The three partners hosted an opening address at their huge combined area at the show on Wednesday.

Kodak managing director Adrian Fleming, Heidelberg managing director Andy Vels Jensen and Konica Minolta managing director Hiro Kaji all gathered at the shared venue space to discuss the benefits of the partnership.

Fleming discussed why he thought the partnership had been so beneficial for all parties.

“The collaboration has allowed us to get an even spread across the market, put out a consistent message, and allow each company to pool our knowledge from a much larger base.”

Vels Jensen was quick to agree: “This partnership allows us to present to the industry the best combination of new technology, choice and quality,” he said.

“The partnership between Kodak, Konica Minolta and Heidelberg allows us to present to the industry the profitable print shop of the future, all on one stand and all supported by the combined strength of three major suppliers.”

He added that a bunch of nicknames had been thrown around for the partnership, but the ‘three amigos’ was sticking.

Alastair Hadley, Heidelberg’s general manager for sales &
marketing, was on hand at the conference to discuss where he thought the future of the alliance was heading.

“I think the partnership looks like a photograph of what today’s printer looks like,” he said.

“He has his platemaker, his offset press, his digital press, and his finishing equipment. It’s all being brought under one umbrella.”

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter