1030 mm and 470 gsm
• Matte fuser option to deliver flat output on uncoated stocks
• Full-bleed professional booklets with Plockmatic PBM5050S
• High caliper customisation available to run specialty media up to 800µm to generate new applications
Ricoh Pro C7500
• Prints up to 95 ppm at rated speed on all stock weights
• Stock weights from 40 to 470 gsm, up to 600µm thick
• Auto-perfect up to 330 x 1030 mm and 470 gsm
• Add impact and value with specialty colours, including gold, silver, clear, white, neon pink, neon yellow and invisible red
Ricoh Pro 8420S
• Prints up to 136 ppm at rated speed on all uncoated stock weights
• Stock weights from 40 to 350 gsm
• Auto-perfect up to 330 x 700 mm and 350 gsm
• Versatile configurations with broad range of in-line finishing options
Ricoh Pro C5310S
• Prints up to 80 ppm
• Stock weights from 52.3 to 360 gsm
• Versatile configurations with broad range of in-line finishing options

Built to help you move beyond today’s jobs and into new opportunities.
More than production presses, these are tools to help you take on more work, expand into higher value applications, and produce with confidence. From specialty colours to smarter workflows, Ricoh works with you through co-innovation to unlock new ways to differentiate and grow.

Pro C7500
Built for flexibility across applications without compromising quality
Let’s build what’s next. ricoh.com.au
Pro C9500
Built for high-volume environments where consistency and uptime matter
The upcoming exhibition in Barcelona will highlight the latest innovations in wide-format, digital, screen and textile printing, signage, personalisation, packaging, and display.

The Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 will be held from 19-22 May at Fira de Barcelona in Spain, providing a meeting point for speciality printers and sign makers to network with a host of industry experts, discover new opportunities for business growth, and exchange knowledge and experiences with like-minded business professionals.
At this stage, Fespa already has a strong line up of hardware, consumable, and media providers, including:

Agfa will present a powerful selection of its renewed wide format inkjet portfolio. In Hall 3, Booth D100, Agfa will feature the fully automated Onset Panthera flatbed press, showcasing extreme speed, robust
construction, and seamless handling through its autoloader and unloading robot.
Also on show, the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS will highlight high volume and continuous production with advanced automation, while the new Jeti Bronco H3300 HS makes its European debut – bridging the gap between the Ciervo and Tauro families with impressive productivity, versatility, and premium 7-colour + white print quality. The Anapurna Ciervo H2500 will further demonstrate hybrid performance across rigid and roll media.
Agfa will also preview the latest Asanti workflow release, featuring deeper automation, improved colour rendering and smarter media management. Smartech is the exclusive distributor of Agfa in Australia and invites visitors to explore application samples and meet Agfa’s specialists onsite at Fespa 2026.
With Corrugated 2026 being a new dedicated exhibition with curated conference content aimed at corrugated converters, BOBST, as overall event sponsor, will showcase how innovative solutions can drive better performance across the corrugated value chain and

exchange insights that help shaping the future of packaging.
Print & Pack Australia is BOBST’s official agent in Oceania. With growing demand for retail ready packaging, point-of-sale displays, and short-run production, the company demonstrates how modern workflow automation, integrated finishing, and digital converting solutions are helping converters boost efficiency, agility, and sustainability.
Canon

Under the theme ‘Power To Move’, visitors to the Canon stand (2-E20) will experience:
• The new Colorado XL-series which extends Canon’s UVgel technology into the 3.4m wide format space
• The Colorado M-series UVgel, modular roll-to-roll printer
• UVgel factories powered by UVgel technology, alongside technology partners, for personalised on-demand print and packaging applications that help streamline operations and expand commercial opportunities
• A sensory gallery with inspiring applications from interior décor to fine art and retail to dynamic signage, printed on an array of substrates on
the full Canon portfolio. This includes Arizona UV True Flatbed and imagePROGRAF technologies, as well as proprietary and partner software.
Aligning with FESPA’s theme of ‘The Place for Experts’, Canon is also a Gold Sponsor at this year’s co-located Corrugated 2026 exhibition, stand 3/B150a. Here, visitors will learn more about its corrPRESS iB17 innovation, what it calls a “breakthrough digital press” for industrial-scale corrugated packaging printing.

