Irish Printer Issue 3 2026 by Ashville Media Group

HP Indigo

Just

Train any operator to be a cutting expert

THE IECHO SK2 PUTS PRODUCTION-FLOOR CAPABILITY IN EVERYONE’S HANDS

Skilled machine operators can be hard to find, harder to keep, and expensive to train. The SK2 changes the equation.

New hires and existing staff can be trained and productive within hours, not weeks. Add the self-loading sheet feeder and the SK2 runs semi-automatically, freeing your operator for other work.

Easy to use doesn’t mean slow. The SK2 still delivers ±0.025 mm accuracy at speeds of up to 2 m/s.

Three bed sizes mean there’s an SK2 for every shop floor, from compact print rooms to high-volume production lines. And you’re never on your own. We deliver operator training in-house, and our dedicated service team keeps the SK2 running at full pace, year after year.

KEY

BENEFITS

» Easy-to-learn software, productive in hours, not weeks

» Industry-leading speeds of 2,000 mm/s for serious throughput

» Three bed sizes to suit any shop floor, large or small

» Automatic knife setup and intelligent table compensation

» Cuts vinyl, board, foam, fabric, leather, composites, and more

» Through-cut, kiss-cut, crease, v-groove, mill, and mark

» ±0.025 mm accuracy on every job

» Linear motor drive built to run hard and last long

New solutions at the global print expo and remembering FESPA ‘Founding Father’ Michel Caza

ED’S LETTER

Welcome to issue 3 of Irish Printer for 2026

McGowans’ relationship with HP dates back to 2015, when the print firm purchased a HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press. Over a decade later, that relationship continues with an investment in a HP Indigo 18K Digital Press. The new press will, says Mal McGowan, give the print firm the flexibility to handle a variety of job types and substrates simultaneously, while achieving the widest range of applications. It can also print on thick substrates – up to 600 microns – so can support McGowans’ B1 Landa on the packaging side. It’s a press that will allow the company enter new markets, particularly in its Belfast division. For more on McGowan’s investment, turn to page 14.

Elsewhere in this issue, we take a look at all the winners from the 2026 Irish Print Awards. Label Tech Ltd walked away with the top award of the night, along with Digital Label Printer of the Year and Silver in the Innovation & Print Technology of the Year category. The ‘Women in Print’ award went to Louise Quinlan at Esmark Finch Print & Packaging, while Sustainability Printer of the Year went to iSupply Ltd. Tommy Gaskin was the deserving recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the industry. He was presented with the award by Dermot Downer at Westside Press, who said Tommy is “one of the best production managers around.” To see all the winners, turn to page 19. Snap CEO Sean Murray chats about how he got into the print industry in our careers feature. In 2017 when Snap came up as a business to acquire, Sean realised it’s not just about ink on paper; Snap is about marketing solutions, branding and helping companies become more visible. Turn to on page 32 for more on Sean’s journey in the industry.

As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts on this issue, please drop us a line at editor@irishprinter.ie. Enjoy!

Editor: Denise Maguire

Email: editor@irishprinter.ie

Creative Director: Jane Matthews

Designer: Lenny Rooney

Production: Nicole Ennis

Contact: Irish Printer, Ashville Media Group, Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F Tel: (01) 432 2200 Web: www.irishprinter.ie

Printed by: McGowans Print

Printed on: HP Indigo 10000 using Novatech paper supplied by Antalis.

All rights reserved. Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate. The publishers cannot, however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. © Ashville Media Group 2026. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are run independently of Irish Printer. The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize. ISSN 0790-2026

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SPOTLIGHT ON…

REVORIA PRESS PC2120

NEWS

FUJIFILM Business Innovation has launched Revoria Press PC2120, the new ﬂagship model in its Revoria Press series for high-end professional printing.

Building on the success of the Revoria Press PC1120, the PC2120 introduces advanced AI-driven automation, an expanded colour gamut, featuring a newly developed green toner, and one-pass six-colour printing using CMYK plus two speciality toners. The company’s expanded speciality toner lineup now comprises seven toners, including existing options like gold, silver, pink and white. The new press utilises AI to simplify complex workflows. In pre-press, a new Substrate Profiler analyses loaded paper and automatically recommends optimal settings, reducing setup time and improving operational efficiency.

