Pro Print June 2026

ADVERTISING TELLS. REFERRALS PROVE.

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

Contents JUNE

6-8

News update

A news roundup from the world of print

10-11 Star Business: Kwik Kopy Ballarat

Print bonanza in goldrush city

12-13 Women in Print: Evan Evans general manager

Sonya Cameron

Born into the world of print, Cameron has been leading Evan Evans through change

14-16 Cover Story: Hero Print installs first Durst

Installs a Durst P5 350 HS with CMYK + white and varnish to introduce a broad range of new flatbed-printed products

18-27 Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 review: the standout moments, products, and tech

Key takeaways from the industry’s biggest global showcase

28-29 Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 review: Spotted on the floor of Fespa in Barcelona

Fespa Barcelona brought together the global speciality print, signage, textile, and packaging sectors

30-31 Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 review: Industry mingles at A/NZ Social

Local industry peers come together in the Club Fespa Lounge over refreshments

32 Advertorial: CMYKhub’s new soft signage division expands its offerings

The new division represents a major step forward for the trade-only print leader

P5 XT ™

34 Comment: Apprentice ‘rites of passage’ – outdated and unacceptable

Outdated attitudes towards apprentices are no longer tolerated

35 Comment: The businesses that last a long time don’t operate year to year

How to build lasting businesses and durable wealth

36-38 Downtime: Women in Print’s national 2026 Speaker Series

Pascale Helyar delivers her speech on being financially fierce

40 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

Achievement meets innovation

It’s that time of year again when the global print industry turns its attention to the Fespa Global Print Expo. Held in Barcelona, Spain, in May, Fespa 2026 brought together more than 550 exhibitors from over 40 countries, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s premier events for specialty print, signage, and visual communications.

If you couldn’t make the trip this year, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Starting on page 18, our comprehensive Fespa review highlights the key technology launches and innovations that captured the industry’s attention.

We also take a closer look at what leading exhibitors including Agfa, Canon, DGM, Durst, EFI, Epson, Hexis, HP, iEcho, Kongsberg PCS,

Mimaki, Neolt, Summa, swissQprint, and Zünd showcased on the show floor.

Elsewhere in this issue, we explore Hero Print’s investment in a Durst P5 350 HS with CMYK + white and varnish to introduce a broad range of new flatbed-printed products for its growing customer base. Discover why the company made the investment and the impact the technology is already having on its business.

We also catch up with Sonya Cameron, general manager of Melbourne-based Evan Evans, as part of our Women in Print series. Cameron shares her experiences in the industry, the opportunities she has embraced throughout her career, and what continues to inspire her in print.

Finally, be sure to read our Star Business profile, where Kwik Kopy Ballarat franchise owners Andrew Butcher and Katie Ammavuta discuss the growth of their regional business and the opportunities created by the recent addition of a Mimaki UCJV330 to their production floor.

Pamela Connellan

EXTENDED TECHNOLOGY

Extended Technologies are not just software unlocks they are true advancements, based on new technologies, innovative approaches, and real customer experience. By investing in the P5 Series, you are not just buying a printer you are making a real investment in the future.

Currie Group announces new brands and expanded portfolio

Currie Group CEO Rob Mesaros has announced the addition of new brands and products, further strengthening the company’s end-to-end solutions.

Effective from 1 July 2026, three business units previously within the Aldus Group – Paragon Inks, API Foils as well as Pad Printing, acquired as part of the Milford Astor business, will transfer across, and be managed by Currie Group.

In an exclusive interview with Mesaros, he said this was the next logical step for Currie Group that has been operating as a standalone organisation within the broader Aldus Group of companies.

“We have been undertaking an extensive process of portfolio evaluation. As a result, Currie Group will now manage and be responsible for foils, thermal transfer ribbons, Paragon flexographic Inks and industrial decorating & printing solutions,” Mesaros said.

“We will bring those businesses into Currie Group from 1 July 2026, as well as

integrate them into our leadership and go-to-market structure.

“This decision was customer-focused with the goal to expand the labels and packaging portfolio to include these three product categories that will come under the expanded responsibility of Mark Daws, as the head of labels and packaging A/NZ.”

“All of our commercial digital portfolio, commercial finishing equipment and lithographic consumables products will be rolled up into a new Commercial and Sign & Display group that will be led by Paul Whitehead. Paul will also continue to lead the existing sign and display business. Our portfolio is expanding and as a result this requires an adjustment to our go-to-

market strategy in Australia and New Zealand.

“All of these product categories require deep domain expertise and focus. Appropriate appointments will be made to ensure we have the depth of specialists and market coverage.

“The formation of the new Commercial and Sign & Display group supports the strong growth and evolution of both market segments.

“Within the labels and packaging side of the business, we now have the ability to bring consumables to our customers with inks and foils for the first time in the history of Currie Group. This is a perfect example of the synergies that have been derived for Currie Group as part of an Aldus Group of companies.

“This is another important step in the evolution of Currie Group,” Mesaros said.

“We have always focused on bringing together leading technologies, trusted brands and the strongest service and support capability in the market. The addition of these product categories further strengthens that position and creates new opportunities for our customers across Australia and New Zealand.

“As our portfolio continues to expand, so does our ability to help customers improve productivity, unlock new revenue streams and access the expertise they need from a single trusted partner.”

oOh!media has revealed it has cut 82 roles as part of $12 million of cost savings at the out-of-home company. The job cuts, which represent nine per cent of the company’s headcount (indicating a work force of around 900 people), stem from the pending closure of its retail media arm Reo, as well as an “Operational Excellence” cash-out program. Reo which will be shuttered at the end of the financial year.

oOh!media CEO James Taylor said “every individual affected has been notified and will have left the business by June 30 this year”, adding that this was the first time an operating model review has been undertaken at oOh!media.

Since launching the “Operational Excellence” program in February, the company has identified more than $10 million in annualised ongoing benefits from FY27, comprising $6.7 million in EBITDA, plus $3.3 million in Capex savings. There are also $2 million in forecast losses from Reo the wider business won’t be incurring. On the Reo exit, which was announced in April, Taylor said, “Retailer acquisition in Australia

progressed more slowly than anticipated and we found that most retailers have opted for in-house retail media models.”

Chris Roberts, chief financial officer, reported that March quarter revenue grew seven per cent in Australia, and four per cent overall, with Q2 revenue pacing at six per cent Australian growth, year-on-year, and two per cent overall.

“Growth continues to be led by airports and rail, while billboard revenues declined in the quarter, noting that the OMA reported a one per cent decline for the overall billboard category,” he said.

Higher rents on newer premium billboard contracts coupled with billboards representing about 40 per cent of the group revenue, will result in “pressure on gross margin in the first half”, Roberts said.

The Operational Excellence program, additional restructuring, and the closure of Reo will see oOh!media incur one-off costs of $6 million in the first half of the calendar year, while yearly capex is expected to be $10 million below the range forecast to shareholders, now at $45 million – $55 million.

oOh!media CEO James Taylor at the companyʼs Unmissable event

Currie Group CEO Rob Mesaros

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

End of the line for Manroland Sheetfed after insolvency

Print bonanza in goldrush city

Kwik Kopy Ballarat is excited about the arrival of a new Mimaki UCJV330 on its production floor. Peter Kohn visited the business in the regional city that boasts a rich goldrush history

Amajor investment in printing technology marks a dynamic new chapter for Kwik Kopy Ballarat in western Victoria, and its franchise owners Andrew Butcher and Katie Ammavuta.

Katie and Andrew have run Kwik Kopy in western Victoria’s historic goldrush city since 2023, when they took over from previous franchisee Stewart Hynes. They are continuing a heritage of more than 30 years since the Ballarat franchise first opened its doors in July 1993, founded by well-known local businessman Bruce Tweedale.

Approximately nine years ago, the second franchise owner Wayne Edwards, moved the business from its Sturt Street location in the Ballarat CBD, to its current premises in Peel Street South, where it has become a hub for local and regional B2B business, as well as a strong component of consumer orders.

When ProPrint visited Kwik Kopy Ballarat recently, it was with the pleasurable duty of presenting Andrew and Katie with their ProPrint Emerging 50 Awards trophies. The husband-and-wife team had each earned an award as part of a new generation of print providers who have made their mark in the industry.

There was a buzz in the office – a short while earlier, Kwik Kopy Ballarat had taken delivery of its new Mimaki UCJV330 UV inkjet printer. The new machine is capable of instant drying by using UV inks.

“This speeds things up considerably and allows us to meet short turnaround times for extremely time-dependent orders,” Andrew said.

Katie and Andrew were also impressed with the new Mimaki’s options for clear and white ink, opening up new creative opportunities.

Modern print kit

Part of Mimaki Australia’s flagship 330 series, the UCJV330 print-and-cut UV-LED inkjet printer combines high productivity and image quality with its UV printing technology to significantly improve productivity and image quality compared to previous models.

While inheriting the conventional twothrough-five-layer printing functionality, this is Mimaki’s first roll-to-roll product that supports 2.5D printing. It sports features such as watermark printing.

The advantage of environmentally friendly UV-LED printing is that it requires no drying time, enabling quick delivery. High image quality is maintained with a fast-printing speed, while clear-ink applications create new business opportunities.

The UCJV330 features Print&Cut functionality on various output operations.

Meanwhile, Mimaki’s PICT system boosts printing efficiency and production management by offering remote visualised operational status and printer performance from a PC or mobile device.

At Kwik Kopy Ballarat, the new UCJV330 will complement an older eco-solvent printer which, as Katie explained, has slower drying times however still allows them to continue serving customers who require products better suited to eco solvent printing. Additionally, there’s a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C3070.

“The new Mimaki roll-to-roll printer is super-efficient, especially for big jobs, and with 24-hour, lights-out printing, it means less after-hours work in the business for us,” Katie said.

According to Andrew, the UCJV330’s perfing and cutting eliminates timeconsuming manual work.

Katie and Andrew said they are more than pleased with the ongoing support and service they are receiving from supplier Graphic Art Mart.

“The technical support in setting up the Mimaki was really fantastic,” Andrew mentioned.

Planning for tomorrow

To further accelerate turnarounds, the couple continuously look to invest in more efficient tools. For example, they recently purchased a round-corner cutter from PHE, which Andrew described as “a massive time-saver”, and a Keencut benchtop cutter from Graphic Art Mart.

Taken together, the new kit will enhance efficiencies around the production of Kwik Kopy’s wide array of product offerings, among which Andrew lists flyers,

Kwik Kopy Ballarat’s Andrew Butcher and Katie Ammavuta with the new Mimaki UCJV330 UV inkjet printer

brochures, pads, stickers, wall, floor and window decals, shelf-wobblers, A-frames, flags, and corflutes.

There is also a growing demand for ‘merch’ products such as customised T-shirts, keyrings, mugs, and pens.

Clients in Ballarat and surrounding areas range from consumers to major local businesses, such as the iconic Sovereign Hill tourist park, with its goldrush-era recreations, for which Kwik Kopy prints assets used in the park’s education division, including maps, custom puzzles, weekly planners, and employee name badges.

Another key tourism client is the fauxmedieval fun park, Kryal Castle, which requires a range of services, including

flyers, children’s activities, and highway signage on different themes.

