We just returned from Graph Expo in Chicago. It was a very good show with a constant stream of visitors roaming the aisles and plenty of business transactions taking place. Agfa, Xerox, Konica Minolta, HP, Fujifilm, EFI and many others too numerous to mention, launched new products and showcased many innovations.
HP unveiled its T350 Colour Inkjet Web. Xerox introduced its 550/560 Digital Colour Printer. Agfa added a roll-fed option to its Jeti 1224 UV Printer. Konica Minolta showcased its Bizhub C8000 Press. Fujifilm introduced its J Press 720 digital inkjet device for the first time in North America and EFI showcased its new entry-level wide-format digital inkjet UV printer – the Rastek T1000.
These impressive new devices represent just a glimpse of the creativity from some of our leading manufacturers. For a review of the show and some great photos, check Kristen Read’s report on page 33.
One thing that caught my eye at the Xerox booth was a Canadian innovation just introduced to the world – My Click 2 Print. It seems to me to be an inexpensive way for smaller shops to get into the web-to-print business and compete with companies like Vista Print.
Congratulations to Normand Richard, André Houde and Tony Karg, who were recently named new Board Members of CPISC.
Unfortunately, the Quad Graphics plant in St. Jean, Québec will close December 31, but the company still plans to invest $23 million in Canada in 2011.
As I’m writing this, today is municipal election day throughout Canada. It looks like we will have a fellow printer, Rob Ford, as our new mayor – so congratulations to him on his hard-fought win.
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We’re looking forward to meeting you at Print World November 20 – 22 in Toronto. Please drop by booth 1213 and enter our lucky draw. You may be the one who walks away with a fabulous gift.
As always, stay positive and stay focused.