The Revoria Flow print server uses AI to scan documents and automatically recommends the best image quality enhancements – such as sharpening text or ﬁne lines. During printing, the Smart Monitoring Gate continuously detects paper colour variations and registration misalignments, automatically correcting them in real time without aﬀecting print speed.

Key Features

» New green speciality toner

» Can accommodate two speciality toner colours

» Preview function allows operators to check colour expression of speciality toners on the display

» Achieves high quality printing with Super EA-Eco toner, featuring one of the industry’s smallest toner particle sizes

» 2400 dpi high resolution, along with high-speed printing of up to 120 pages per minute

» Revoria Flow print server enables high quality image data generation through 1200 × 1200 dpi RIP processing

» Equipped with air suction feeder tray, ensuring reliable feeding even for coated papers

» Static Eliminator D1 removes static electricity from output sheets

» Supports a wide range of paper types, from thin paper (52 gsm) to thick paper (400 gsm)

CMYUK

CMYUK Group launches CMYK Europe

End of an era, start of an adventure. Thank you all for being part of my story

The end of an era

CMYUK Group has announced the launch of CMYK Europe, a new company within the organisation that will serve European customers from Poland. The new entity will support customers throughout Europe from its new facility, backed by the group’s experience in digital equipment, applications, customer service, sales and marketing. “The foundation of our success has always been our customer service and engineering reputation,” said Robin East, CMYUK’s Group Chief Commercial Officer. “We know what the market needs because we’ve spent decades helping customers test, evaluate and deploy technology in real-world conditions. Operating CMYK Europe from Poland allows us to serve the European market from a central, fast-growing region, while staying true to the model that has worked so well in the UK and Ireland.” CMYK Europe is recruiting experienced sales professionals across European territories, who will be able to leverage CMYUK’s sales and marketing infrastructure, while being supported from the Polish facility. It’s also recruiting engineers as part of its commitment to replicating CMYUK’s service-led model.

P+D on the run

In June the team at P+D took part in the Grocers Fun Run, an annual charity event in aid of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF). Founded in the early 1960’s, the IGBF is a national charity assisting people in the retail, wholesale and supplier trade sectors.

Kevin O’Donnell has announced that after almost four decades, he’s retiring from Xerox. He described his time at the company as the “journey of a lifetime”, adding that when he first entered the industry, the print environment looked very different. “I’ve had the privilege of a front-row seat as we navigated the industry from traditional analogue to the high-speed digital world and most recently, into the era of AI and automated workflows. Whether it was the introduction of DocuPrint, DocuColor, iGen, Iridesse technologies or rethinking how we focus on outcomes rather than just output, every challenge was an opportunity to learn.” What he’ll treasure the most, he said, is the people he met along the way. “To my colleagues at Xerox and my friends across the print industry –thank you for the respect, the support and the many laughs we’ve shared at events like IPEX, Drupa and Xerox Premier Partner events or just over a pint after a long day. While I’m retiring from Xerox, I’m certainly not retiring from life. I remain curious and ready for what’s next. End of an era, start of an adventure. Thank you all for being part of my story.”

SOYANG

High-impact floors from Soyang Europe

The demand for floor graphics has rocketed, with brands and marketers using it as a way of connecting with the consumer

Soyang Europe has launched InstaFloor, a printable cushioned floor covering designed to capture the attention of passers-by in hightraffic environments. Made from PVC material created for fast installation across commercial, retail and event environments, the covering is 2.6mm thick to provide an enhanced underfoot comfort and sound reduction. It’s supplied in widths of up to 4m and in roll lengths of up to 30m. “We’re excited to be introducing this highly flexible and durable product into an area of the market that has been extremely busy in recent years,” said Oliver Mashiter, Sales Director at Soyang Europe. “The demand for floor graphics has rocketed, with brands and marketers using it as a way of connecting with the consumer. “InstaFloor has been designed to not only deliver a stunning visual impact but also provide comfort underfoot, all while remaining structurally sound throughout the lifetime of each application.”

Antalis Packaging strengthens Ireland team

Joshua Dalton has been appointed Business Development Manager for the Republic of Ireland Packaging division at Antalis Packaging. He will be responsible for helping local businesses identify more efficient packaging solutions and will work closely with companies across a wide range of sectors including industrial, logistics and e-business. Iain Cunningham, Head of Packaging at Antalis Packaging in Ireland, said: “Antalis Packaging has built a strong reputation for expertise and customer support across the region. Joshua’s appointment further strengthens our commitment to delivering local support backed by the resources, technical knowledge and service capabilities of a leading international packaging specialist.”