Additionally, local councils are strong B2B customers.

Honouring the past while shaping the future of the company

For Andrew, a lifelong Ballarat local, printing has been an immersive experience – he came to it through the Kwik Kopy franchise.

“I always wanted to own my own business and the Kwik Kopy brand and the support network behind the franchise system really appealed to us as a business model for the first business that we’ve owned,” he said.

And before moving to Ballarat from her earlier life on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, Katie had a background as a self-taught home-based craft printer, printing clothing, mugs, and stickers.

Katie and Andrew paid tribute to Kwik Kopy Ballarat’s graphic designer Tegan Woodford, who was also on hand to greet ProPrint. Tegan has been with the business for 16 years and is a trusted talent in helping clients design the optimal product.

“She’s our rock,” Katie said.

The couple enjoy working in the Kwik Kopy franchise system and say that support is always on hand. If there are issues, the online network is always there with a solution and is also a great platform for Andrew and Katie to assist other Kwik Kopy franchisees around Australia.

One of the aspects of running Kwik Kopy Ballarat that Andrew likes most is the never-ending versatility.

“I like that every job is unique – there’s never any boredom,” he mentioned.

“All the jobs we do have very different purposes,” reflects Katie. “A lot of customers will order flyers, but each story is different.”

Andrew added, “People come to us, and sometimes, with consumers, they don’t know exactly what kind of job they’re after, and we discuss it with them and guide them from their ideas to the endresult in print”.

Growth remains ongoing for Kwik Kopy Ballarat, with a clear focus on further expansion in the years ahead.

“We’re still growing. We have plans to continue expanding well into the future,” Katie said.

Kwik Kopy Ballarat’s Andrew Butcher, Katie Ammavuta, and Tegan Woodford

Mimaki’s UCJV330 UV inkjet printer

Andrew Butcher operates a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C3070 at Kwik Kopy Ballarat

WOMEN IN PRINT

From legacy to leadership

Print has been a part of Sonya Cameron’s life from the very beginning. Now, at the helm of Evan Evans as general manager, she is guiding the business through an era of change

Sonya Cameron, general manager of Melbourne-based Evan Evans, finds print has always been in her blood, having grown up immersed in the printing industry from an early age. It has always been a part of her life and continues to do so.

“My father, Roger Cameron, is the managing director of Evan Evans, and through him I had early exposure to the business. He was a real pioneer in digital printing at a time when most of the industry was still focused on screen printing and seeing that forwardthinking approach firsthand had a big influence on me. That environment naturally sparked my interest and led me to pursue a path at Evan Evans,” she said.

“It wasn’t something I mapped out from the beginning; it really evolved naturally over time. Growing up around the business, I was constantly exposed to the industry, so my interest developed along the way rather than through a single, deliberate decision. Seeing how the company operated and the innovation my father brought to it made it feel like a natural path for me to step into.”

Cameron started her career within the company as a business development

manager and progressed through the company on merit, which gave her a strong, practical understanding of the business and the industry as a whole.

“Evan Evans has a long and proud history, having been established in 1877 by one of the co-designers of the Australian flag. Over the years, the company has continually evolved with the industry. In the early 2000s, it was at the forefront of innovation, pioneering large-format digital printing at a time when it was still emerging,” she said.

Today, the business offers a comprehensive range of solutions including roll-to-roll printing, flatbed printing, and soft signage. It works across a wide range of industries, supporting clients with high-quality, large-format visual solutions tailored to their needs.

“Both the business and my role have evolved significantly over time. From its early beginnings, Evan Evans has continually adapted to changes in technology and customer needs – most notably with the shift into large-format digital printing in the early 2000s. Since then, the business has expanded its capabilities to include roll-to-roll, flatbed,

and soft signage solutions, allowing us to service a much broader range of applications and industries,” Cameron said.

Evolving with purpose

On a personal level, Cameron said her role has grown alongside the business.

“I started in a business development manager position, which gave me a strong foundation and hands-on understanding of our clients and the market. Over time, I’ve taken on greater responsibilities, evolving into a more strategic role where I’m focused not just on growth, but also on continuing the company’s legacy of innovation and adapting to where the industry is heading,” she said.

“There have been a number of pivotal moments and influences that have shaped my career. Navigating challenges like COVID and the constantly evolving landscape of the printing industry pushed me to be more adaptable and resilient –both personally and professionally.

“At the same time, becoming a mother has been a significant part of my journey, adding another dimension to how I balance leadership, priorities, and growth.

Evan Evans general manager Sonya Cameron

“I’ve also been fortunate to have strong mentors along the way. My father has been a major influence, and David Walton, CEO of Omnigraphics, has been an important mentor, offering guidance and perspective throughout my career.”

As a woman in print, Cameron finds skills such as building confidence, earning credibility, and embracing opportunities as key in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.

“Those experiences have really shaped how I lead and how I approach challenges today,” she added.

Meeting industry needs

As far as expansion for Evan Evans in the future, Cameron said the company has diversified into new service areas in recent years, particularly in response to changing customer expectations and market demands.

“A big focus for us has been introducing more sustainable options, ensuring we can offer environmentally conscious solutions without compromising on quality or impact,” she said.

“We’ve also evolved our approach to be more solutions based, working closely with clients to bring their ideas to life. We really pride ourselves on being able to achieve the imaginable, no matter how complex the brief.

“In addition, we’ve developed dedicated capabilities in fluoro printed fabric solutions, which has opened new creative possibilities for clients looking for high impact, standout visual applications.

“We’ve also recently invested in new technology, including the Durst P5 TEX iSUB, which has been a significant addition to our capabilities. This investment strengthens our offering in textile printing, allowing us to produce high-quality fabric applications with greater efficiency and precision.

“It also supports our continued focus on innovation and staying at the forefront of large-format digital printing, ensuring we can deliver the best possible results for our clients while expanding into new and exciting application areas.”

As for key business goals for the next few years, Cameron said this will be driven by continued growth through innovation and diversification.

“We want to build on our strong foundations by expanding our capabilities, particularly in areas like textile and sustainable printing, where we’re seeing increasing demand,” she said.

“Another major goal is to further strengthen our solutions-based approach, working more closely with clients to deliver creative, high impact outcomes rather than just print products. We’re also focused on investing in the right technologies to keep us at the forefront of the industry and ensure we maintain a competitive edge.

“At the same time, developing our people and maintaining a strong, adaptable culture is a priority, so we can continue to evolve with the industry and deliver consistently high standards across everything we do.”

Capitalising on opportunities

Cameron’s advice for young women considering a career in print is for them to back themselves and not be intimidated by the fact that print has traditionally been a male dominated industry.

“There is so much opportunity, especially as the industry continues to evolve with new technologies and applications,” she added.

“Be open to learning, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to start at the ground level to really understand the business. Building that foundation is incredibly valuable. Also, seek out mentors who can guide and support you, having strong influences around you makes a big difference.

“Most importantly, bring your own perspective and ideas to the table. The industry is changing, and diverse thinking is a real strength. Adapting quickly, making decisions in uncertain conditions, and ensuring the business continues to move forward requires resilience and a willingness to embrace change.”

For Cameron, the most rewarding aspect of her role is seeing ideas come to life –from concept through to final execution – and knowing the impact that work can have for clients.

“What I enjoy most is the collaborative nature of the work and the relationships we build along the way. It’s about working closely with our customers to understand their vision, then bringing it to life in a way that exceeds expectations,” she said.

“There’s a real satisfaction in taking an idea, sometimes quite complex or ambitious, and turning it into something tangible and impactful. That process builds strong trust with our clients, and over time those relationships become long-term partnerships. Being a part of that journey and knowing we play a role in helping our customers achieve standout results is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.

“It’s also incredibly fulfilling to be part of a business with such a strong legacy, while continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in print.”

For her strong work ethic and what she has achieved at Evan Evans, Cameron was a recipient of a Printer 50 Award at the 2025 ProPrint Awards.

Cameron said the recognition was incredibly meaningful, both personally for her and for the business.

“It was a proud moment and a reflection of the journey I’ve been on, growing within the company and contributing to its continued evolution,” she said.

“For the team and the wider business, it was a real acknowledgment of the hard work, innovation, and commitment that goes into everything we do. It reinforced the strength of our culture and the collective effort behind our success.

“Most importantly, it recognised our ability to keep pushing boundaries and delivering high-quality, forwardthinking solutions in an ever-changing industry.”

(L-r) Matt Ashman (Durst Oceania) with Sonya Cameron and Roger Cameron during the Evan Evans Open House last year

Hero Print installs first Durst

The Durst P5 350 HS with CMYK + white and varnish has presented Hero Print with a significant opportunity to create new product lines and print things it was never able to before

To strengthen support for its tradeonly customers, Hero Print director Alex Coulson and his team knew they needed to make an investment in a premium flatbed printing solution to maintain the company’s reputation for installing the latest and greatest printing equipment and to remain competitive in the market.

Following a detailed research project, a Durst P5 350 HS with CMYK + white and varnish was purchased and installed to introduce a broad range of new flatbed-printed products for its growing customer base.

First Durst for Hero Print

“We have been looking at a dedicated flatbed printer for a while,” Coulson said.

“We needed to replace our existing flatbed that we had in Queensland that was too slow and regularly down and no longer fit our needs.

“With this Durst Hybrid solution, we can now properly enter the rigid print category for our customers. Up until now, we have chosen not to actively market this

product, preferring to wait until we had developed a stronger and more comprehensive offering.

“When we bring something new to our customers, we want to be confident with supply and turnaround. With the Durst, we can now introduce new products to our valued customers on a weekly basis that complement our existing range – from corflute and expanded PVC products to boxes and point of sale, just to name a few.

“Previously this type of work represented less than one per cent of our turnover before we invested in the Durst. This could grow to 10 per cent of turnover within the next 12 months. We are still early into our journey, as the machine has only been installed for a matter of weeks, so we don’t exactly know what the future could look like – but we are very excited to find out.”

The research project

Hero Print national development manager Raymond Cavicchia undertook the research that led to the Durst purchase.

“Raymond looks into all of the machines, what is our best fit for purpose, and

researches very thoroughly and the Durst came out a clear winner,” Coulson said.

Cavicchia said there was a meticulous pathway of researching the market that led to the Durst decision.

“We try to be the best in the market with all our products and we found the Durst technology also aligned with that principle. We researched everything in the market from the most basic machines right through to Durst’s main competitors,” Cavicchia said.

“We went through the process of visiting other printers and speaking with operators who work with the machines on a daily basis to better understand how the technology is being used within their businesses.

“We participated in a series of online demonstrations with engineers from Durst’s head office in Brixen. Part of our testing process is trying to make the machine fail. This is all about measuring quality first and then measuring how well that quality is maintained at speed.

“To help evaluate this, we sent a range of test files for printing, and the resulting

(l-r) Raymond Cavicchia, Alex Coulson, and Karah Murray from Hero Print in front of the Durst P5 350 HS

COVER STORY

samples were tested in-house to assess print quality and performance.