EFI is bringing a wide range of display graphics printing solutions to Stand 3-C85 at Fespa 2026. EFI’s stand will feature the EFI VUTEk M3h Hybrid LED printer featuring CMYK and two white ink channels. This highly versatile printer prints at up to 3,131 ft² (77 boards/hr).
Also on display will be the EFI VUTEk X5r dedicated roll-to-roll printer, and the EFI Pro 30f+ dedicated flatbed LED printer. The VUTEk X5r is a 7-colour printer with white and clear inks, offering one of the widest colour gamuts in its class, while the EFI Pro 30f+ flatbed offers maximum productivity of 2,727 ft²/ hr with CMYK and two white channels.
EFI will also be showing the 7-colour VUTEk Q3H XP with white and clear ink.
Currie Group is the exclusive distributor for EFI Sign & Display technology in Australia and New Zealand.

Epson will showcase its latest signage solutions, led by the flagship SureColor S9160 that delivers exceptional image
quality, productivity, and media versatility for demanding print environments. Making its debut alongside it is the new SureColor V4000, a compact flatbed UV printer designed to help businesses expand into rigid and promotional applications with ease and efficiency.
Epson is also extending its direct-to-film (DTFilm) portfolio. Leading the range is the 64-inch SureColor G9060, built for high volume DTFilm work with consistent output and low running costs. It’s joined by the 35-inch G6060 for mid-range environments, while the desktop A4 hybrid SureColor F1060 provides smooth, consistent results across both fabrics and films for on-demand custom apparel.
Meanwhile, Epson’s dye sublimation technology, proven across models from the compact SureColor F160 to the industrial 76-inch F11060H, has earned a strong reputation for accurate colour, efficient production and long-lasting results. In addition, Epson will unveil new dye sub models at Fespa, offering visitors an exclusive first look.

Hanglory Group will present its latest advancements in digital corrugated printing technology, designed to transform packaging production through speed, flexibility, and automation.
Hanglory’s industrial inkjet corrugated presses enable high-quality short- to medium-run packaging production, helping converters respond to growing demand for short-run packaging, fast turnaround times, and reduced waste. The systems combine robust engineering with advanced digital workflow capabilities, supporting modern packaging environments where efficiency and adaptability are critical.
Kissel+Wolf Australia represents Hanglory across A/NZ and works closely with packaging manufacturers looking to implement next-generation digital corrugated solutions. Australian representatives will be in attendance and invite converters to meet onsite to learn about Hanglory technology.

Hexis’ stand will highlight its new decoration range including Hex’Pression, Hex’Perience, and glass decoration films, that is versatile, high-quality materials ideal for signage, interior deco, and creative applications that deliver stunning results with smooth application. The stand will also feature Bodyfence by Hexis, the brand’s advanced paint protection film range with X Technology – BodyfenceX, BodyXFAST, CandyFence, and Coloured PPF options designed for long-lasting surface protection.
Hexis will also be launching its newest precutting software, Hexis Precut Lab (HPL), a user-friendly interface designed to ensure perfect accuracy in cutting paint protection and window films. Hexis welcomes attendees to also book a factory tour on the Monday before the show – contact ian.parsonson@hexisgroup.com for more details.

JWEI will present its advanced digital cutting systems at Fespa 2026. Recognised for precision, reliability, and modular flexibility, JWEI’s cutting tables are designed to handle a broad range of substrates.
Visitors will discover JWEI’s newest highspeed digital cutting platforms featuring enhanced servo control, automated tool recognition, and improved workflow integration. The systems support full
automation options such as sheet feeders, conveyors, and CCD camera calibration, enabling rapid turnaround and reduced manual labour.
Fespa attendees are invited to connect with Smartech’s Australian team onsite to discuss system configurations that align with their production and growth requirements.