First domestically compostable trays from Sabert

Sabert Corporation Europe has delivered a solution for children’s ready-meals for Irish school meals provider, Carambola. The provider was seeking the most environmentally friendly packaging possible for its school meals programme, with a clear requirement that the solution be 100% domestically compostable. The tray also needed to meet children’s needs and capture their interest. Pulp Ultra – a new formula exclusive to Sabert featuring no-intentionally-added-PFAS – ticked all the boxes for the customer. The packaging solution is made from over 95% bagasse fibres and treated with a barrier spray coating of <5%. Sabert says it delivers outstanding oil and grease resistance (OGR) permeation in direct contact hot food applications. Pulp Ultra won the Green Apple Awards’ National Silver award in the Paper & Packaging category and was a finalist in the Product Innovation category at the Foodservice Packaging Association Awards. It was also a finalist in the New Packaging category of The Sammies, The Sandwich & Food to Go Industry Awards.

WRAP-IT DESIGN LTD

elevating brand visibility

IN TODAY’S

competitive market, visibility is everything – and that’s where we come in. As a specialised provider of large-scale wrapping solutions, we transform ﬂeets, boats and complex industrial projects into powerful brand statements.

With over a decade of proven experience in the Irish market, our company has built a strong reputation through the successful delivery of demanding, large-scale projects. From nationwide ﬂeet rollouts to complex marine applications, we have demonstrated our capability to execute highvolume assignments – completing projects involving thousands of vehicles within tight timeframes, including ﬂeet branding programs delivered in as little as six months.

As the sole provider in Ireland and the official distributor of Härtag antifouling film – a patented solution with over 10 years of presence on the European market – we bring exclusive technology and innovation to the marine wrapping sector. This allows us to offer advanced, performance-driven solutions that go beyond traditional wrapping applications.

Our focus is on high-impact execution, combining premium materials with expert craftsmanship to ensure every project not only looks exceptional but also performs under demanding conditions. What sets us apart is our ability to manage complex operations with precision, consistency and reliability.

All our employees are professionally trained and operate under continuous quality control, with ongoing education and certiﬁcation as a mandatory standard. This structured approach guarantees that every installation meets the highest levels of durability, accuracy, and visual performance.

Wrap-It Design Ltd’s experienced team provide innovative solutions that allow brands make powerful statements

Our focus is on high-impact execution, combining premium materials with expert craftsmanship

By integrating experience, scalability, exclusive products and strict quality standards, we provide solutions that elevate brand visibility – on the road, on the water and across large-format environments.

Mimaki

FESPA

Mimaki Europe took home three EDP Awards at FESPA Global Print Expo. The wins were in:

Best Flatbed/Hybrid Printer <50 m2/h

– Mimaki UJ330H-160 hybrid UV printer

Best Direct-to-Shape – Object Printing

– Mimaki UJF-7151 plusII e UV-LED ﬂatbed printer

Best Textile Roll-to-Roll Printer <150 m2/h

– Mimaki TS330-1800 sublimation printer

The UJ330H-160 is the company’s latest hybrid UV inkjet printer, developed for sign makers and print service providers looking to expand their application range without adding separate systems. It supports a wide mix of graphics applications, from signage, window graphics and banners to wallpaper, POS displays and rigid boards. Mimaki’s UJF-7151 plusII e is built for industrial-grade precision, combining high-resolution UV-LED output with the ability to print directly onto a wide range of objects and materials. Completing the trio, the TS330-1800 is designed for modern sublimation textile and apparel production. All three award winners are available to demo at Ireland and UK distributor, Hybrid Services’ showroom.

All three award winners are available to demo at Ireland and UK distributor, Hybrid Services’ showroom

Agfa

Agfa was recognised at the EDP Awards for its Jeti Bronco H3300 HS hybrid printer. Designed for demanding sign and display environments, the Bronco bridges the gap between the Anapurna Ciervo and Jeti Tauro ranges, with a 3.3m hybrid inkjet press. The press tackles everything from exhibition panels and stage graphics to banners, ﬁlms, textiles and even corrugated applications, while continuous board feeding means up to four jobs can be printed simultaneously. The Bronco’s media feeding guides push its versatility even further, enabling it to easily handle warp-prone media such as corrugated cardboard, while a full CMYKcmk + white inks set facilitates fast accurate printing across the full color gamut.

