Xerox Corp.

Relative to digital printing for packaging, drupa 2008 was a time for investigation and generalized discussion regarding product concepts and market requirements.

Now spanning the realm of print, online, and mobile, not only will the latest technologies at GRAPH EXPO 2012 be on display, but there will also be a full slate of educational sessions, 45 co-located events across 12 key market segments, several new show floor features, dedicated pavilions, several inaugural industry events, live technology demonstrations, and continual networking opportunities.

Since the last drupa held in 2008 the suppliers of digital solutions have become even more important and reflect the mega-trend of digitization. In six halls, drupa 2012, held at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, will show everything concerning digital printing, workflow, or Web-to-print applications, just to name some important examples.

Hear one companies story on how they are responding to the changing market dynamics using a blend of technologies.

At the upcoming drupa, Heidelberg will be launching its complete range of digital print solutions for commercial and packaging printing under the name Heidelberg Linoprint.

The sad news from Friday that manroland has filed for insolvency in its hometown of Augsburg, Germany should also light a beacon of awareness in the global printing and converting industry. As one who worked for manroland – MAN Roland as it was then - distributor Edwards Dunlop Graphics in the 1980s (although on the prepress side), I felt a particular pang of regret that this great contributor to world literacy, information and entertainment via the printed word, should find itself in such dire straits. In those days, EDG handled the sheetfed presses while Craven Print & Pack handled

Modern marketing means brand extensions, on pack promotions, packaging to tie in with events – all designed to increase sales and enhance relationships with consumers. drupa veteran Gareth Ward says this provides opportunities to printers that can meet these demands. When Heidelberg predicts that digitally printed packaging is set to grow at double digit rates for the immediate future, printers need to sit up. And Heidelberg is not alone. The prospects for printing packaging of all types on digital presses are exciting every press manufacturer. If digital printing on paper is understood and developing at a steady pace, digital

Masterpiece Graphics, a custom coater of films, foils, papers, and plastics for digital printers in the narrow web and cut sheet market, has been named a technology partner by Color-Logic.

Starting in September and lasting until February 2012, around 60 drupa events will take place in more than 40 countries.

Heidelberg USA announced that James P. Dunn will retire from the company. Harald Weimer will take over as president of Heidelberg USA effective later this year.