Koenig & Bauer Durst will highlight its latest developments in digital printing for corrugated packaging and display applications in Hall 3 Stand C160. The company will present its vision for industrial digital production, combining high-performance printing technology with advanced workflow and automation to support efficient, short-to-medium production runs.
The joint venture between Koenig & Bauer and Durst focuses on helping converters and display producers respond to growing demand for faster turnaround times, versioning, and more sustainable production. Visitors will be able to learn more about the company’s digital corrugated platform, including technologies designed for high-quality graphics, consistent colour and reliable production performance.
Koenig & Bauer Durst’s solutions are designed to integrate with modern packaging workflows, enabling converters to streamline production while maintaining the quality standards required for retail packaging and point-of-sale displays. Fespa visitors interested in digital corrugated and packaging applications can meet with the team to discuss how industrial inkjet technologies are transforming packaging production.
On stand 3/C111, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (PCS) will showcase its advanced cutting solutions for the print and signage and corrugated industries, including:
• Kongsberg C with the recently launched semi-automated Smart

Material Handler, showcasing precision, quality, and durability
• Multi-award-winning Kongsberg Ultimate with updated tooling, automated Feeder & Stacker, and an extended safety system for high volume corrugated jobs
• Kongsberg X, highlighting unique application capabilities and a brandnew innovative tool to extend application breadth and enable users to enter new markets.
Kongsberg PCS’ David Preskett will also host a presentation on the trends shaping the packaging industry, on 20 May at 2:30pm, at the co-located Corrugated 2026.

Marabu GmbH will highlight its globally recognised range of industrial and graphic printing inks. Known for its precision German manufacturing, Marabu provides solutions for screen, pad, and digital printing applications across industries including packaging, industrial decoration, electronics, and promotional products. The Marabu portfolio includes highperformance UV, solvent, and water-based inks engineered for excellent adhesion, colour brilliance, and durability across challenging substrates such as plastics, metals, glass, and coated materials.
As the Australian distributor for Marabu, Kissel+Wolf Australia representatives will be in attendance and encourage attendees to meet onsite to discuss solutions for specialised printing applications.
Metamark will showcase its latest innovations in sign, digital print, and

wrapping films. Exclusive Australian distributor Ball & Doggett will be represented onsite by its general manager of sign, display, and digital, Rob Brussolo, who will be meeting with Australian customers and exploring the latest developments across the Metamark portfolio.
Among the highlights will be MetaCast MDC XR, Metamark’s next-generation colour change wrapping film, which is set to arrive in the Australian market later this year.
Fespa will also mark a special moment for the Australian market, with a Ball & Doggett customer attending as the winner of the Metamark Passport Competition. Following the success of the initiative, Ball & Doggett plans to bring the competition back in 2026, offering another Australian customer the opportunity to attend the next Fespa Global Print Expo.

Mimaki will showcase the latest innovations in wide-format inkjet technology, highlighting solutions designed to help print businesses expand applications and improve production efficiency. Visitors to the Mimaki stand can expect to see advancements across the company’s flagship 330 Series UV inkjet printer platforms, including roll-to-roll, and its recently launched hybrid UV inkjet printer, the UJ330H-160. The showcase will also highlight workflow innovations and ink technologies designed to improve productivity, print quality, and sustainability.
Australian visitors are encouraged to arrange a meeting with the Mimaki team onsite to explore the solutions in detail and discuss local opportunities.