New and innovative print solutions were on display at this year’s global print expo

2026

EFI

Electronics For Imaging (EFI) launched a range of new hybrid, roll-to-roll and textile inkjet innovations at FESPA, including the new EFI VUTEk M3h X hybrid LED printer, the EFI VUTEk FabriVU 340 i8 eight-colour dye sublimation printer, the EFI VUTEk X5r roll-to-roll LED printer and the EFI VUTEk Q3h XP seven-colour hybrid printer. For sign and display producers, the VUTEk M3h X printer delivers high-quality imaging at high speeds and true hybrid versatility for board and roll printing in one system, enabling new applications and revenue streams without added equipment. Making its debut at FESPA, the 3.4m VUTEk FabriVU 340 i8 dye-sublimation printer with inline fixation is designed to meet the colour-fidelity demands of retail, event and branded environments with eight-colour printing that reproduces a wider gamut and renders richer tones and smoother gradients. EFI also showcased the VUTEk Q3h XP high-performance hybrid LED printer in a new seven-colour configuration. It offers versatile flatbed and roll-to-roll printing capabilities, production-level throughput and advanced media handling and automation options, making it a perfect solution for businesses looking to address current labour challenges and cost-reduction initiatives.

FESPA ‘FOUNDING FATHER’ MICHEL CAZA: 1935 - 2026

One of the founding board members of the FESPA federation, Michel Caza, passed away in May at the age of 90. Michel remained a Board Member of FESPA until his retirement from the role in 2014 and occupied the position of FESPA President from 1996 to 1999 and 2000 to 2002. FESPA President, Daniel Sunderland, said: “Michel was an irrepressible innovator, passionate about the craft and creativity of screen printing. He believed wholeheartedly in the power to advance print by encouraging printers to share their knowledge and ideas generously with one another. His unshakeable belief in the power of community, collaboration and education was one of the guiding principles on which FESPA was founded and he played a fundamental role in the growth of our organisation and events over seven decades. The global FESPA ‘family’ will never forget his contribution.”

Award-Winning Print.

Built for How the Trade Works.

Fabric Printing. Done Properly.

At Xtreme, we produce every fabric job in-house using dye sublimation or UV for exhibition, retail and display graphics.

Every job is printed and finished in-house, giving complete control over colour, consistency and detail from file to final product.

Recognised with Gold for Signmaker of the Year and Silver in Large format printer of the year, our work doesn’t just look right - it performs where it matters.

COMING SOON

The trade operating system that removes friction between opportunity and order

Win work faster. Protect margin. Act immediately.

No outsourcing. All production controlled by our team.

No variability. Consistent quality. Every time.

No surprises. What you approve is what we deliver.

IRELAND’S LARGEST LARGE FORMAT FABRIC PRINTER

SCREEN Europe has recognised the exceptional members of its sales network with its 2025 Dealer Awards, celebrating the dedication and expertise that continues to support the success of SCREEN digital inkjet printing solutions across the EMEA printing industry.

For 2025, Richard Styles, Managing Director of Litho Supplies, has received the Outstanding Progress Award. SCREEN emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions made by its sales teams and dealer partners, whose market expertise and commitment to customers play a vital role in helping printing businesses adopt digital inkjet technology and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

The accelerating role of digital inkjet printing in Ireland

Like much of the EMEA region, Irish print is currently experiencing dramatic shifts as demand for printed goods remains consistent, yet individual run lengths are shortening with clients requiring a larger number of diverse SKUs. A shrinking pool of skilled analogue press operators makes some traditional printing workflows unwieldly

The recognition of these achievements reflects the broader success of SCREEN Europe throughout 2025

SCREEN Europe has recognised Richard Styles and Litho Supplies with the Outstanding Progress Award for their contributions to expanding digital inkjet printing solutions into the Irish print market

Recognising

Excellence

while also reducing cost-effectiveness. This environment is poised to give printing businesses and converters who integrate digital printing into their portfolios a key competitive advantage as these various market forces continue to accelerate as the printing sector continues face more pressure to digitalise print production from stakeholders, clients, and consumers.

Richard Styles receives Outstanding Progress Award 2025

In this dynamic market, the Litho Supplies team has not only adapted, but thrived, with the Outstanding Progress Award presented to Richard recognising his efforts in expanding SCREEN’s digital inkjet’s presence in the Irish printing market.