“These tests were quite revealing for both the Durst machine and its competitors. While certain technologies claim to achieve specific production speeds, we found that some of those claims were highly inaccurate in real-world production. Once that process is complete, we assess applications and determine whether the machine is suitable for the product range we intend to bring to market.”

Visiting Durst in Brixen

Hero Print NSW digital and wide format manager Karah Murray joined Cavicchia on a recent trip to the Durst head office in Brixen, where they were accompanied and hosted by Durst Oceania sales manager Brett Addison.

“Brett’s hospitality and support throughout both the buying process and our trip to Brixen was amazing. He ensured we got the most out of the experience, making the visit highly beneficial,” Cavicchia said.

“We recently spent a week in Brixen completing additional training to conduct a deeper dive and learn more about the machine. Now that we are back – I cannot wait to apply all the knowledge, including the tips and tricks we learned during our visit to Brixen for specific applications, and the confidence we now have to push the machine to its limits.”

“There are significant opportunities for us to create new product lines and print things we have never been able to before. We have also enjoyed experimenting with other elements of the machine including raised print and the benefits of using varnish,” Murray added.

“Being able to scale in the future is important for us, with the opportunity for the introduction of automation. To increase speed, we can also upgrade this machine to a D4 double CMYK colour configuration in the future.”

During his visit to the Durst head office in Brixen, Cavicchia also discovered a close alignment between the two businesses.

“Sending two team members to the Durst headquarters in Brixen proved invaluable. Working directly with engineers and trainers, we gained hands on knowledge in service, maintenance, machine operation, and practical application techniques,” he said.

“While at Durst HQ, it became clear to me that our business values are very much aligned. Most importantly, I was very impressed that the Durst business model is driven by employee satisfaction as is ours. Both companies share a commitment to empower our people and drive business growth and operational excellence through continuous development.”

Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman believes there are numerous benefits from attending one-on-one training at the Durst head office in Brixen.

“Printers that make the trip to Brixen receive the benefits of knowledge from global training specialists that are responsible for working with a broad cross-section of printing businesses from all over the world and provide a range of insights into various applications,” Ashman said.

“This global perspective can help printers who may have a narrow expectation of the performance of Durst machines to fuel their curiosity and challenge what they can actually achieve. Just because a business or a market segment has been doing it one way – it doesn’t mean it has to be this way forever. There are always new ways of doing things and sometimes learning from global experts can present new opportunities.”

Hero Print customer focus

As a dedicated trade printer, Coulson relies on feedback from his clients to guide the business to the next area of investment within the business.

“A lot of the new products we will introduce from the Durst will be dependent on the demands from our clients as well. As a trade printer, we look forward to working closely with our customers to bring them more products that they are looking for,” he said.

“At Hero Print, we pride ourselves on service and quality as well as fast turnaround and this relates to everything we do. We invest in the best technology, which is why we have partnered with Durst.

“All of the machinery we purchase is best in market because we want to offer the best products. Hero Print is a familyowned business that has been around for just shy of 30 years and we have continued to grow organically from the ground up.

(l-r) Alex Coulson and Karah Murray from Hero Print with Matt Ashman (Durst Oceania) inspect the quality of applications produced on the Durst P5 350 HS

Karah Murray and Raymond Cavicchia from Hero Print outside the Durst head office in Brixen

Karah Murray and Raymond Cavicchia from Hero Print recently completed additional training at Durst HQ in Brixen to learn more about the machine

“We have always worked very closely with our customers – we work on new products with them; we work on service with them. Our relationships with our customers are true partnerships and never transactional, we always want to know how we can be better to improve things for them.

“Our philosophy is that we make sure that we look after our customers and the business then looks after itself and I think we do a really good job of that.

“Investing in the Durst is a very good example of listening to the market. Many of our clients told us this was a market we should get into, and their feedback played a key role in our decision, and here we are.”

The Hero Print business operates nationally with four separate factories. It has offset, digital, and wide format printing on both sides of the country in Sydney and Perth, and has digital and wide format facilities in Queensland and Melbourne.

“Based on the success of the Durst installation, there is definitely an opportunity to install a second machine in another location within our business, and Perth would be the logical location. We like to cover the country from both sides, so our Perth production facility services Western Australia, South Australia, and Northern Territory,” Coulson said.

“While we are originally a Perth-based company founded in 1997, we have chosen Sydney as our main base on the East Coast, allowing us to better service our clients with next-day delivery which extends to both Queensland and Melbourne. National coverage across our entire product range means a lot to our clients and customers because they have national clients as well.

“We work with a number of national printing organisations that need to know they are receiving the same product, regardless of where it is produced, and that the colours remain consistent across all locations. We are super fussy with our colours and that is a very big thing for us, and this is also another reason why we have gone with the Durst.

“In our business, servicing our clients with 24-hour despatch will be our benchmark for the work we create on the Durst – and in some cases, depending on when receive the files, we are able to deliver to Sydney metro clients within 24 hours.”

Installation process

Murray said the installation, set-up, and training on the new Durst P5 350 HS has been very smooth.

“It has been a very seamless transition from the installation right through to the product training – everything has gone according to plan. The machine has been performing and doing everything that it is meant to do, which has been great for our business. I wouldn’t say that I am surprised that it performs the way it does –but I am certainly impressed,” Murray said.

“The operating system is very clean and that is something I have really enjoyed about working with this machine. It is very easy to use and is highly intuitive, so training staff on the Durst is quite simple.

The future

Coulson is confident that right now, the printing industry offers further opportunities for growth.

“We see print as having a real moment and is coming back. We also feel like we are doing a good job and gaining market share,” he said.

“We have made a significant investment in machinery over the past few years, with the Durst being one of the standout investments in this cycle. This Durst has been an educated leap of faith as we know we can do amazing things for our business with this machine. We don’t even know how much potential there is with the Durst, which is exciting.

“The next two years for Hero Print will potentially see more investment in machinery in Perth, Queensland, and Melbourne. We will continue to invest as we see ourselves growing in the market.

“We never stop and we are always looking for the next thing. We firmly believe that

in business, as soon as you stop, you move backwards.

“Our message to our customers is to visit us and see the new Durst in action. We love having people through the factory – our doors are always open. We would encourage any existing or potential clients to have a look at the machines and tell us what you want them to do, as we want to work with our clients on doing the best job we can for them.”

Murray uses one word to explain the philosophy of the Hero Print business – pride.

“We are proud of everything we do – from taking the order through to producing the finished product. There is a real sense of satisfaction in delivering a finished job to our clients, knowing the pride and care that has gone into producing it,” she said.

“We instil in our staff on the factory floor the importance of being just as passionate about the job as the client who has asked us to print it, and the customer who will ultimately receive the finished product. We love what we do, and that passion is reflected in the quality of our work. I believe that is what sets us apart from our competition.”

Ashman has enjoyed working with the Hero Print team that operates with a similar ideology.

“Hero Print is such a well-known brand in the Australian market that also has the same ethos at the Durst business – it is built on family values and a passionate team backed with a high level of customer service. It is a pleasure to work with a company like Hero Print with the same business philosophy and drive,” Ashman said.

Hero Print operator Leonardo Waichert with the Durst P5 350 HS

YOUR FIRST DURST P5 350 CORE

The P5 350 CORE, a 3.5 m hybrid digital printing platform, is your entry into the integrated Durst system.

Engineered in Europe. Made in Durst. Built for your business.

Inside Fespa 2026: the standout moments, products, and tech

Key takeaways from the industryʼs biggest global showcase

Fespa 2026 in Barcelona provided a powerful snapshot of the direction that the global print and signage industry is headed, blending automation, sustainable solutions, and bold creative innovation under one roof.

From next-generation wide-format technology to smarter workflows and fresh business opportunities, this year’s event highlighted an industry evolving at speed. Here’s a look at the standout technologies and innovations that defined the event.

Agfa

Agfa showcased a selection of its wideformat inkjet solutions, demonstrating how its portfolio now offers ‘a printing beast’ for every need. This is after several years of focused work across engines, inks, software, and automation and at Fespa, Agfa showcased how its evolved portfolio translates into measurable impact for print service providers (PSPs).

Making its European show debut was the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a hybrid wide format UV LED printer which bridges the

gap between the Ciervo and Tauro families on speed and price. It delivers versatility, productivity, and high print quality because of its seven-colour plus white ink set and media handling capabilities.

The Jeti Bronco H3300 HS is a 3.3m hybrid inkjet press built for versatility across everything from exhibition panels and stage graphics to banners, films, textiles, and even corrugated applications.

With high productivity modes up to 450 m²/h, multiple board printing and energy efficient LED curing, the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS is a solution tailored for businesses looking to upgrade their horsepower while keeping costs under control. Its full CMYKcmk + white inks set and easy-to-set media feed guides complete the picture, enabling quick and accurate printing on corrugated board across the colour gamut.

Fespa Barcelona saw attendees converge from all over the world

The Agfa Jeti Bronco H3300 HS

The latest release of Asanti workflow (v8) was also demonstrated, introducing deeper automation, smarter media handling, extended cutter support, improved colour rendering, with advanced job sorting, and layout capabilities.

Agfa president of digital printing solutions Vincent Wille said, “The past years have been defined by intensive innovation at Agfa – reinventing engines, expanding automation, evolving our software platforms and strengthening our ink technologies. That investment has brought us to a new chapter.

“Today, our portfolio stands for more than innovation alone – it stands for impact. We now offer a complete, future-ready ecosystem that helps customers increase efficiency, broaden their application range, improve quality, and produce more sustainably.”

Smartech is the exclusive distributor of Agfa in Australia.

Canon

At Fespa Barcelona, Canon showcased how its wide-format production technologies and customer-led approach combine to create bold, high-impact prints that transform spaces and connect with audiences, delivering business impact.

Canon demonstrated this using the theme ‘Move your World’, showing the commercial momentum that print businesses can gain by demonstrating a curated selection of real-world applications from across the retail, interior décor, point of sale (POS), corrugated, and packaging segments.

For the first time at a European event, the new Colorado XL-series 3.4m printer demonstrated its productivity by producing both flexible and rigid media applications live throughout the show. From signage and décor to point of sale and packaging, the printer extends the advantages of Canon’s UVgel technology

to the 3.2m graphics market, delivering application versatility across a range of media.

With print speeds of 70m² per hour in quality mode, 106m² per hour in production mode and up to 211m² per hour in express mode, the system aims to deliver the productivity needed for demanding production environments while accommodating substrates up to 52mm thick for rigid applications.

Currie Group is a distributor of Canon in A/NZ and its business unit manager of sign and display Paul Whitehead was also at the event to showcase its technologies to local PSPs.

Aussie trade print specialist CMYKhub became the first company in Asia Pacific to invest in the new Canon Colorado XL-series hybrid UVgel printer, which it purchased through Currie Group.

“For a business already operating six Canon Colorado M5 printers nationally, this investment is a strong endorsement of the long-term value UVgel continues to deliver. It reflects the proven performance and reliability of the technology, as well as a trusted partnership built over years of collaboration and support in high-volume production environments.

Congratulations to the CMYKhub team on this exciting investment and thank you for your continued partnership and trust in us,” Currie Group said.

