“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.

The Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) is asking its members for information about chemicals used in the signage industry as it prepares a submission on a federal plan to phase out of the use of products containing polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - which can be used as a fire retardant in plastics and inks. 

Print giant HP has joined a growing list of major companies that have stopped advertising on Facebook in the US over what they say is the site's failure to stop the spread of hateful content. Organisers of the boycott are now aiming to take the campaign global.

QMS Media has secured Australia’s largest out-of-home advertising contract - an exclusive 10 year agreement, with a further option, to supply the City of Sydney’s street furniture and outdoor advertising.  “This is a game changer, not only for QMS but for the broader OOH industry,” said QMS CEO Barclay Nettlefold. The contract had been held for 20 years by global OOH leader JCDecaux.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has heard that well-established Melbourne commercial printer Print Logistics has been severely impacted by the collapse of economic activity caused by COVID-19 and is '500-plus thousand dollars in debt.' The company was before the FWC after applying to reduce a redundancy payment to one of its workers - from about $7,000 to around $1,400. The commission has turned down this application.

Print technology manufacturer Agfa - known for its wide-format UV inkjet printers including the Anapurna and Jeti series and the new Oberon – says it will significantly invest in the expansion of its inkjet ink production capacity to cope with growing global demand.

Roland DG’s first IU-1000F large format UV-LED flatbed printer is now available in Australia, following its release in other markets around the world. 'This cutting-edge, high-production UV flatbed enables shops to respond effectively to increasing output demands and shorter turn-around times,' says Roland DG Australia's Greg Stone.