With an abundance of technical advances to choose from, INX International Ink Co. attracted high traffic counts of commercial, packaging and digital printers at Print 13 last week in Chicago.
From the various “The FX of INX” displays in the booth to the national dealer announcement with Komori America Corporation for the NW140 UV digital narrow web press, printers were educated on the variety of options that can make their companies more productive and profitable.
“Many of our visitors were impressed with the new booth design we unveiled, which made for a unique and inviting atmosphere. This set the stage for a very positive and productive show with a number of high quality contacts learning more about the new ink technology INX offers,” said Rick Clendenning, president and CEO of INX International Ink Co.
Specific product stations in the booth highlighted different FX scenarios made possible by INX products. This included new ink platforms, curing technologies, alternative digital inks and innovative equipment for label and industrial printing.
One popular area of interest was the opportunity for sheetfed offset printers to bundle their LED curing systems and printing ink needs into one complete printing solution. Sheetfed printers can gain a faster return on their investment by retrofitting their presses to LED UV with PEAK LED-UV from Air Motion Systems, and INXCure LED OSF process inks. These inks are 100% reactive and offer superior printing properties suitable for high-end sheetfed applications.
Digital capabilities attracted crowds with live demonstrations of Triangle brand MED UV curable inkjet inks run on a Mimaki 3042 desktop printer. These high performance and flexible UV LED alternative inks are available in six colors plus white. Booth visitors got a first-hand view of how MED offers greater adhesion to multiple substrates, including a wide range of plastics, in comparison to the OEM product.
Crowds of people stopped to see the NW140 inkjet UV digital narrow web press. There was interest generated by INX International’s announcement that Komori America Corporation had entered into a partner agreement to sell and market this press as the national dealer in the U.S.
Powered by the JetINX printhead drive and ink recirculation system, the NW140 is incredibly fast. Producing UV LED cure single pass output up to 80 feet per minute on label stock, it combines printing and conversion by using the Spartanics X140 laser die cutting station to provide brilliant color and easy separation of printed labels. As part of the agreement with Komori, the press will use KomoriKare K-Supply UV ink.
Taking the UV LED conversation one step further, INX International’s Jon Graunke co-hosted a seminar with Steve Metcalf of Air Motion Systems about UV LED Curing on Sept. 10.
Mr. Graunke, vice president - energy curable technology, addressed a number of issues that primarily affect sheetfed offset printers and flexographic narrow web label converters. In addition to the various challenges UV LED presents, Mr. Graunke talked about many of its unique uses, how technology can help printers enter the instant dry world of UV, and took audience questions.
Bencis and Gimv-XL's Acquisition Reinforces Xeikon's Innovative Role in Digital Printing, Prepress Technology
Product portfolio, leadership and investment will guide the organization into the future
Xeikon confirmed that Bencis Capital Partners completed its purchase of Punch International’s controlling interest in Xeikon, making Bencis the largest shareholder of the company. The Gimv-XL fund invested alongside Bencis as minority shareholder. With the transaction completed, Xeikon has the capital, the leadership, the products and the customer support in place to expand on innovation and strengthen its role as leading provider of digital printing solutions to customers around the globe.
Bencis is an independent private equity firm that invests in medium-sized companies in the Benelux countries. Gimv-XL, managed by Gimv, is the largest investment fund for midcap companies in Flanders.
The new shareholders comment on the transaction: "Both Bencis and Gimv-XL invest in solid companies that are led by strong management teams, have leading positions in their respective markets and are well positioned for further expansion. Xeikon met all of those requirements. Their leadership role in the digital printing marketplace, combined with technologically advanced solutions and a strong emphasis on R&D and customer service make them an ideal investment for us. We believe there is a bright future for this innovative company, and we are pleased that Bencis and Gimv-XL are a part of it."
Bencis' and Gimv-XL's strategy to invest in growth will enable Xeikon to enforce its mission of developing and distributing innovative digital printing technology that supports the needs of their customers. To assure growth and innovation, Wim Maes will again assume the role as CEO of Xeikon with immediate effect. Mr. Maes joined Xeikon as CEO in October 2009, establishing a clear strategic focus and strong financial foundation. End 2012, Mr. Maes left that role but remained an active advisor within the Xeikon organization.
"I'm pleased to once again lead Xeikon and increase the level of innovation we started a few years ago,” Mr. Maes said. “Xeikon became a leader in digital dry toner-based label and package production; built on the Xeikon 8000 Series to successfully launch the innovative Trillium technology and extended the product portfolio with prepress offerings including basysPrint CtP and ThermoFlexX platemaking solutions. With the acquisition in place, Xeikon is in perfect shape to grow and offer solutions that meet our customers needs - today and in the future."
Mr. Maes replaces Frank Deschuytere, who recently served as CEO. With the take-over in place, Mr. Deschuytere will pursue other activities, and Xeikon thanks him for his contribution to the company.