While Litho Supplies has traditionally focused on label printing solutions together with offset, Richard introduced two global group businesses to SCREEN’s inkjet web portfolio which resulted in multiple Truepress JET installations across two global printing groups. His team successfully broadened their skills to support these high-speed inkjet presses for commercial printing. This required quickly learning about the technology and demonstrating how it could support Irish printing businesses and facilitate press installation plus operator training as they

adopt digital production workflows. Throughout this expansion into commercial printing, Richard and Litho Supplies also installed four SCREEN B1 CTP devices while continuing to support its existing label printing partners, maintaining the strong service and technical expertise that have long defined the company’s reputation. This supported Screen’s status as the worlds’ largest supplier of Computer-to-Plate equipment and Truepress LABEL UV presses as the workhorse of the label printing sector.

Celebrating a successful year for SCREEN and its partners

The recognition of these achievements reflects the broader success of SCREEN Europe throughout 2025. The company attributes this progress to the combined efforts of its sales teams, dealer partners, technical specialists and all employees across the organisation. Together, these partnerships have helped printing businesses across EMEA adopt innovative digital inkjet solutions that deliver digital agility, improved profitability and sustainable long-term growth.

With strong momentum already building, SCREEN Europe expects 2026 to be an even more exciting year, as continued collaboration with its dealer network drives further expansion of digital printing technology across the region.

INVESTMENT

Kilcoole-based printing, signage and vehicle graphics company Sign on Time has invested in a HP Latex R530, helping the business reduce production costs and take on work in additional markets, with plans already in place to add more HP Latex machines to its line-up.

Sign on Time and Universal Graphics are accelerating growth and cutting production costs with investments in HP Latex technology

FAST-TRACK GROWTH to

Managing Partners Petr Plachy and Jitka Placha have a long-standing relationship with HP, having taken on their first machine from the manufacturer in 2010, purchasing an HP Latex device for a company they ran in their native Czech Republic. Since then the duo has stayed loyal to the manufacturer, taking on several machines across various businesses over the past 16 years.

On this occasion, Sign on Time decided to go for a HP Latex R530, a compact hybrid printer that handles both rigid and flexible materials. Running at speeds of up to 24sq m/hr in indoor mode, the device can handle boards up to 1.6m wide and 5cm thick, while also printing in colour and white.

HP says the flexibility of the HP Latex R530 enables users to create applications such as indoor and outdoor signage, wall décor, interior graphics, banners and vehicle graphics. Like all HP Latex devices, it also runs waterbased HP Latex Inks, which have less impact on the surrounding environment than solvent, eco-solvent and UV inks.

“This was a natural continuation of the decision we made back in 2010, when we

bought our first HP Latex printer,” Petr said. “We believed then and still do that the working environment matters and we preferred water-based inks over solvent inks.

“We knew we wanted to move production forward by adding directto-board printing and we were also looking for white ink capability. The R530 felt like a brilliant hybrid solution. After seeing it in person at FESPA Berlin 2025, it was only a matter of time before we made the final decision.”

Sign on Time finalised its investment in October 2025, purchasing the new machine from NTI Digital Solutions Ireland, an approved HP distribution partner. The company took delivery of the printer in November and has been using it to produce various applications, many of which involve direct printing onto rigid boards, ever since.

“Being able to print direct-to-board significantly reduces our production costs, which opens the door to new markets and a wider range of jobs,” Petr said. “It makes our pricing more competitive and has already helped us win new business. The white ink option opens up new possibilities, especially for clear materials, and we’re committed to learning the machine properly so we can use it to its full potential across a wider range of applications.”

The new HP Latex R530 has been running alongside several other HP machines that were already in place at Sign on Time, including a HP Latex 335, which was installed in 2018 and a HP Latex 570, which

We knew we wanted to move production forward by adding direct-toboard printing

was purchased in 2020. Plans are in place to upgrade these to the HP Latex 830, while the company also hopes to add a HP Latex FS Series in the near future. “We’ve been in the industry for over 20 years and have remained loyal to HP Latex for the past 16,” Petr said. “It’s been genuinely satisfying to see the progress from our first HP Latex L26500 device to today’s machines. More than anything, it feels like HP listens and continues to improve, which is something we really value in a long-term partner.”

The white ink option opens up new possibilities, especially for clear materials

It’s an excellent upgrade to what we already have in place.”

Universal Graphics has upgraded to a new HP Latex FS60W printer, a move that will allow the firm to speed up production, improve the quality of output and strengthen its environmentally friendly print services. Working across three locations in Dublin, Monaghan and Waterford, Universal Graphics has been providing print and sign services for almost three decades. Traditionally a fleet branding specialist, it has spent the last 15 years diversifying into signage and interior branding, with window film marking its most recent expansion. The company cites Guinness, DHL and UPS among its clients.

This diverse print service offering is supported by Universal Graphics’ line-up of HP Latex technology. Among its existing machines are a HP Latex 3200, a HP Latex 800W and a HP Latex 800. However, with demand for work on the rise and the company keen to strengthen its production capacity further, it elected to take on a fourth HP Latex machine.

After speaking with the team at NTI Diatec, an approved HP distribution partner in Ireland, Universal Graphics identified the HP Latex FS60W as the ideal solution to not only bolster its production setup, but also expand its capabilities as a business. Running at speeds of up to 121sq m/hr in two-pass mode, the machine offers a maximum print width of 3.2m and can produce output at 1200 x 1200dpi. Running in nine colours, including white ink, the printer is an effective solution for work such as vehicle graphics, exhibition and event graphics, wallpaper, banners, indoor signage, decoration and other displays.

The company took delivery of the HP Latex FS60W in November 2025 and has already put the printer to use across a range of vehicle graphics and signage projects. Aisling Savage, Marketing at Universal Graphics, said the company is also looking at using the device to support its interior branding offering.

“As the machine enables us to print full 3m rolls for a seamless look, eliminating the need for joins or panels, this will be great for interior applications,” she said. “It will enable us to expand more into this area of the market. It’s faster, higher quality and uses environmentally friendly, non-solvent inks, allowing us to offer an even broader range of premium branding solutions. It’s an excellent upgrade to what we already have in place.”

HP uses water-based inks across all its machines within the HP Latex printer range. These are regarded as having far less impact on the planet than UV, solvent and eco-solvent inks due to their low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. Add in that they are supplied in recyclable, cardboard cartridges and this further reduces their environmental impact.

“HP has been a valued partner of ours for more than 15 years and the HP Latex machines have helped our business grow,” Aisling said. “Given the manufacturer’s consistent dedication to our needs and the exceptional support they provide, we see no reason to look elsewhere.”

Investment in a HP INDIGO 18K DIGITAL PRESS is elevating the offering at McGowans

Thomas Neville, Production Manager, McGowans

Back in 2015, McGowans Print was the ﬁrst print ﬁrm in Ireland to invest in cutting-edge technology from HP. The HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press allowed the company to produce more short-run personalised jobs and create larger format products using specialised substrates. It allowed McGowans to expand and attract new business opportunities and paved the way for a strong, long-standing relationship between the two companies. Earlier this year, McGowans once again strengthened that relationship when it purchased the HP Indigo 18K Digital Press – the new generation of B2 format printing.

“We’ve been working with Indigo technology since it was ﬁrst invented by Benny Landa in 1995. We’ve had three presses from HP – a B2, a B3 in Dublin and a B3 in Belfast. When it came to investing in a new press, there was no doubt in my mind that we would opt for another HP Indigo,” says Mal McGowan, Owner, McGowans

Print. The HP Indigo 18K Digital Press is a B2 platform, with a host of features that elevate its offering. With it, print firms can achieve the widest range of applications and access the flexibility to handle a variety of job types and substrates simultaneously. “The new press can also work with 600 micron stock. That means it can support the B1 Landa in our packaging division. The Indigo 18K also features several additional colours including vivid green and fluorescent pink, so it opens up new products for us to sell.” Unlimited colour combinations are possible with the new press, with seven ink stations, 12 specialty ElectroInks and a countless array of spot colours. “It’s a press that really encourages our designers to be more creative, as opposed to just working with standard colours. When you combine those colour possibilities with our Scodix platform, which embosses and foils, it gives a completely new dynamic to the Irish design community.”