One of the highlights for Mutoh is the launch of the new XpertJet 1681SR Pro, the latest addition to its Eco-Solvent printer portfolio. Featuring newly developed printheads with eight colours and enhanced performance, the printer delivers higher production speeds while maintaining image quality, colour consistency, and reliability.
Visitors will also see the XpertJet 1641SR Pro II, demonstrating Mutoh’s Eco-Solvent technology for day-to-day production of high-quality signage and graphics. Another key development is Mutoh’s direct entry into the UV-DTF market with XPD 924D DTF printer. Mutoh will also showcase its latest innovations in dyesublimation printing, including the XpertJet 1682SR DS Pro.
In addition, a dedicated software station allows visitors to experience Mutoh’s VerteLith RIP software. Mutoh will also showcase its DTO (Direct-to-Object) solutions for high-quality customisation of promotional products and threedimensional items. Demonstrations will feature the XpertJet 1682UR, XpertJet 661UF, and XpertJet 1462UF. In addition, the HydrAton 1642, powered by waterbased UV technology, will demonstrate new possibilities in sustainable printing. Mutoh will be located in Hall 3, Booth C55.

Plockmatic Group will present an expanded ColorCut digital cutting portfolio. Leading the showcase is the new FB15000TO – its most capable largeformat flatbed cutter to date. It handles media up to 10 mm thick with accuracy,
combining tangential, drag, and oscillating tools with optional palletfed automation for seamless, high-volume production.
Plockmatic Group is also introducing the FB9550 Pro within its refreshed FB9000 series. With five advanced tools and a focus on precision and reliability, it’s designed to support a wide spectrum of finishing applications. Completing the lineup is the SC7800 ProRS XL, featuring a unique tripletool cutter/creaser and a patentpending tangential creasing system for formed creases.

Summa will present its latest cutting and finishing technology at Hall 2, Stand E30, with new developments across roll cutters, flatbed cutting systems, and automated workflow solutions.
In Australia, Summa is represented by Pozitive sign & graphic supplies, providing more than three decades of local experience. This long-standing partnership ensures Australian customers have direct access to Summa expertise, backed by factory-trained technicians and a team that understands the demands of local production environments. The Pozitive team will be onsite at the Summa stand at Fespa 2026.
Graphic Art Mart was also appointed an official Australian channel partner for Summa on 27 March 2026.

swissQprint will showcase its latest generation of UV flatbed and hybrid printing systems at Hall 3, Stand B140.
Live demonstrations will highlight advanced applications across sign and display,
industrial printing, packaging, and specialty production, with a focus on productivity, colour accuracy, and long-term performance. Built in Switzerland and engineered for durability, swissQprint systems are designed to deliver consistent results in demanding production environments.
In Australia, swissQprint is represented by Pozitive sign & graphic supplies. The Pozitive team will be at Fespa 2026 on the swissQprint stand.

Centered around the theme “Reliable AllRounders”, Zünd, located at Booth A129, Hall 3, will demonstrate how modular cutting systems can be configured for a wide range of production requirements. The focus will be on the new RollMaster, thread-milling capabilities, and automated material handling.
On a Zünd G3 cutter, Zünd will introduce the newly developed RollMaster, a flexibly configurable roll-off unit for any roll material, size, and weight. The RollMaster can feed textiles and other flexible materials with a core, as well as denser roll materials such as plastic films or paper, all of which can be loaded quickly and easily. Roll changes are quick and require no additional setup. The RollMaster is highly modular in design and can be retrofitted with ease depending on the materials that need to be processed. Zünd is also introducing a new blade holder that enables precise V-cutting of tight contours in applications such as acoustic panels.
A compact S3 cutter will also be shown in combination with a Robot PortaBase 175 from its robotics partner Robotfactory. The unit automates material handling, demonstrating how digital cutting processes can be combined with robotassisted workflows to increase throughput, improve process stability, and reduce operator workload.
In Australia, Zünd digital cutting systems are distributed by Zünd Australia.
The information is correct at the time of publishing. Please check with local distributors for the latest updates.
Durst Group will present a comprehensive vision for the future of industrial print production, centred on integration, automation, and scalable performance, at Fespa 2026.