“[It is] fantastic to be partnering again with Currie Group and Canon Production Printing for this latest investment in our wide-format fleet. The Canon Colorado XL will bolster our existing UVgel roll-to-roll capability, whilst also providing redundancy to our flatbed printers. The machine’s flexibility, speed, and quality made the purchase an easy decision,” CMYKhub said.

At the event, Currie Group was also recognised for the second consecutive

year for unit sales of Canon Colorado, with the third highest amount globally.

Canon Production Printing vice-president of global business planning and strategy Wouter Derichs presented the award to Currie Group on the second day of the Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 in Barcelona.

“We are very pleased that Currie Group won for the second year in a row and we are celebrating their great performance,” Derichs said.

Derichs confirmed that the exact number of Colorado unit sales has not been disclosed, but the result from Currie Group is the highest in the Asia Pacific and Oceania, the third highest globally, and would have represented the highest number of sales in Europe as well.

“Congratulations on being awarded the Top Global Partner Canon Colorado 2025 Award. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, expertise and outstanding commitment demonstrated by you and your entire team throughout the past year,” Derichs said.

“Your contribution to the global success of Canon Colorado in 2025 has not only delivered remarkable sales results but has also strengthened the foundation of our partnership. We truly value the trust you place in Canon Production Printing and the excellence you bring to our shared goals.

“On behalf of Canon Production Printing Australia and Canon Production Printing, it is our honour to present you with this award. We are proud to have you on board as a trusted Canon Production Printing Partner and are excited to build on this success together in 2026 and beyond.”

Whitehead said he was very proud to receive the award for the second consecutive year.

“It shows Currie Group’s commitment to top tier technology in the Australia and New Zealand market. Canon Colorado has become a very important and integral part of our sign and display portfolio and that success has provided us with access to the Colorado XL that we are seeing for the first time here at Fespa and we look forward to bringing this to Australia by the end of this year,” Whitehead said.

“The Canon UV Gel is widely adopted and accepted in the market. As soon as customers heard that this technology had been expanded to a 3.4m platform – everyone has been excited to jump on board.

“This is the first opportunity for a lot of our local customers to view this product

Wouter Derichs (Canon) presents the award to Paul Whitehead (Currie Group) at Fespa Barcelona 2026

here at Fespa 2026 in Barcelona. We have already had numerous conversations with Australian customers over the first two days of Fespa and we expect there to be a very high demand for the XL in the local market.

“This is not necessarily a product that customers would use as an upgrade to an existing 1.6m Canon Colorado workflow, but an ideal complementary solution for those that would like to expand into rigid substrates or larger media widths.

“We are also speaking with customers that have dedicated flatbed solutions or hybrid solutions that have been waiting for the Canon UV Gel technology to enter that space as well. So far, we have been having strong conversations with new customers and existing Canon customers that are looking for a complementary solution.”

DGM

At Fespa Barcelona, DGM distributor Graph-Pak announced the completion of its third installation of DGM equipment throughout the Australian market just five months into the 2026 calendar year, making it the 14th DGM install in the country.

VistaPrint was one of Graph-Pak’s DGM ServoX customers this year, purchasing a DGM ServoX 1100 folder gluer plus Smartfeeder and a Smartpack – see details on page 15.

Graph-Pak has been a partner of DGM’s for about 10 years, of which the last five were exclusive.

“DGM is a front runner as far as servo automation on a folder gluer goes –they’re knocking out 60 per cent to 70 per cent of manual labour set up times, so changeover and production times are a fraction of what they were,” Graph-Pak managing director Tom Ralph said.

The DGM ServoX 1100 features motorised carriers, full and sectional job/memory

recall, and an extended pre-folding section that measures 3m total in length. It also has a new “universal multi-function section” with integrated “bump and turn”, which allows the machine to turn cartons 90-degrees in alignment.

The machines are built by DGM Global itself – the largest manufacturers of folder gluers and die cutters in China.

“They’re one of my favourite suppliers and I’m glad that we’ve got them on board – 14 installations in the last five years, and every single one of them are happy and would buy another one,” Ralph said.

Speaking with DGM global sales manager Tenny Chu at Fespa Barcelona, Chu said the difference between DGM and its competitors is the solutions that can be delivered around the gluer.

“The main difference is that DGM does not just sell a gluer, but also the solution around the gluer. We are a company that is known for offering more than a single product, but customised turnkey solutions utilising tooling and accessories around the gluer including packing and automation solutions,” she said.

“We work very closely with Manuela and Tom from Graph-Pak. Over the past 10 years, we have more than just a professional relationship, it has been

a very close partnership, and we have always worked together to support our customers.”

Durst

Durst Group presented an integrated production approach at Fespa Barcelona this year, showcasing its machines, inks, software, and data layer developed as one system. From entry into the Durst ecosystem to industrial high-speed production and connected software environments, the focus for the company at the event was on performance, scalability, and long-term integration.

Several new Durst solutions showcased at Fespa Barcelona included:

The new P5 350 CORE which enables Durst to position its P5 platform for a broader mid-market segment – as the entry point into the Durst system environment. Developed as a ‘best-of-breed’ configuration, CORE combines proven technologies and features from across the P5 portfolio into one integrated platform. It reflects the XT (Extended Technology) concept: continuous development, performance optimisation, and upgradability across the installed base.

The system incorporates the latest software architecture, enabling future performance updates and extended application capabilities. At the same time, features such as the high-performance vacuum belt expand material flexibility, while the new machine design improves operator handling and reduces setup effort.

The P5 500 TEX iSub + 5m Hasler cutter, demonstrating a complete sublimation workflow as the system operates as a continuous production line – from RIP to finished cut – with one workflow, one operator interface, and one data stream. This removes process boundaries between printing, fixation, and finishing and enables consistent production conditions.

By combining intelligent software with ink control, savings of up to 30 per cent can be realised. Together with True

Tenny Chu (DGM) and Manuela Encarnacao (Graph-Pak)

The new P5 350 CORE from Durst

Shape Nesting, this drives higher production efficiency and improved shift-level economics.

The P5 350 HSI aimed for higher-volume production environments. Built on the P5 system architecture, the P5 350 HSI delivers industrial throughput while maintaining print quality and process stability. Powered by the new XT software platform architecture, the system unlocks capabilities such as Digital Substrate Alignment (DSA). This feature enables fully automated, precise substrate positioning, which reduces manual intervention and setup times. As a result, production becomes more efficient, repeatable, and scalable across shifts.

Kyveris Sandbox and Open Software Initiative (OSI) which connects machines, jobs, materials, and production results across systems, enabling continuous analysis, process optimisation, and measurable productivity improvements.

OSI also provides open APIs and documented interfaces for integration with MIS, workflow and finishing systems. This allows customers and partners to connect existing environments without proprietary lock-in.

Durst also won four EDP Awards at the tradeshow for its Durst P5 technology, Durst Entera LED Inks, and Open Software Initiative.

The awards it received are as follows:

• Best Flatbed/Hybrid (150 to 400 m²/h): Durst P5 350 CORE

• Best Multipass Corrugated: Durst P5 SMP

• Best UV Ink System: Durst Entera LED Inks

• Industry Achievement Award: Open Software Initiative (OSI) led by Durst

Durst Group CEO and owner Christoph Gamper said, “Awards are not the reason we do this work. They never were.

“But they are a signal that years of engineering discipline, customer focus, and conviction about where this industry is heading are beginning to compound. Most of all, I am proud of the team. R&D, software, product management, service, operations, sales, marketing, and everyone who carried this [Fespa] week.

“Trade shows look glamorous from the outside. The reality is long nights, pressure, thousands of small decisions, and people willing to stay when others already went to sleep. Endurance matters. Consistency matters.

“Our commitment to graphics is unbroken. We believe deeply in this market and in the customers who built it with us over decades.

And we are far from done. At the same time, the Kyveris Sandbox in Barcelona showed where the next chapter is heading. Not away from machines. Beyond machines alone. Toward production systems that learn, adapt, connect, and improve continuously.

“The Industry Achievement Award for the Open Software Initiative means a lot to me personally. OSI was a long journey: from a world of near-total vendor dependency toward an open software ecosystem where machines, workflows, and software can connect intelligently. That foundation became one of the building blocks for what is now evolving into Kyveris.

“Durst turns 90 this year. That gives perspective. Meaningful things are rarely built in quarters. They are built across decades, by people willing to stay the course. Honestly, I feel we are just getting started.”

Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman mirrored Gamper’s sentiments, adding, “It’s such an amazing honour to be recognised again by the EDP awards. Our teams at head office, in R&D, and manufacturing really drive to innovate and develop solutions that customers need and love everyday, and such awards are real validation to their hard work and dedication”.

EFI

EFI had on stand a range of new hybrid, roll-to-roll and textile inkjet printers including the new EFI VUTEk M3h X hybrid LED printer, 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 ready to take on higher-volume production-level printing, the VUTEk M3h X printer delivers quality imaging at high speeds and hybrid versatility for board and roll printing in one system, enabling new applications, and revenue streams without added equipment.

FESPA REVIEW

With automated design features for its operation, advanced print capabilities including white ink and multi-layer printing up to nine layers, and energyefficient LED curing, the VUTEk M3h X printer helps print providers reduce costs, increase margins, accelerate turnaround times and differentiate their offerings – all with an investment that brings production-level printing capability within reach for more sign and display providers.

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, renders richer tones and gradients, and accurately matches brand colours.

The printer’s eight colours (CMYK + Orange + Blue + choice of two light inks – light cyan, light magenta, or light black) expand the printable gamut beyond fourcolour printing for the reproduction of challenging Pantone colours, especially oranges and blues, and produces smoother gradients, skin tones, and pastels with light inks. The printer delivers up to 2,400 dpi resolution and four-level greyscale printing with 4-18 pL drop sizes for smooth transitions and sharp detail.

The VUTEk FabriVU 340 i8 printer delivers production-level speeds up to 375 square metres per hour, and features inline fixation and advanced media control to print directly to a wide range of polyesterbased materials and sublimate in a single step – with runs ready for finishing straight off the printer. For more application possibilities, the inline sublimation can be turned off for transfer paper printing.

EFI also showcased the VUTEk Q3h XP high-performance hybrid LED printer in a new seven-colour configuration. In addition, EFI has on display the 5.2m VUTEk X5r roll-to-roll LED printer, engineered for high-volume indoor and outdoor graphics production with an emphasis on workflow automation and reduced operator intervention.

The VUTEk FabriVU 340 i8 dye sublimation printer

FESPA REVIEW

EFI also showcased the new 1.7m-wide EFI Nozomi 17000 SD platform for signage and display applications, the evolved EFI Nozomi 17000 LED platform, the EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA water-based pigment ink solution, and the new EFI Reggiani ecoNEXT Plus industrial digital textile printer engineered for direct-to-fabric pigment printing.

Currie Group is the exclusive distributor for EFI Sign & Display technology in Australia and New Zealand.

Epson

Epson was at the tradeshow demonstrating its latest end-to-end solutions including textile and dyesublimation, direct-to-film, direct-tofabric, signage and UV printing, plus workflow and colour tools.

Epson Europe commercial and industrial printing division’s Marc Tinkler said, “Fespa is a key opportunity to connect with customers and show practical production pathways across textile, signage and UV. From high-quality garment and sportswear output to personalisation and value-added UV applications, our focus is helping businesses produce with confidence, consistency and efficiency”.

