“Covid-19 has accelerated the move towards digital and local events,” says Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) in a statement. “Although there is no way of knowing what the impact of corona will be next year, Heidelberg has to make a decision now." Heidelberg said it would focus instead on new virtual trade fair concepts and regional events.

According to the latest IDC Worldwide Quarterly Industrial Printer Tracker, the industrial printer market in Australia & New Zealand declined significantly in the 2020 Q1 period, with a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) decline of -18.39% and year-on-year (YoY) decline of -33.79%. 

Strong visitor numbers and positive activity at the Print, Sign, Display & Graphics Virtual Trade Show bodes well for business sentiment into the new financial year, and reinforces the value of the innovative online expo in ‘these strange and challenging times’, according to organisers Visual Connections.

Roland DG Corporation has released a new addition to its popular VersaUV LEF2 series benchtop UV flatbed printers. The LEF2-300D features an expanded workspace that supports a height of up to 200 mm, 100mm more than the standard model*.

Epson is making “serious moves to strengthen and expand its business in Australia” with the launch of Epson Australia’s new three-tiered Premium Partner Program designed to offer significant benefits to current partners, attract new partners and create business and growth opportunities for all members.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland print shop SunPrint has added to its already impressive array of awards by scooping  a total of nine medals in the state’s PICAs, including Gold in Regional Print Business. A huge pat on the back to owner Steve Hall, despite his modesty!

FESPA Global Print Expo will no longer take place in Madrid in October 2020 due to continued public health risks and business disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Ricoh Australia says it has accepted the resignation of managing director and CEO Andy Berry, who will be leaving the company on 24th July 2020 to take up a role outside of Ricoh. Mike Pollok, managing director of Ricoh New Zealand, has been appointed interim MD of Ricoh Australia in addition to his current role, effective immediately.

As expected, the Out of Home (OOH) industry recorded a sharp dive in net media revenue for the second quarter of 2020, down from $234.6 million in Q2 2019 to $82.1 million -  a decrease of 65% or $152.5 million. But bookings are up for the latter half of the year.

As part of its Print Australia campaign, the Print & Visual Communication Association is providing 'Proudly Printed in Australia’ artwork free to all in the visual communications sector. 

Hexis Group says films using its patented Pure Zone technology have been certified by several laboratories as active in combating the viral load of coronaviruses. Reactive silver ions in the films have been found to inhibit bacteria and coronaviruses, preventing their spread. 

Roland DG Australia has introduced a 3-month warranty extension program to support its customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This has been a challenging time for many of our customers," said MD John Hall.

We have partnered with Richard Rasmussen's (Ascent Partners) printmachinery.com.au to provide an improved service for our used equipment classified advertisers - both wide format and general graphics. Now you can add pictures and reach even more buyers for your surplus machinery - best of all it's still free to advertise with a small fee payable only upon sale.

Orafol Australia, a leading manufacturer of graphic self-adhesive films, wrap materials, reflective materials, laminates and adhesive tapes, has released its latest catalogue in a very easy-to-understand format and, in a rare example for consumable catalogues, complete with pricing. It can be downloaded as a PDF at no cost, or a printed copy delivered.

HP’s new Zoom webinar presented by application expert Jeremy Brew – ‘Unleash Your Creativity With HP Digitally Printed Interior Décor’ - will look at how digital printing has transformed the interior décor market and how HP printer and software solutions can enable businesses to expand into these markets. Tuesday 7 July, 1pm-2pm AEST/ 3pm-4pm NZST. It's free but spaces are limited.