Building on its strong global reputation in wide format and industrial inkjet, Durst’s presence at Fespa 2026 will go beyond individual hardware launches, instead focusing on how print businesses can streamline operations, increase productivity, and unlock long-term efficiency through connected systems.
At the core of Durst’s showcase will be its P5 XT platform, which continues to evolve as a flexible and future-ready production solution. Designed to support both rigid and roll applications, the P5 platform has become a cornerstone for print service providers seeking consistent output quality, high uptime, and the ability to diversify across multiple applications.
The P5 XT concept aims to keep a machine state-of-the-art throughout its entire lifecycle – with extended performance, automation, production safety, and investment value. And unlike many solutions on the market, XT does not just involve software unlocks, but true advancements based on new technologies, innovative approaches, and real customer experience.
A key focus for Durst at Fespa 2026 will also be its expanding software ecosystem, which is playing an increasingly central role in how print businesses operate.
A highlight at the event will be Durst’s next evolutionary step – Kyveris, an AI-powered intelligence for digital production. Fespa 2026 will be Durst’s first showcase of the technology.
Kyveris transforms digital printing and additive manufacturing by unifying files, machines, software, data, and AI into a single, autonomous production system that continuously learns, optimises performance, reduces waste, and drives efficiency at scale. Kyveris is built on nine decades of engineering. With thousands of production systems installed worldwide, Durst has used its expertise and knowledge in how ink meets substrate, how jobs behave across shifts, how quality drifts, and how to prevent it, and has structured it into driving Kyveris’ learning.
This means Kyveris marks the transition from precision hardware to production intelligence – machines, software, data, and processes converge into an intelligent, continuously learning production system.
The goal is a production environment that is not only automated, but transparent, reproducible and increasingly autonomous – moving towards Durst’s vision of the “lights-out factory”.
“Durst has never been a manager of the status quo. We have always been a creator of the next standard. After 90 years of precision engineering, we are taking the next logical step: production intelligence for digital printing and additive manufacturing,” Durst Group CEO and co-owner Christoph Gamper said.
“We no longer think of production as a machine or a workflow, but as an intelligent, continuously learning system. With Kyveris, we are defining the next evolutionary stage of digital production technology.”
Data-driven production is another key element of the Durst proposition at Fespa 2026. With increasing access to real-time production data, print providers can make more informed decisions about scheduling, resource allocation, and process optimisation. This shift towards intelligent production environments is becoming essential for businesses looking to remain competitive in an evolving market.
Sustainability will also feature strongly within Durst’s Fespa showcase. The company continues to invest in technologies that reduce energy consumption, minimise ink usage, and support more efficient material utilisation. UV LED curing systems, combined with advanced workflow automation, contribute to lower waste levels and improved environmental performance.
Durst’s approach to sustainability is closely linked to productivity. By reducing errors, improving throughput, and optimising resource usage, print providers can achieve both environmental and commercial benefits without compromising on quality or turnaround times.
In addition, Hasler Solutions will feature prominently on the Durst stand, showcasing its range of innovative cutting tables. Durst will also mark its 90th anniversary at the event, highlighting its journey from a photo workshop into a globally leading manufacturer of industrial digital printing and additive manufacturing systems.
Visitors to the Durst stand can expect a clear and cohesive message: the future of print production lies in connected, automated and scalable systems. Rather than focusing on standalone equipment, Durst is presenting a fully integrated approach that supports long-term growth and operational excellence.
For Australian and New Zealand print providers attending the event, Durst’s presence offers valuable insight into how global leaders are approaching the next phase of industrial print. With a strong emphasis on performance, automation, and sustainability, the company is setting a clear direction for the future of print production.
Transport printing specialist, Fleetmark Group, has expanded its capabilities with a new Zünd G3 L-3200 Cutter, opening up the emergency response and mining vehicles markets.
For more than 30 years, Fleetmark has specialised in innovative branding solutions for commercial vehicles and trucks. With facilities in Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales, the company has more than 160 employees and offers a broad range of printing services ranging from traditional vehicle painting and sign writing through to wide format printing, smash repair services, and truck-side curtains.
Fleetmark recently installed a Zünd G3 L-3200 Cutter at its factory located in Wetherill Park in the western suburbs of Sydney, NSW. Fleetmark general manager Leanne Lanham said of the installation, “This is the first time we’ve invested in Zünd equipment. We started talking to Dale Hawkins, managing director of Zünd Australia, 18 months ago about our requirements and as a result, we purchased a Zünd model and configuration tailored specifically to our needs, particularly around cutting and sealing reflective materials applied to emergency response as well as mining vehicles.
“One of the specifications for certain emergency response customers is that they require the reflective material on their vehicles to be sealed from dust and water as they’re frequently exposed to these elements during the course of their daily work.”
The Zünd system features an ‘ultrasonic tool’
“The Zünd system integrates the ultrasonic tool that cuts and seals the edge of the reflective material. It has become an industry benchmark in Australia for this type of work. With the ultrasonic tool, we’ll no longer have to apply clear sealing vinyl around the edging of the reflective material anymore, which will save us a lot of time and money, and improve the quality and longevity of the product,” Lanham said.
“Until now, this work was outsourced, so it’s great to be able to have the ability to complete this work in-house. This will bring further efficiencies to our business