As textile was a major focus for Epson at Fespa and on the stand, Epson previewed two upcoming dye-sublimation developments. This included a new compact, desktop dye-sublimation printer intended to complete Epson’s small-format dye-sub range, making it easier for businesses to produce personalised items and short-run products with professional results.

Epson also featured its newly announced SureColor SC-V4000 A1+ UV flatbed printer, expanding its UV offering for businesses seeking high-quality production in a compact footprint. The SC-V4000 supports printing across a wide variety of applications, including personalised items, fine art, photography and signage,

with a feature set designed to help improve productivity and image quality.

Epson Europe head of product marketing Chris Davis said, “[The] V4000 is the latest in our range for UV printers. So, this is an A1 Plus Size UV flatbed with 10 colours, exceptional colour, fantastic small text down to two point. This is its first showing in Europe and the reaction has been very, very positive”.

Epson also showcased its SureColor SC-F20000 dye-sublimation printer, made for productivity with high-quality output and robust media handling.

Built to support high-volume production environments, the SC-F20000 is Epson’s first dye-sublimation model equipped with eight PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads, developed to deliver stable output through its printhead configuration.

The SC-F20000 also supports long continuous printing with large-capacity 10L ink and automatic ink switching (Hot Swap) to reduce operator intervention during busy periods.

In addition, the SureColor G9000 highproduction direct-to-film printer was also on showcase.

Expanding Epson’s DTFilm line-up alongside the SC-G6000, the SC-G9000 introduces enhanced speed, reliability and ease of maintenance for commercial garment decorators and textile producers.

Hexis

Returning to the spotlight at the 2026 edition of Fespa Barcelona, Hexis unveiled a dynamic line-up of material innovations, surface protection technologies, and digital workflow solutions. Visitors to the stand were introduced to the company’s latest decorative media portfolio, featuring Hex’Pression, Hex’Perience, and a new collection of glass décor films tailored for signage, interior styling, and high-impact creative projects.

The showcase also included the newest developments from BODYFENCE by Hexis, including BodyfenceX, BodyXFAST, CandyFence, and coloured PPF solutions engineered to deliver durable, premiumgrade paint protection across a wide range of vehicle applications.

Adding to the launch activity, Hexis also debuted Hexis Precut Lab (HPL), its latest precision pre-cutting software designed to simplify and streamline the cutting of paint protection and window films through an intuitive, accuracy-focused interface.

HP

HP has launched the new HP DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ PostScript Printer Series Plus Edition at Fespa, designed for small and mediumsized businesses, including photo studios, retailers, copy shops, education facilities and architecture firms. The new printer series combines high image quality and simplified workflows in a unified platform.

The launch of the HP DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ printers reinforces HP’s broader momentum in large format printing, including continued innovation in HP PrintOS Production Hub workflow automation and increasing customer adoption of the HP Latex FS70 W.

Built on a platform with more than 40,000 units installed worldwide, the new printers combine the strengths of the previous HP DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ printers to expand access to professional photoquality output across a range of industries.

The HP DesignJet Z6 and Z9+ Plus Edition are built for applications ranging from professional photography and retail graphics to posters and technical prints.

Featuring HP Pixel Control technology and HP Vivid Photo Inks, the printers produce sharp detail, smooth gradients, and waterand fade-resistant prints. HP’s dual-drop technology also enables high-quality output without requiring light inks, helping maintain productivity across multiple media types.

The HP DesignJet Z9+ Plus Edition Printer is designed for colour-critical

The Epson SureColor SC-V4000 A1+ UV flatbed printer

Hex’Perience is Hexis’ new decoration range

FESPA REVIEW

applications, including professional photography and high-end graphics. It also features an embedded spectrophotometre for consistent colour calibration and optional HP Gloss Enhancer for improved gloss uniformity.

New productivity print modes can increase output by up to 90 per cent, while dual-roll support, automatic roll switching, and an integrated vertical trimmer help reduce manual intervention and post-processing time.

At Fespa Barcelona, HP also announced Melbourne-based Vivid Ads has purchased its third and fourth HP Stitch printers. Vivid Ads director Imran Memon said the additional purchases, which it did through Smartech, were required to support the growth of his business.

“We specialise in the display signage and portable displays that are used extensively within the event industry in particular. This area of our business has grown quickly, and we see this category has huge potential and we are investing to match this growth,” he said.

“We know the fabric printing market is huge and there is a lot of potential for us in this industry. We believe in the years to come we will expand our business – especially in the fabric category – and as a result we expect to invest further in the near future.”

Currently, Vivid Ads has two HP Stitch machines – the first machine was purchased in 2020 and then followed by a second purchase in 2023.

“Prior to Covid, most of our fabric printing and stitching was done overseas in Asian markets. We decided to bring everything in house and the first HP Stitch arrived just before Covid in 2020. Lockdown gave us an opportunity to invest more time in learning about how to use the machine and set the direction for the future of our business,” Memon said.

“We now have two different teams –an offsite online team of 12 people

that manages online marketing, online sales, online communication and our IT networks as well as a separate in-house production and warehouse team of 16 people.

“Now we are specialising in the fabric printing category, we understand how the marketing works in this category, what the customer wants and this will allow us to grow faster in the years to come.

“We are very grateful to the support we have received from [Smartech Victoria sales manager] John Ong and the team at Smartech, as well as [HP large format production sales enablement manager] Jeremy Brew and the team at HP – it has been an excellent collaboration.”

Ong said, “This is a great Australian company that is really thriving. The HP Stitch machines have delivered two key things for Imran and his business – agility and colour output. The Vivid Ads business needed the agility that came with the HP Stitch and the amazing colour it produces for their clients”.

Brew said, “Since the very beginning we have worked very closely with the Vivid Ads team – as fabric printing is such a learning curve – we spent a lot of time early on getting the settings right to achieve the best result and putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together”.

iEcho

Coleman Group CEO Glenn Coleman confirmed the purchase of a new iEcho BK4 cutting table at Fespa 2026. The purchase of the 2500mm by 1600mm cutting table was confirmed on third day of the event.

Coleman purchased the cutting table through distributor Jonny Rumney at Celmac, following extensive research – including a visit to the iEcho factory in 2025.

“We will use this as a new cutting table in our Melbourne factory. I visited the factory last year and we were impressed with this product, so we have decided to buy one,” Coleman said.

“We really enjoy working with the Celmac team including Jonny and Wayne and they have visited us a number of times to help our business.”

Celmac CEO Wayne McIntyre said, “Celmac has developed a great relationship with Glenn and Coleman Group, and we are really pleased to bring the latest iEcho technology to a leading signage manufacturer. We both share a goal of wanting to create high quality experiences for our clients”.

The iEcho BK4 cutting system is an advanced, high-speed cutting solution engineered for single-layer material processing.

Built for exceptional precision and productivity, it efficiently performs full-cutting, half-cutting, engraving, V-grooving, creasing, marking, and more.

Designed to meet the demands of industries including automotive interiors, print and signage, apparel, home furnishings, and composite materials, the BK4 aims to deliver outstanding versatility and set a new benchmark for digital cutting performance.

Kongsberg PCS

Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (PCS) has showcased its new Inkjet

Jeremy Brew (HP), Imran Memon (Vivid Ads) and John Ong (Smartech)

Jonny Rumney (Celmac) and Glenn Coleman (Coleman Group) with the recently purchased iEcho BK4 table

FESPA REVIEW

Marking Module (IMM) on the X series at Fespa Barcelona this year. This solution enables operators to add productionrelated information, compliance-marking and order number identification at the production stage.

The introduction of the IMM replaces the requirement for manual marking steps, such as pen marking or an external label printer. The IMM has been launched to support producers in complying with new EU regulations, increasing the need for labelling on packaging for product information, while also offering track-andtrace capabilities. These include identification and serial numbers, batch numbers, production dates, highresolution graphics such as symbols and logos, and other information.

Features of the IMM include resolution up to 600 dpi, full integration with Kongsberg PCS’s i-cut Production Console (iPC) software plus enabling low operator maintenance and easier colour swap.

The new module can print on a range of media, including corrugated, folding carton, solid board, flexo plates and foam. Applications include shelf-ready packaging with simple print, point of purchase displays, and industrial items.

Kongsberg PCS EMEA and APAC vicepresident David Preskett described the IMM module saying, “We’ve just announced a new Inkjet Marking Module which allows customers to print while they’re cutting. It has an all-in-one inkjet head and it goes on existing X machines and prints, allowing customers to do things like product tracking, logos on boxes for packaging, for example. It’s a great application.

“We’ve had huge amounts of interest in it and it adds a new dimension to our customers’ business so they can shape their future with us together.”

As well as the IMM, Kongsberg had on display a selection of cutting table configurations for rigid, flexible, textile, and corrugated applications at Fespa, including:

• The Kongsberg C – connected to the newly launched, semi-automated Smart Material Handler, demonstrating how this configuration delivers entry-level automation, high quality and durability at a mid-range investment.

• The Kongsberg Ultimate – equipped with an automated Feeder & Stacker and a safety system tailored for highvolume corrugated production.

• The Kongsberg X, spotlighted for its application capabilities and flexibility, with the IMM tool making its European debut at Fespa.

Kongsberg PCS is represented by Ball & Doggett and GMS Pacific in Australia.

Mimaki

Mimaki Europe’s newly launched UJV200 series UV roll-to-roll printers, which includes the UJV200-160 and the UJV200130, were recently showcased for the first time at Fespa Barcelona.

Building on Mimaki’s 200 Series, the UJV200 has been developed to make highquality UV printing more accessible, while enabling print service providers to expand into a broader range of applications.

Powered by a market-proven print engine derived from Mimaki’s flagship 330 Series, the UJV200 Series delivers smooth gradients, sharp text and uniform solid colours with minimal graininess. This ensures consistent, high-quality results across applications where precision and visual clarity are essential, such as retail graphics, wayfinding signage and technical displays.

The UJV200 has been developed to make high-quality UV printing more accessible, while enabling print service providers to expand into a broader range of applications.

For optimal ease of use, the printer features an enhanced Dot Adjustment System (DAS2), enabling automatic image quality adjustment with

significantly reduced setup time and media consumption.

The system operates effectively across transparent and coloured media, ensuring consistent output quality, regardless of operator experience and helping to streamline production processes.

The UJV200 utilises instant ink curing, allowing prints to be handled, finished and installed immediately after production. This supports faster turnaround times helping print service providers to respond quickly to time-sensitive jobs.

In addition, the low-temperature curing process allows printing on a variety of substrates, including heat-sensitive materials, further expanding application possibilities. The UV curing process also leads to more energy efficient production by eliminating the need for pre- and postheating required by heat-based technologies, while Mimaki’s ELS-170 UV inks are formulated without SVHC and CMR substances.

The inclusion of white and clear inks supports up to three-layer printing which works well for applications that deliver visual impact within a functional design. From window graphics and backlit displays to labels and decorative elements, the UJV200 allows users to explore new creative opportunities and deliver higher-value output.