When it came to investing in a new press, there was no doubt in my mind that we would opt for another HP Indigo

Amazing Results

The HP Indigo 18K Digital Press has the capability to print everything, from general commercial print applications and high-end photo printing to folding carton applications, secure printing, heat transfer, gaming – you name it, it can print it. It offers print firms unparalleled variety and flexibility by supporting more than 2,000 certified substrates, 75% of which are sustainable media, ranging from 75 to 600 microns. That built-in flexibility also accommodates different media thicknesses. Plus, it’s easy to use. “At McGowans, we obviously have 30 years’ experience using HP Indigo presses so the training phase didn’t take long. Even for firms who don’t have the same experience we do with HP Indigo, this is a press that’s simple to use, yet the results are amazing.” The press utilises advanced AI tools to enhance user experience and produce even more jobs in a single shift. Proactive prediction of potential downtime alerts and auto recovery increase press utilisation by up to 5%, helping to avoid interruptions and smooth workflows. The press also benefits from multi-press operation by a single operator, thanks to machine learning algorithms and the PrintOS Productivity Power Pack. HP says users will gain a 33% productivity boost and 24% energy savings per sheet using the press’ Enhanced Productivity Mode (EPM). With the Indigo 18K Digital Press, HP also says it’s possible to print 4,600 colour pages per hour, reducing the cost per sheet by 25% and delivering results faster.

A smart move

That speed of operation and enhanced quality are the attributes that McGowans look for when investing in new technology – and what the team consistently find with HP Indigo presses. “The output might be print, but I always describe McGowans as a technology company. We’re driven by the latest technology, both in hardware and software, which helps us create only the best products quicker, more efficiently and at a more cost-competitive level. HP Indigo has helped us achieve that. The new Indigo 18K Digital Press is allowing us to enter new markets, particularly in our Belfast division where we’re now in a position to produce more high quality products in markets like wedding stationery. For us, investing in the new press was a smart move. We’ll be reaping the benefits for years to come.”

HP INDIGO 18K

Printing speed

» 3450 sheets per hour 4/0

» 4600 sheets per hour in EPM 3/0

» 1725 sheets per hour 4/4

» 4600 sheets per hour 1/1 (monochrome)

Line screens

» HP Indigo 18K Digital Press: 175, 180m, 180EPM, HMF-200 LPI

» HP Indigo 18K HD Digital Press: 175, 230, 250 LPI

Sheet size

» Maximum sheet size:

29.5 x 20.81 in (750 x 530mm) (In-house cutting: 29.527 x 20.866 in)

» Minimum sheet size: 20.1 x 11.7 in (510 x 297mm) for simplex; 20.1 x 13 in (510 x 330) for duplex

» Image size: 29.1 x 20.1 in (740 x 510mm) maximum

HP Indigo 18K Digital Press

Versatile B2 duplex digital press supporting over 2,000 substrates, including thick media up to 600 microns (24pt). Offers 7 ink stations for extensive color options and integrates with automation tools for streamlined workﬂows and

IRISH PRINT AWARDS 2026

ONCE AGAIN, the industry’s most innovative companies were recognised at the Irish Print Awards, now in its 47th year. The 2026 event, which was held in April at Clontarf Castle Hotel, featured 30 categories and as ever, competition was tough. Every entry we received showcased the creativity that deﬁnes Ireland’s print sector and the companies that aren’t afraid to push the boundaries of print technology.

Our judging panel had the unenviable task of whittling down entries and awarding Gold, Silver and Bronze. Winners on the night included Label Tech Ltd, who took home the coveted Print of the Year award for “Sailors Home –Caravelle”, along with Digital Label Printer of the Year for the same print. Label Tech also won Silver in the Innovation & Print Technology of the Year category for “Boann Distillery THE OAK KING Winter Solstice 2025”. Impro Printing won the Best Use of Print award for “The PowerHouse Bar Manual” while the 3D Printer of the Year award went to Chance Design3D. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Tommy Gaskin, presented by Westside Press’ Dermot Downer, who described Tommy as a “print genius” and “one of the best production managers around.”

2026 IPA JUDGES

Diarmuid Dawson

Chairman of the Judging Panel and Managing Director of Innovative Print Solutions

Adrian Matthews Print & Packaging SME

David Mahon

Managing Director, Evad IT Solutions Ltd

Danielle Townsend Founder, BOUNCE

Peter Smith

Digital & Consumables Sales Representative, Heidelberg

Wil Byrne

Technical Director, AG2

A huge congratulations to this year’s winners and ﬁnalists – your dedication and passion keep the print industry thriving. See you all next year!