as well as faster turnaround times and better pricing for our customers.”
According to Zünd Australia managing director Dale Hawkins, the ultrasonic tool is a highly specialised device.
“The ultrasonic tool operates at 35kHz, generating high-frequency oscillations that both cut and heat-seal the edge to prevent water ingress,” he said.
“All emergency vehicles, particularly fire response vehicles, are exposed to a large amount of water which can otherwise cause the important reflective material to deteriorate and in some cases can come away from the exterior of the vehicle if it is not sealed properly.”
Hawkins said of the Zünd system, “All Zünd machines are modular and can be customised to customers’ needs. This particular machine features a very specific
set of tools to meet the Fleetmark requirements including the ultrasonic tool, router module with the auto router changer, as well as the kiss cut tool and the universal cutting tool. It’s the ultimate Swiss Army Knife and there’s also the ability to add on further tools as required into the future”.
The Fleetmark team has located the Zünd in a fully-enclosed, temperaturecontrolled room with sliding doors, providing direct access for full sheets and half sheets of material to be loaded directly on to the machine. The floor was levelled with epoxy resin to assist with installation and setup.
“Everything has gone smoothly with the delivery, installation and user training –the communication the Zünd team has been great,” Lanham said.
“The Fleetmark team from the other states are all very keen to understand more about the Zünd and undertake training in the near future. Our aspiration would be to win all of the work for emergency vehicles nationally and there may be a requirement for additional Zünd cutting tables down the track. But for the time being, we will manage all of the work here in Sydney and send the material to our team nationally for installation.”
Fleetmark has installed the latest version of the Zünd Cut Centre (ZCC) to integrate with its Caldera RIP software and according to Hawkins there is no other Zünd cutting table with this configuration in Australia.
“The ZCC Version 4 is designed to provide maximum ease of use for the operators. Featuring an intuitive touchscreen interface, the system is designed for simple point-and-click operation rather than complex window navigation. This makes training straightforward – not only during installation, but also when onboarding operators. Customers using earlier versions of ZCC can upgrade to Version 4, which integrates seamlessly.”


zund.com/cutting-beyond
Ball & Doggett’s first ever Experience Hub has been created for the purpose of hosting regular demonstrations, training sessions, and industry events.
Ball & Doggett recently opened the doors to its new Experience Hub at Brendale in Queensland, welcoming customers and industry partners for an afternoon of learning, collaboration and networking.
The event brought together more than 50 guests from across the print, sign and graphics, packaging, and textile sectors to explore the company’s latest investment in equipment innovation and hands-on customer experience.
Designed as an interactive demonstration centre, the Experience Hub allows customers to see a wide range of production technologies in action, interact with applications, and explore new opportunities to grow their businesses.
Guests experienced live demonstrations across a diverse range of equipment solutions, including wide-format printing, finishing, cutting, laser technology, CNC routing, and garment decoration.