Mimaki also showcased the UJ330H-160 hybrid UV printer at Fespa Barcelona.

Neolt

Following its exclusive distribution agreement with Neolt Factory for its Automatic Feeder & Stacker system in November 2025, Celmac has confirmed at Fespa Barcelona that the first units will be arriving in Australia by the end of June.

Celmac NSW state manager Jonny Rumney said, “We’re really looking forward to launching it into the Australian market.

Kongsberg demonstrated the Inkjet Marking Module on the X series at Fespa The new Mimaki

“We see a big market for this machine. We have a lot of R Series customers [in Australia], particularly some with multiple machines, and we think this is the missing ingredient.”

The Automatic Feeder & Stacker system is jointly developed with HP for integration with the HP R Series printers – R1000, R2000, and the new R530.

The advanced system supports up to 40cm of material on both input and output tables and includes automatic height adjustment to maintain level operation throughout the job. Both the feeder and stacker can be tailored to accommodate varying panel sizes, layouts, and throughput requirements.

Also included is autonomous motion control, enabling seamless communication with connected devices and smooth operation as part of an integrated print or finishing line.

Neolt Factory owner and international sales manager Ettore Briccoli Pontiggia said, “NeoIt is based in Italy, and we try to help customers be more productive and work unattended. That’s why we have brought this solution to Fespa. We’re really happy to have a partner like Celmac in Australia”.

Celmac expects the full operating system to be installed in its showrooms in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, allowing customers to experience the workflow efficiencies first-hand.

Celmac plans to pair the Neolt Automatic Feeder & Stacker with an HP R Series printer in full production, as well as integrate it with the iEcho Graphics Cutter for a complete end-to-end workflow solution.

Summa

Summa has taken the wraps off its latest product line at Fespa Barcelona with the launch of its new F Series Vantage flatbed cutting tables. The F Series Vantage is available in 1612 and 1625 models.

Promising 40 per cent productivity gains, the F Series Vantage is said to transform the finishing workflow thanks to automation that anticipates errors before they happen, an open ecosystem, and the widest tool library created.

Summa managing director Geert Pierloot said the new F Series Vantage marks the next evolution in flatbed cutting from the company.

“We worked closely with customers and partners to understand their biggest challenges, which came down to preserving margins amidst rising costs, seizing new business opportunities and keeping safety a non-negotiable in the workshop,” Pierloot said.

“That’s why we designed the F Series Vantage with the goal of keeping your operation moving and empowering operators. It’s the easiest to install flatbed we have ever made and it’s more intuitive to use than ever. Anyone can master this flatbed in under one hour, thanks to the ease of use and the GoProduce software.”

With sign and display businesses looking to grow beyond their core activity into new, often rigid, materials like aluminium, the new F Series – with its wide tool library – features the new High frequency 3.7kW router, Fast+ & Core+ tangential modules, and rigid material and high precision cutout tools.

Speed improvements run deeper than tooling alone. New motion control, unique blade recognition, and a new media thickness sensor accelerate every stage, from setup to execution. The result: cleaner edges, fewer tool swaps, and a workflow that feels effortless.

“Everything about the F Series Vantage is built for speed and flow,” Summa product manager Randi Kerkaert said.

“Every choice, from firmware architecture to tool design, eliminates friction. The result is a system that moves faster across the entire finishing process, delivering the quickest ROI imaginable. Paired with one-click Action Sets and the new LED feedback strip, it offers precision without interruption.”

The F Series’ safety ecosystem is also designed to be “non-negotiable and impossible to bypass”, protecting operators while also minimising downtime and ensuring production keeps running at peak performance.

“Integration is everything. With GoConnect and GoData, the F Series Vantage becomes a part of your ecosystem, open to any feeder or stacker. Automation, analytics, and predictive insights are now a certainty,” Summa software development manager Kristof Tilleman said.

Summa is distributed in A/NZ through Pozitive sign & graphic supplies. The new Summa is also available through Graphic Art Mart and Computaleta (NZ).

At Fespa Barcelona, CMYKhub invested in a Summa S3TC160 tangential cutter through Pozitive sign & graphic supplies to support increasing demand for stickers, decals, and contour-cut graphics.

The company said sticker production has become one of the fastest-growing areas of CMYKhub’s wide format operation, with demand continuing to increase across retail, promotional, hospitality, events and industrial applications.

Jonny Rumney (Celmac) and Ettore Briccoli Pontiggia (Neolt Factory)

Phil Trumble (Pozitive sign & graphic supplies) with the new Summa F1625 Vantage cutting table unveiled on the first morning of FESPA Barcelona

“Stickers have become a significant category for many of our customers. Whether it’s promotional stickers, product labels, window decals or contour-cut graphics, we’re seeing increasing demand across the board. The Summa gives us additional capacity while maintaining the precision and consistency our customers expect,” CMYKhub national workflow and wide format manager Alan Nankervis said.

swissQprint

Under the motto ‘Made for Winners –Loved by Thousands’, swissQprint used the platform of Fespa Barcelona to showcase how PSPs can run efficient production and differentiate themselves in the market with versatile applications. Hands-on demonstrations were given to attendees to show this in a practical context.

Live demos with the high-end Kudu flatbed printer and the Karibu 2 roll-to-roll printer formed the centrepiece of the stand. Both machines produced a mix of everyday applications and value-added work, including neon prints, colourchanging effects, and tactile finishes.

Conversations with industry professionals confirmed a clear trend: in today’s market, differentiated applications are becoming increasingly important for many print businesses.

swissQprint chief sales and marketing officer Carmen Eicher said, “Our customers look for versatility in applications, but also for reliable performance and investment security. That’s exactly what we focus on”.

Distributor Pozitive sign & graphic supplies managing director Phil Trumble said, “Everybody that has a swissQprint machine is absolutely thrilled with the type of output and quality that they’re able to produce.

“Whether that’s a machine from 2007 or the very latest generation from 2026 –right across the range – swissQprint is

renowned for that high quality and reliability, but also for being able to push the boundaries when it comes to wide format printing, doing things that nobody else is doing, and coming up with ideas that nobody else has thought of yet”.

Zünd

At Fespa Barcelona, Zünd showcased digital cutting solutions that promise reliability, flexibility, and versatility across a wide range of applications. Centered around the theme ‘Reliable All-Rounders’, the company demonstrated how modular cutting systems can be configured for a wide range of production requirements – from entrylevel systems to highly automated industrial solutions. The focus was on the new RollMaster, thread-milling capabilities, and automated material handling.

On a Zünd G3 cutter, the company introduced the newly developed RollMaster, a flexibly configurable roll-off unit for all roll materials, sizes, and weights. 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.

A compact S3 cutter was also shown in combination with a Robot PortaBase 175 from 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. A new feature in this context is Zünd’s open Loading & Unloading interface, which is now available as an option in ZCC Zünd Cut Center.

With a new thread-milling tool, Zünd has also expanded the functionality of its cutters to include an integrated processing step that previously had to be done separately. Threads can now be created directly on the cutter in a variety of rigid materials.

For manufacturers of signage, architectural lettering, or display graphics, this significantly simplifies installation as mounting points can now be precisely prepared as part of the cutting workflow. Zünd demonstrated this application live at Fespa Barcelona, providing a tangible example of the expanded functionality this feature offers.

In addition, Zünd introduced a new blade holder that enables precise V-cutting of tight contours in applications such as acoustic panels.

All featured cutting solutions adhered to Zünd’s modular system approach. Machine configurations can be flexibly adapted and expanded as needed – from new tools and software options to automated material-handling and partremoval solutions. This approach is said to support companies in changing market environments and ensures long-term investment security over the system’s entire service life.

The next Fespa Global Print Expo and its co-located events (European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest and Textile) will all take place at Messe Munich, Germany, from 6-9 April 2027.

The swissQprint stand at Fespa Barcelona

The compact ZÜnd S3 cutter shown in combination with a Robot PortaBase 175 from robotics partner Robotfactory

Spotted on the floor of Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 in Barcelona

Fespa Barcelona brought together the global speciality print, signage, textile, and packaging sectors in one of the industry’s biggest international showcases

The halls of the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via were recently buzzing as the Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 brought together the international print and signage community for four days of innovation, networking, and technology launches. The exhibition is held each year and spans speciality print, textiles, packaging, signage, and visual communications.

With more than 500 exhibitors representing over 40 countries, this year’s event placed a spotlight on smarter production through automation, sustainable applications, advanced workflow

software, personalised print, textile innovation, and corrugated packaging solutions.

Industry leaders including HP Inc., Durst Group, EFI, Roland DG, Canon, Agfa, Kornit Digital, Summa, and Zünd showcased their latest developments across large-format printing, textile production, finishing systems, and automated workflows.

Take a look at some of the familiar faces and industry figures we spotted across the Fespa Barcelona show floor:

Lieven Bertier (Summa) and Mark Canavan (Graphic Art Mart)

Drew Eade (Sitemax), Jonny Rumney (Celmac) and Daniel Eade (Sitemax)

Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging), Abacuc Maiques (Plastgrommet), Rafa Menendez (Plastgrommet), and Nigel Spicer (Cactus Imaging)

Frank Mezo (Mezographic), Paul Whitehead (Currie Group) and Glenn Coleman (Coleman Group)

Matt Ashman (Durst Oceania), Janette Partington (Omnigraphics NZ) and Graham Blackall (Durst Oceania)

Craig Harrison and Darrin Weir from Aarque

Jack and Abe Weiszberger (Stick On Signs)

Gut (swissQprint) and Phil Trumble (Pozitive)

David Preskett (Kongsberg) and Peter Lucas (GMS Pacific)

Dale Hawkins (Zünd), Jacob Hansen (Robot Factory), Lars Bendixen (Zünd)

Daniel and Julia Watts from Veritas

Ken Hanulec (EFI), Paul Whitehead (Currie Group) and Paul Cripps (EFI)

Mandy Chai (iEcho) and Rob Brussolo (Ball & Doggett)

Jonny Rumney (Celmac), Viktor Lazzori (Barbieri) and Phillip Rennell (Celmac)

Lee Farrell (Hexis), Adam Parnell (Easy Signs), Scott Parnell (Easy Signs), Andy Fryer (Easy Signs), Ian Parsonson (Hexis), Steph Wilbow (Easy Signs USA) and Bowan Parnell (Easy Signs)

Alan Nankervis (CMYKhub), Paul Whitehead (Currie Group), Dayne Nankervis (CMYKHub) and Glen Mackary (Spicers)

Matt Ashman (Durst), Daniel Castaneda (Cast Graphics), Karen Lawler (Cactus Imaging), Karah Murray (Printforce), Raymond Cavicchia (Printforce)

Dylan and Penny La Garde (Norsigns) and Steven Badger (Canon Production Print)

Raymond Cavicchia (Printforce) and James Smith (Eurotech)

Adriano

Phil Rennell (Celmac) and Ben Carroll (Velflex)

Industry mingles and comes together for Fespa A/NZ Social

Fespa Australia hosted an A/NZ networking gathering in Barcelona, bringing industry peers together in the Club Fespa Lounge over refreshments

Global wide-format exhibition Fespa Global Print Expo 2026 recently hosted a dedicated networking event for the Australian visitors, held on the show floor.

