In a statement Komori said its decision to withdraw from space it had provisionally booked was due to  ‘several strategic and economical movements in the printing industry’.

Komori used the justification that its customers and prospects are more selective about attending graphic trade shows. It says, “Due to the current economic situation signing a contract during a show is not standard anymore. As a press manufacturer Komori creates more a long term partnership by analysing customer demands to compose tailor-made printing solutions, which fits the needs of the printing companies.

“Customer needs have changed now into a more personal and local approach as well as demands are more complex. This leads to longer investigation and more time to present the best possible offers for installation of Komori’s innovative equipment, supplies and service. Komori will continue showing new innovations in webfed, sheetfed and digital machinery, supplies and service for the printing industry. In Europe Komori will further evolve their successful events like Demo Days and Open House Events as well as supporting their European distributor network participating in local graphic trade shows.”

The rationale is similar to that of the other big players Heidelberg, HP and Xerox in not going to the show, which requires a major financial investment, especially for press manufacturers who need to be on site for several weeks before hand and at least one week afterwards to commission and decommission presses.

With Komori out, and Heidleberg also out, KBA out, and manroland at best having an information booth, Ipex is looking like a digital show, although with HP, Xerox and Landa also absent it has some major players missing in that sector too.

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