Technologies showcased included solutions from Roland DG, Mimaki, HP, Kongsberg, Kornit Digital, IECHO, Eclipse DTF, and Impact CNC, along with finishing and specialty production equipment.
The Experience Hub will host regular demonstrations, training sessions and industry events, allowing customers to experience equipment first-hand in a working production environment.
Here are some photos from the event.

















Charles Watson outlines the key legal and practical considerations for employers navigating the complexities of
Employee absences due to illness or carer responsibilities are an inevitable part of workforce management. The real complexity arises when an employee has exhausted their paid personal leave and further absences occur. Employers must navigate a careful balance between supporting genuine health issues, maintaining fair and consistent policies and processes, and protecting their business.
Exhausting paid leave does not remove the right to be absent
Under the Fair Work Act, a full-time permanent employee accrues 10 days of paid personal leave (sick/carer’s) per year of service, and part-time employees receive a pro-rata amount. This personal leave accrues and accumulates from year to year of service. Importantly, once this paid leave is exhausted, an employee may still be entitled to be absent if they are genuinely unfit for work or to care for a member of their immediate family or household. Likewise, it does not automatically entitle an employer to take disciplinary action against an employee for being unfit to work. Additionally, if paid personal leave is exhausted, an employee may request the use of annual leave, leave without pay, or long service leave if eligible. Employers have discretion to refuse such leave, but only if such refusal is based on reasonable grounds.
Even when personal leave is unpaid, employers may still request “reasonable evidence” that the employee is unfit for work or is required to provide care or support to a family or household member. For example, a medical certificate or statutory declaration. However, employers should avoid requesting unnecessary medical details unless there is a clear and lawful reason linked to assessing work capacity or implementing reasonable adjustments. Overreach can result in privacy breaches or discrimination risks. Clear and communicated leave policies that explain when and what kind of evidence is required are a cornerstone of best practice.
their
staff’s personal leave.

There’s a balance between protecting a business, while also having empathy and consideration for employees
Repeated or excessive absences are often symptomatic of deeper issues including chronic illness, mental health challenges, or a loss of interest in an employee’s role. According to guidance from workplace health regulators, responding with empathy, open communication and a supportive approach may enhance engagement and reduce excessive absenteeism.
Employers should adopt a structured process that seeks to understand the underlying issues but without rushing to conclusions. A practical approach could include:
• Holding a private and respectful discussion that may allow an employee to open up to the underlying issues.
• Conducting a return-to-work meeting after each significant absence to clarify capacity and expectations.
• Discussing the nature and expected duration of the medical condition.
• Seeking a medical capacity report, with the employees’ consent, where their ability to perform the inherent requirements of their role is unclear.
• Considering implementing an absence management plan with the employee to set expectations relating to expectations around their absences.
This approach not only supports the employee’s wellbeing but also documents bona fide efforts at accommodation and may provide the employer with the information they need to make lawful and
informed decisions. This is particularly important if the absence pattern continues, and future action becomes necessary.
Extended or excessive absences place a heavy operational burden on a business. Employers are not required to tolerate unmanageable levels of absenteeism indefinitely; however, any disciplinary action or move towards termination must be handled cautiously. A poorly managed process may expose an employer to claims of unlawful adverse action, discrimination, or unfair dismissal.
Under the Fair Work Act, dismissing an employee because they are temporarily absent due to illness or injury, even if unpaid leave, is generally prohibited at least while the absence remains “temporary”. That protection may cease if the absence exceeds a cumulative three months in a 12-month period and includes unpaid leave. Termination should be only considered as a last resort after attempts have been made to appropriately address the issue with the employee.
Like all workplace issues, employers should treat excessive or prolonged absences with consistent policy application, open communication, documented decision making, and careful record-keeping. Failure to do so can make employers vulnerable to various claims. By contrast, a transparent, fair process fosters credibility, accountability, and defensibility if decisions are later challenged. There are other and additional steps employers can take - as always, if in doubt, seek advice.

