IVE Group, Koenig & Bauer, and LIA Victoria joined forces for a technical tour in Melbourne on Tuesday evening, showcasing the very latest offset print technology.
IVE Group opened the doors of its state-of-the-art printing facility in Braeside for the LIA technical event featuring live demonstrations of its new Koenig & Bauer Rapida presses – a Rapida 106X 10-colour commercial press with in-line coater, and a Rapida 106X 7-colour packaging press with two in-line coating devices – and a presentation by product specialists.
The event was attended by the IVE team including CEO Matt Aitken, executive general manager – print and Jacpak Shane Britten, and head of operations (print VIC/CX and data) Shaun Hodge.
From Koenig & Bauer Australia, CEO Graham Harris and sales manager – Australia and New Zealand Rayne Simpson were in attendance. They were also joined by two international guests from Koenig & Bauer Germany – paper and packaging CEO Markus Weiss, and head of printing technology and product management Dirk Winkler, who moderated the evening and demonstrated the presses to attendees.
Representing LIA Victoria was president Robyn Frampton and vice-president Jaz Allen, together with other committee members.
During his opening speech, Aitken welcomed guests, saying it was a pleasure to host LIA Victoria, Koenig & Bauer, and industry friends and colleagues from the print and packaging industry at IVE Group’s world class facility in Braeside.
“This event is a celebration of innovation and collaboration. Three qualities sit at the heart of our company and our industry, very broadly. As many of you know, IVE’s history – all 105 years of it – is built on the enduring journey of print, and our belief that the future of print depends on staying at the leading edge of technology, productivity, and creativity,” he said.
Aitken also spoke about how the partnership with Koenig & Bauer came about, noting discussions had been in the works since 2016 as IVE has historically been aligned with only a select few brands in the offset space.
“It’s a big move and a big decision for us to have made the change to Koenig & Bauer. After much research over multiple years and numerous trips to Europe, we chose to invest in Koenig & Bauer’s latest generation offset technology – the Rapida 106X 10-colour commercial press with in-line coater, and a Rapida 106X 7-colour packaging press with two in-line coating devices,” he said.
“Whilst we’ve made a significant commitment by ordering four new machines – two more of these are currently on the water, heading to Sydney to our 42,000sqm super site that we’ll open early next year – this investment isn’t just about machines.
“It’s about what they empower – the ideas, the creativity, and the service excellence that defines our business when we talk about being Australia’s most diversified and innovative marketing and print communications business. Technology, like this, is part of what makes it possible. Our partnership with Koenig & Bauer is central to that.”
Weiss echoed Aitken’s sentiments, saying the team has been delighted IVE Group has joined the Koenig & Bauer family, and that he looks forward to building their relationship for the long-term.
“The largest part of Koenig & Bauer is definitely the paper and packaging business. In the last year, we have extended our portfolio significantly with new solutions and portfolio extensions, incorporating optimisation and automation. One of our inclusions is a vast post-press portfolio in our equipment, which makes us as a real full solution provider. This is a big difference compared to the past,” he said.
“But commercial printing is also a big focus area for us. There is a lot to win in the printing industry. I truly believe, with the right mix of digital printing and offset printing, you can win a lot. IVE is a great example of a company that has embraced both the offset world and the digital world.”
See more of the event coverage in the November issue of Australian Printer.
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