Darren Finn

Managing Director, Flexographic Plate Plan

Michael Grimes

Business Development, Canon Professional Print

Jane Matthews

Jane Matthews Design

Joe O’Callaghan

Joseph O’Callaghan Consultancy

TECH LTD SAILORS HOME – CARAVELLE

2026 IRISH PRINT AWARDS - THE WINNERS

3D Printer of the Year

Chance Design3D

Sona Sensory

Silver: Ideon Engineering - SLA-Printed

Anatomical Models

Bronze: EiR3D - Iron Man Mark 85 suit

Best Use of Print

Impro Printing

The PowerHouse Bar Manual

Silver: Anglo Printers - Deluxe Desktop Calendar 2026

Bronze: Snap Galway - Connacht Rugby Group

Book Printer of the Year

W&G Baird Ltd

Spell Book - The Crone

Silver: Triest Press CLG - A Collection of Poems by Paddy Tighe

Bronze: CB Forms - Miscellany of Gortroe and its Environs

Digital Label Printer of the Year

Label Tech Ltd

Sailors Home – Caravelle

Digital Packaging Printer of the Year

TOMMY GASKIN

TEXTILE PRINTER OF THE YEAR

P+D

BARBOUR SHOWROOM GRAPHICS

WOMEN LEADING IN PRINT

LOUISE QUINLAN

ESMARK FINCH PRINT & PACKAGING

CAREERS

Snap CEO Sean Murray on why leading Snap Ireland became his most enjoyable career path

I DIDN’T FOLLOW

the classic career path. There was no grand ﬁve-year plan pointing me in a set direction. For a time after leaving school, farming was the focus, having grown up on a farm in the midlands.

I always knew I wanted something else. I just had no idea what that “something” was. Then someone casually said, “You should get into sales” and soon after, such an opportunity arose, which I fully embraced. I started in newspaper advertising sales, my ﬁrst brush with print, though I didn’t realise it at the time. Then I moved into radio advertising sales, a fast-paced education in messaging, and the magic of making a 30-second peaktime slot feel irresistible.

A colleague left for Dell Technologies and we kept in touch. One conversation led to another and by September 1995, I was in Bray, County Wicklow, starting a sales role in what was then one of Ireland’s pioneering multinationals. What drew me in wasn’t just the job; it was the pace, the culture and the multicultural environment. You weren’t just doing a job; you were part of something that felt like it was taking oﬀ. They were also a development focused company and during my time, supported me completing an MBA. After Dell, I felt the pull to do something more. I wanted to lead, to run something myself, with a persistent inner voice nudging me toward having my own business. Through re-connecting with a former manager from my time there, an opportunity emerged that

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

led me into the world of general management and manufacturing. It was a step into something new, diﬀerent challenges, broader responsibility and a chance to see the bigger picture of how a business operates. While I genuinely enjoyed the role, 2016 marked a turning point. Something shifted and I decided I wanted to build, or own something myself.

It was in 2017 that Snap came up as a business to acquire and when I got to take a closer look, I realised Snap wasn’t just about ink on paper; it was about marketing solutions, branding and helping companies become more visible. That shift in perspective changed everything. At the time, I saw some risks in an increasingly digital-ﬁrst world. Yet while everyone predicted decline in the industry, our business has grown year-on-year since 2017 (aside from the challenging Covid period). It turns out humans still love tangible things. In fact, with so much digital noise, people crave something real.

Print is powerful. A striking sign can draw a customer through your door. Internal signage can bring a company’s ethos and story to life. Branded clothing can turn a team into a walking representation of the brand. A

I realised Snap wasn’t just about ink on paper; it was about marketing solutions, branding and helping companies become more visible

beautifully designed brochure can elevate a business.

In a world saturated with AI-generated sameness, businesses are leaning back into authentic design and human creativity. AI is a brilliant tool; we use it but it doesn’t replace originality or instinct. Brands want to stand out, not blend in.

What truly pulled me into this industry was the people. The operators running production. The designers collaborating with the team and customers. The managers and business development teams nurturing client relationships. Print is a team sport and culture matters.

Over the last number of years, we have expanded our services, incorporated acquisitions, embraced sustainability and invested in greener materials and processes. Businesses increasingly want partners who care about their carbon footprint and rightly so. Green isn’t just a colour in branding anymore; it’s a commitment.

If someone asked me today whether they should consider a career in print, I’d say this: “Absolutely, go for it. It’s dynamic, creative, evolving and far more expansive than people realise”. Of all the industries I’ve worked in – farming and tech included – this one has been the most surprising, the most engaging and without question, the most enjoyable.