Charles Watson is GM – IR, Policy, and Governance at the Visual Media Association
This article is of a general nature and guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

For many business owners, succession is the conversation they keep postponing. There’s always another year and something else to do. But when ‘later’ arrives, through burnout, health issues, or an unexpected life event, you may discover there’s no family member willing or able to take over, and no internal leader ready to step up. At that point, the business you spent decades building becomes at risk almost overnight. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: businesses don’t fail at succession because they lack heirs. They fail because owners delay decisions until options disappear.
One of the most common, and damaging mistakes owners make is staying silent. Uncertainty spreads faster than facts. When employees sense something is coming but leadership refuses to acknowledge it, they start protecting themselves. High performers leave first. Customers notice instability. Value leaks out of the business long before a transition occurs.
Being transparent doesn’t mean announcing a departure date. It means acknowledging reality. Saying: “I’m thinking about the future of this business, want to build on what we’ve created and I want to do it responsibly,” creates confidence. Silence creates fear. And fear is costly.
Many owners wear their indispensability like a badge of honour. In reality, it’s a red flag. A business that cannot operate without its founder is not resilient—it’s at risk.
If you approve every major decision, hold all key relationships, and keep critical
knowledge in your head, you’ve built a business that’s difficult to sell, hard to transfer and vulnerable to disruption. Automation and systems are not about replacing people – they’re about removing single points of failure. Every process you document and system you implement increases your strategic freedom.
When there’s no family successor, many owners assume their only choice is an external sale. That’s often untrue. Employee ownership, through share schemes or structured buy-ins, can be a powerful alternative. It rewards loyalty, preserves culture and creates a new generation of leaders with real skin in the game.
This is not a soft option. But for owners who care about continuity, it can be far more aligned than selling to the highest bidder with no emotional connection to the business.
Family and founder-led businesses often resist formalisation, fearing it will erase what made them special and erode margins. The opposite is often true. Professionalising management is how you make your values and your business scalable.
Consider LEGO. The Kristiansen family recognised that relying solely on generational leadership put the company at risk. Ownership was placed into the LEGO Foundation, while professional managers were empowered to run the business. Far from losing its identity, LEGO strengthened it. Achieving both cultural continuity and long-term growth. The lesson is clear: legacy survives structure; it doesn’t survive chaos.
The truth is, avoiding the idea of a sale is usually an emotional reaction, not a strategic one. Strategic buyers or merger partners can bring capital, systems and a global reach. A well-structured sale can protect employees, preserve brands and create new opportunities.
The key is timing. Owners who plan early negotiate from strength. Owners who wait, negotiate from fear. Advisors are most valuable before you need them, not after.
And if succession feels out of reach, there are creative ways forward. Employee share plans can turn loyal team members into future owners, preserving culture and continuity. Pairing this with vendor finance (where you help fund the purchase over time) can make the deal achievable for employees who otherwise couldn’t afford it. These strategies don’t just solve the ‘no successor’ problem; they reward commitment and keep the business in trusted hands.
Too many owners focus obsessively on the business and ignore their own financial future. Succession without personal financial planning is reckless. Separate your finances, model scenarios and define what ‘enough’ looks like. Freedom comes from clarity.
The real risk is pretending you’ll deal with succession later. No successor doesn’t mean no future. It means you must be intentional. Build systems, empower people, professionalise management and explore ownership options. Succession isn’t about finding someone to replace you – it’s about building something strong enough it can move forward without you.
And if that makes you uncomfortable, that’s probably the point.
Andrew Ash is a business advisor, fractional CFO, and tax agent. He can be contacted at aash@belefonte.com.au or 0412 055 814.




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Jim Strounis, Owner
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Scott Mohammed, Service & Account Manager
Mobile: 0431 887 501 Email: scottm@jtsengineering com.au Unit 5, 80-82 Seville Street, Fairfield, NSW, 2165 Web: jtsengineering.com.au












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