The conference drew some of the country’s biggest commercial printers such as PMP, IPMG, Franklin Web and Webstar, some of the biggest packaging companies, as well as the two biggest newspaper groups News and Fairfax.
Outlining the potential for printers investing in new technology to receive a substantial amount of cash back was Dennis Geelen, an environmental consultant based in Belgium, and flown over for the conference.
He said that the Australian government has set aside some $800m to give to companies who invested in energy efficient technology. Talking to Australian Printer Geelen says, “It is a merit based programme, the first of its kind in the world. Already one printer in Perth has received back a third the cost of his new press.
“Essentially any printer buying a new press to replace an older one should be able to qualify for the grant. There is paperwork to fill in, but it is fairly straightforward. It is part of the Australian government’s drive to a low carbon economy.”
Steve Dunwell, managing director of manroland Australasia told the conference delegates, “It is a case of the earlier the better, the $800m is across all industries and won’t last forever, but certainly Australian printers buying new kit should apply.”
The customer club conference heard Dunwell clarify the credentials of the new owners of manroland web systems and man roland sheetfed, saying both were profit focused industrial businesses who had a track record of keeping and developing businesses they bought.
A highlight of the conference was a visit to Vistaprint in Melbourne, where printers saw the super-automated plant that produces business cards on a Roland 700. Print guru Tony Kenny highlighted the Roland 700 Direct Drive, and gave his assessment of current industry trends. Partner suppliers of manroland Australasia including Xingraphics and Oce also presented at the conference.
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