The informal meet-and-connect session for members of Fespa

Australia took place in the Club Fespa Lounge, offering attendees an opportunity to network with industry peers while in Barcelona.

Attendees networked while enjoying plenty of refreshments. Here are some photos from the event:

Peter Eaton (Starleaton) and Jonny Rumney (Celmac)

James Merhab (Ball & Doggett), Rob Brussolo (Ball & Doggett), Phil Trumble (Pozitive), and Daniel Lamont (Lamont Print & Signs)

Steven Badger (Canon Production Print), Adam Parnell (Easy Signs), Dale Hawkins (Zünd), and Paul Whitehead (Currie Group)

Steph Wybow (Easy Signs USA), Karen Lawler (Cactus Imaging), Adam Parnell (Easy Signs), Andy Fryer (Easy Signs), and Sonya Beers (IVE)

Abe Weiszberger (Stick On Signs), Curtis Barnes (GoTransit Media Group), Mark Canavan (Graphic Art Mart), and Caleb Harriott (GoTransit Media Group)

Matt Evans (Ricky Richards), John Bryson (Durst), and Ron Gottlieb (Ricky Richards)

Jeremy Brew (HP), Andrew Hall (Factory One), and Jonny Rumney (Celmac)

Americo Blanco (Carr Group), John Carr (Carr Group), and Ron Gottlieb (Ricky Richards)

Jane Docherty (Fespa) and Kathy Doan (Corrective Services)

Jonny Rumney (Celmac) and Colm Garvey (Fujifilm)

Frank Mezo (Mezographic), Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging), Neil Felton (Fespa), and Matt Ashman (Durst)

Leisa Manning (Ricky Richards), Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging), and Matt Evans (Ricky Richards)

Andrew Hall (Factory One), Steven Badger (Canon Production Print), Adam Parnell (Easy Signs), Dale Hawkins (Zünd), and Paul Whitehead (Currie Group)

John Ong (Smartech), Rashed Chungtai (Agfa), Alan Nankervis (CMYKhub), and Dale Hawkins (Zünd)

Daniel Buerker (Tiger Corp Sign Solutions), Richard Starkins (Admar Creations), Simon White (Fespa), and Frank Mezo (Mezographic)

ADVERTORIAL

CMYKhub’s new soft signage division expands its offerings

The introduction of the new division represents a major step forward for the trade-only print leader, addressing a long-standing gap in its offering that has persisted for almost 10 years

With an increasing number of customers seeking soft signage, CMYKhub recently added fabric display products to its national trade offering, giving print resellers across Australia the ability to now source soft signage in addition to its other offerings including offset, digital, labels, and wide format print. The launch marks a significant expansion for the leading trade-only print supplier and closes a gap that has existed in its product range for nearly a decade.

Soft signage – fabric-based display products used across retail, events, exhibitions and outdoor promotions – has grown steadily as a category for CMYKhub as it finds brands have moved away from rigid display materials toward lighter, more versatile fabric alternatives. For CMYKhub’s reseller customers, that has meant sourcing more of their jobs from outside their primary print partner.

“Customers have been asking us for these products for close to 10 years. That’s a long time to say ‘not yet’. We’re proud to finally be able to say yes – and to say it with a product range and production capability we’re genuinely confident in,” CMYKhub national communications manager Glen Francis said.

The new range covers the full breadth of fabric display products: feather, teardrop and rectangle flags in single and doublesided options; stretch media walls and display stands; barricade barriers; fitted and open-back fabric tablecloths; fabric banners; and fence mesh.

“It’s a range built around what CMYKhub customers have been asking for, rather than what was easiest to add,” Francis said.

Melbourne production, national reach

All soft signage products are produced at CMYKhub’s Melbourne facility, powered by an EFI VUTEk FabriVU dye sublimation system – a platform that CMYKhub chose specifically for its ability to deliver the colour vibrancy, consistency, and clean finishing that fabric display products demand. Production is led by the recently-appointed production supervisor Gordon Windley,

CMYKhubʼs Dayne Nankervis with the EFI VUTEk FabriVU dye sublimation machine (Credit: Tjanatja Cavenett lillypillyarts.info@gmail.com)

who has overseen the setup of the new capability from the ground up – from equipment installation through to production workflows, quality benchmarks, and customer-facing templates.

“Resellers are putting their name on this work, and their clients are standing in front of it at events and in retail environments. It has to perform. The colour needs to be vibrant, the finishing needs to be clean, and it needs to be consistent. That’s what we’ve designed this operation to deliver,” Windley said.

“The feedback in the first month has been overwhelmingly positive. Resellers are commenting on the vibrancy of the print, the clarity of the imagery, the quality of the hardware, and the delivery times. That’s exactly what we set out to deliver, and it’s encouraging to hear it landing that way with customers from day one.”

Products are fulfilled nationally through CMYKhub’s established freight network, with turnaround times and distribution improving as production volumes grow. A hub-based distribution model is also being developed for hardware stocked at key locations around the country, reducing turnaround times and freight costs for customers in those markets.

Ordering the CMYKhub way

True to CMYKhub’s broader philosophy, the soft signage range has been built to integrate seamlessly into the workflows resellers already use.

Standard products – flags, tablecloths, display stands, and media walls – are available directly through Hublink, CMYKhub’s trade ordering platform, with fixed sizes, print-ready templates and artwork guidelines already built in.

The approach is deliberate. By providing templates and clear artwork specifications upfront, CMYKhub said it aims to minimise production errors and ensure resellers can order with confidence. To support the launch, CMYKhub has also developed a fabric swatch wallet and product booklet, giving resellers a tangible way to present the range to their own clients and build confidence in the quality of the product before the first order is placed.

A natural next step

For CMYKhub, the soft signage launch is consistent with the direction the business has been moving for some time –broadening its trade offering so that resellers can source more of their work through a single, reliable partner, rather than managing multiple supplier relationships for different product categories.

“This isn’t about chasing a new market. It’s about serving the customers we already have, better. They were already buying these products – now they can buy them from us, within a relationship they already trust, through systems they already use. That’s what this is about,” Francis said.

The company added it will continue to expand the soft signage range over time, guided by ordering patterns and customer feedback, with additional product categories and production capabilities added as volumes grow.

Custom-sized soft signage products, including fabric banners and fence mesh, are available for order through CMYKhub’s Hublink platform and Wide Format quoting engine.

An example of soft signage created by CMYKhub

Apprentice ‘rites of passage’ – outdated and unacceptable

Outdated attitudes towards apprentices are no longer tolerated, particularly where they intersect with safety and workplace culture, says Charles Watson

Arecent decision of the Fair Work Commission provides an instructive reminder for employers across trade industries that the treatment of apprentices is not a peripheral issue, but goes directly to safety, culture, and legal risk. In that decision, Mcrae v Jetstar, the Commission upheld the dismissal of an experienced aircraft maintenance engineer whose conduct towards an apprentice crossed well beyond acceptable workplace behaviour. While the case ultimately turned on a serious safety breach – leaving two apprentices stranded in an elevated work platform – the surrounding conduct painted a broader and more concerning picture.

The dismissed employee engaged in a pattern of behaviour directed at apprentices that included belittling comments, aggressive interactions, and what could reasonably be characterised as ‘initiation style’ conduct. This culminated in an incident where he activated an emergency stop on equipment, leaving two apprentices stranded at height without the ability to descend independently.

The Commission found this conduct to be reckless and in breach of workplace safety expectations, constituting a valid reason for dismissal. However, the decision went further. It explicitly addressed the cultural undercurrent often seen in trade environments – that apprentices must ‘toughen up’ or endure poor treatment as a rite of passage.

Additionally, the Commission observed that such attitudes are out of step with modern workplace expectations, and noted the employee appeared to belong to a diminishing cohort that finds apprentice hazing acceptable.

This decision reinforces a critical point: hazing of apprentices has no place in any workplace. Such conduct now carries significant legal and operational risk. Essentially it is not acceptable in any workplace. It is incompatible with:

• Workplace health and safety obligations

• Anti-bullying and harassment frameworks

• Psychosocial risk management duties

• Broader societal expectations of respectful workplaces

Importantly, the Commission recognised the power imbalance inherent in apprentice relationships. Apprentices are generally junior, are learning, and often reluctant to challenge inappropriate behaviour. It is precisely why employers must take proactive steps.

What employers should do

For employers, it is not enough to rely on general behaviour expectations or assume that “common sense” will prevail. A structured and defensible approach is required.

1. Regularly reinforce zero tolerance –Policies prohibiting bullying, harassment and unsafe conduct must explicitly address behaviour towards co-workers and junior staff. However, policies alone are insufficient. They must be:

a. Communicated at induction

b. Reinforced through periodic training

c. Actively referenced by supervisors and managers.

A ‘set and forget’ approach to policy is a common failure point.

2. Embed cultural expectations at the supervisory level – Supervisors and experienced tradespeople are culture carriers. Where they model poor behaviour, it legitimises similar conduct across the workforce. Employers should:

a. Train supervisors in appropriate

leadership and mentoring behaviours

b. Make cultural conduct an explicit component of performance

c. Intervene early where ‘banter’ crosses into risk territory

3. Provide clear and safe reporting pathways – Apprentices must have a clear and safe mechanism to report inappropriate behaviour. This includes:

a. Multiple reporting channels

b. Options for confidential reporting

c. Clear assurance of non-retaliation

Critically, employees, and particularly apprentices, must believe that reporting will lead to action.

4. Act promptly and proportionately –When issues are raised, employers must respond in a manner that is:

a. Timely

b. Procedurally fair

c. Proportionate to the conduct

5. Integrate psychosocial safety into WHS frameworks – The decision also highlights that treatment of apprentices is not merely an ‘HR issue’, but also a workplace health and safety issue. Modern WHS obligations mandate that employers manage psychosocial risks, and failure to do so exposes organisations to regulatory action beyond traditional employment law.

This decision reiterates that outdated attitudes towards apprentices are no longer tolerated, particularly where they intersect with safety and workplace culture. Apprentices are not there to ‘earn their stripes’ through mistreatment. They are there to learn, develop, and contribute within a safe and respectful environment. For employers the messageis equally direct – culture is a controllable risk.

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.

Apprentices are there to learn, develop, and contribute within a safe and respectful environment

The businesses that last a long time don’t operate year to year

Strong businesses are underpinned by simple, well understood structures, disciplined cash flow management, clear ownership arrangements, and an intentional approach to succession, says business advisor Andrew Ash

Every year the Federal Budget triggers the same response from business owners. The focus quickly narrows to tax questions: What can I claim? Should I buy equipment before 30 June? What has changed with super? How do I reduce tax this year?

They are fair questions. Tax matters.

But the business owners who tend to build lasting businesses and durable wealth usually approach the Budget very differently. They are less focused on reacting to annual changes and more focused on whether their business and ownership structures are aligned for the long term.

The Federal Budget should not create panic. It should create perspective.

Tax rules change regularly. The principles behind long term wealth creation do not. Asset protection. Appropriate structure. Risk management. Succession planning. Decisions made with tomorrow in mind, not just this year.

Short term tax decisions often create longterm problems.

One of the most common mistakes in business is making decisions purely for immediate tax outcomes. Purchasing assets that are not genuinely required. Deferring restructuring for too long. Distributing income inefficiently. Leaving trading risk and investment assets sitting too close together.

These decisions may reduce tax payable in one year, but they often create friction, rigidity or risk that lasts far longer than the benefit.

Strong businesses are rarely built through reactive decisions. More often, they are underpinned by simple, well understood structures, disciplined cash flow management, clear ownership arrangements, and an intentional approach to succession. Tax efficiency matters, but structure and strategy usually matter more.

Most businesses outgrow the structures they started with. What worked when revenue was modest may not suit once profits rise, staff numbers increase, property is acquired or investment activity begins.

The purpose of structure is not simply to minimise tax. It is to protect assets, preserve flexibility, manage ownership, facilitate succession, and create clarity around risk and control.

That may involve companies, discretionary trusts, family groups, investment entities, or superannuation structures, depending on circumstances. The wrong question is what is cheapest today. The better question is whether the structure will still serve the business and the family in ten years’ time.

Wealth without succession planning is incomplete.

Many business owners spend decades building successful enterprises and very little time planning how control and ownership will eventually transition. Yet succession has become one of the most important strategic issues facing Australian businesses.

Without proper planning, disputes are more likely, tax outcomes deteriorate, control becomes unclear and business continuity can suffer. Effective succession planning considers not just who inherits wealth, but who controls assets, how decisions continue if something unexpected occurs, and how ownership transitions over time.

This extends well beyond a will. Shareholder agreements, buy sell arrangements, testamentary trusts, enduring powers of attorney, SMSF succession planning, and documented governance all play a role. As with most things, the earlier these conversations happen, the more options exist.

The best planning happens before there is pressure.

Good planning is rarely done in the middle of a crisis. The most effective business owners review their position before regulatory change, retirement, a business sale, family conflict, health issues, or tax problems force decisions.

The Federal Budget is a natural prompt to step back and look across the whole picture. Is the structure still appropriate? Is wealth accumulating in the right entities? Are risks properly contained? Is there clarity around succession? Are tax outcomes aligned with long term goals?

Annual compliance will always matter. But the real value is created through thoughtful planning, done early and reviewed regularly. Businesses that endure are planned that way.

The businesses and families that navigate uncertainty best are not usually the most reactive. They are the most prepared.

They make decisions early. They review structures before they become problematic. They plan beyond the next financial year.

The Federal Budget is not just about tax changes. It is an opportunity to assess whether your business, wealth and family structures are positioned for the future, not just the current year.

Long term success is rarely accidental. It is usually structured that way. If you need help with your planning, get in touch.

Andrew Ash is a business advisor, fractional CFO, and tax agent. He can be contacted at aash@belefonte.com.au or 0412 055 814.

Structure is more than a tax decision.

For businesses, the Federal Budget is a natural prompt to step back and look across the whole picture

Image credit: istock.com/MicroStockHub

Women in Print focuses on financial empowerment at national 2026 Speaker Series

Women in Print successfully hosted its Speaker Series in several states across Australia, with Pascale Helyar delivering her speech on being financially fierce

Women in Print recently hosted its 2026 Speaker Series, a national event that took place throughout May.

The 2026 theme for the Speaker Series was Financially Fierce, with the event headlined by Pascale Helyar, a respected figure in financial services whose career spans more than three decades, including 15 years as a FinTech entrepreneur.

At the events, Helyar discussed the financial challenges faced by women and emphasised the importance of salary sacrifice, consolidating super accounts, and investing early and consistently.

She also stressed the importance of women taking control of their finances, automating contributions, and seeking specialist advice for insurance within superannuation, and gave attendees real-life examples.

In addition, she said women should be putting their future selves first by contributing a little extra towards their super and focussing on salary sacrifice first, instead of paying off the bills first then saving the rest later.

Here are photos from some of the events.

Sydney

All the NSW WiP Attendees

(l-r) Steph Horne (We Are Remix) and Manuela Da Encarnacao (Graph-Pak Laminating Films)

(l-r) Karen Lawler (NSW WiP patron) and Pascale Helyer

(l-r) Diana Filiposka and Alison Mudford from Spicers Australia

Pascale Helyer delivering her speech in Sydney

(l-r) Franca Balsamo (Franca Balsamo Photography) and Carmen Ciappara (NSW WiP Committee)

Kathryn

Sharon

(l-r) Sarah Moore and Fatima Goncalves (NSW WiP Committee), Edel Somers (Brandpulse), and Jenny Leste (Parcelle)

(l-r) Samantha Milne-Loxton (Elizabeth Machines) and Damian Davies (Canon Production Printing Australia)

(l-r) Nicole Williams, Sindy Benbow, and Leanne Jackson from Böttcher Australia, with Shireen Da Costa (Visual Connections) and Bas Kalaitjis (Carr Australia)

(l-r) Brianna Saul (Dicker Data) with Nicola Lynch, Que Nhi Makar, Verinia Johnston, Tatjana Ferguson, Amanda McKenzie, and Victoria Martin from Ball & Doggett

(l-r) Amy Whatmore, Kathryn Whetton, Nicole Jandik, Sharleen Jack, and Sonia Bailey from IVE Group

(l-r) Sandy Brinkman, Amy Whatmore, Sharleen Jack, and Tegan Payne from IVE Group

(l-r) Jessie Parker and Cassie Cox from Roland DG Australia

(l-r) Teresa Galasso, Lynette Hawthorne, Chloe Ross, Natalie Taylor, Tia Trumble, and Andrea Trumble from Pozitive sign & graphic supplies

(l-r) Kiera Ward, Jessica Ursino, Neetu Dureja, Kasey Reading, Melissa Mackie, Iesha Ho, Taylor Valente, and Jo-Ann Van Wyk from Easy Signs

(l-r) Sonia Bailey, Sharleen Jack, Sonya Beers, Monique Lockington, Hannah Bedworth, Belinda Kosovic, and Nicole Jandik from IVE Group

(l-r) Steph Horne (We Are Remix), and Elaine Lawler and Sharlene Jamieson (Media Super)

(l-r) The NSW WiP Committee – Karen Lawler, Carmen Ciappara, Fatima Goncalves, Sarah Moore, and Nicole Jandik

(l-r) Muna Koirala, Gabriella Kangas, Prerna Dave, Karen Lawler, Rebeca Garcia, Emily Watterson, and Brooke Rachar from Cactus Imaging with Paul Shipley (Shipley Brown Media Group)

(l-r)

Whetton,

Mallett, Suzi Corapovska, and Zaf Haq from IVE Group

(l-r) Incoming WiP Qld patron Calli McCool (MMT Print and Omnigraphics) and outgoing WiP Qld patron Kerry-Anne Boyd (Signright Australia)

(l-r) Nic Forsythe and Georgia Forsythe from Signright Australia

(l-r) Anne Kemp (Media Super), Nick Cella (Ricoh Australia), and Katelyn Dougherty (Media Super)

(l-r) Marnie Romley and Calista Talbot from MMT and Omnigraphics

(l-r) Nicky Winson (Kinbrook Custom Domes), Pascale Helyar, and Carin Bright (Kinbrook Custom Domes)

(l-r) Glenda Vigorelli, Michelle Wilson, Andrea O’Connell, and Mary Kiely-Scales from Konica Minolta Australia

(l-r) Outgoing WiP Qld patron Kerry-Anne Boyd (Signright Australia), Pascale Helyar, Stephanie Gaddin (WiP), and incoming WiP Qld patron Calli McCool (MMT Print and Omnigraphics)

(l-r) Nicky Winson (Kinbrook Custom Domes), Katie Lynch (Katie J. Design & Events), and Carin Bright (Kinbrook Custom Domes)

Pascale Helyar during her presentation on being Financially Fierce

(l-r) Calli McCool (MMT Print and Omnigraphics), Nick Cella (Ricoh Australia), and Stephanie Gaddin (WiP)

(l-r) Pascale Helyar and Stephanie Gaddin (WiP)

(l-r) Melanie Kershler and Amy Maher from IVE Group

EVENT

LOCATION

DATE

Visual Impact Conference & Expo

FESPA Global Print Expo 2026

National Print Awards 2026

ASGA National Sign and Graphics Awards

LOUPE Americas 2026

Visual Impact Conference & Expo

Printing United

LOUPE Americas 2026

All in Print China

Printing United

2026 ProPrint Awards

All in Print China

Fespa Global Print Expo

2026 ProPrint Awards

Barcelona, Spain

Sydney, Australia

Brisbane, Australia

Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia

Chicago, US

Chicago, US

Las Vegas, US

Shanghai, China

Las Vegas, US

Sydney, Australia

Shanghai, China

Munich, Germany

Sydney, Australia

19-22 May 2026 28 May 2026

2-4 September 2026

September 2026

September 2026

September 2026

3 September 2026 15-17 September 2026 23-25 September 2026 12-16 October 2026 16 October 2026 6-9 April 2027

2026

Hosting an event? Send an email to ProPrint magazine managing editor – Pamela Connellan – pconnellan@intermedia.com.au with the details

SMART WAY TO SAVE ON ROLL

Australia:

• Near total coverage of roller requirements for the graphic arts sector

• Wide range of rollers for printing and packaging, laminating, gluing, transport and nip

• Specialised services for non-standard applications

• In-house expertise to help you achieve your production goals

Sydney will host the Visual Impact Conference & Expo in September 2026

MARKETPLACE

The printer behind the printer

Trade printing for Australian printers. 100% confidential. 100% your client.

Since 2008, 27% of our business has been built on trade partnerships with printers just like you. White-label. Confidential. ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 & 27001 certified. We are PCI DSS compliant and a Level 3 Sustainable Green Printer too. Your clients stay yours - guaranteed.

Call our Group CEO, Cory Hall for a chat and a quote.

Cory Hall, Owner 0434 110954 - cory@thepg.com.au thepg.com.au

Somerton, Melbourne, 3062

Your Silent Print Partner

Trade-only large format and flatbed printing. No minimums.

24-hour turnaround. Nationwide.

Banners Labels

Posters

Rigid Boards Stickers Wall Coverings

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Bound to Succeed

Revolutionise Your Bookbinding with Our State-of-the-Art Hard Case Solutions.

Print Logistics is proud to offer cutting-edge, hard case binding technology that delivers a new level of durability and sophistication. Our innovative process involves expert casing of the hardcover, resulting in a final product that exceeds the competition in both robustness and elegance.

Elevate your publications, specialty books, and projects to new heights with our superior hard case binding solutions, perfect for customers who refuse to compromise on quality.

Why Choose Us?

• Fast turnaround times

• Competitive trade-only pricing

• Privileged communication

• Family owned and run

• Variety of customisation options to meet your specific needs

What Customers Are Saying?

“We’ve relied on Print Logistics for years and couldn’t be happier with their service. Their professionalism, precision, and dedication to confidentiality make them invaluable partners. We highly recommend Print Logistics for exceptional printing and binding services.” Principle Design

Print is perception and we treat it accordingly.

Contact Us Today

Phone: 1300 659 029

Email: contactus@printlogistics.com.au

Visit: www.printlogistics.com.au