INDUSTRY / NEWS PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine 10 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2024 - Issue 348 Fujifilm has announced price increases for a range of its hardware, consumables, and services. Citing economic challenges in Europe, Fujifilm has increased prices for a range of its hardware, consumables, and services. The company, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, says the news comes as the European market continues to be impacted by “geopolitical influences and inflationary challenges”. Some of the challenges listed by the company include an unprecedented increase in labour costs; sharply rising freight and warehousing rates; continuously high energy prices; and increased prices from Fujifilm’s own suppliers. “Despite our best efforts to absorb the impact of these increases, we can no longer avoid raising the prices of many of our products and services,” says Taku Ueno, senior vice president of Fujifilm Graphic Communications, Europe. According to Ueno, the prices have been increased by double digit percentages with the exact amount dependent on the product range. Customers directly affected will be contacted by Fujifi lm. “At Fujifilm we remain committed to providing high quality products and services and will continue to work to mitigate any further cost impacts,” Ueno adds. Fujifilm announces increases in prices Fujifilm increased the prices of a range of its hardware, consumables, and services from March 18th Following an online competition by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) two new braille printers have been named with help from the public. The sight loss charity has announced the winning names as ‘Bill Brailey’ and ‘Dottie’ which were chosen via social media channels before a shortlist was voted on by staff. The printers are two Braillo 650 SF2 Braille Embossers. Embossing devices produced by Braillo are capable of the heavy demands of true braille production, the 650 SF2 is referred to as “the world’s only fully automated braille book and magazine production system”. RNIB was able to acquire the kit thanks to the help of the People’s Postcode Lottery which supports the charity through funds awarded by Postcode Care Trust. Mari Jones, RNIB chief operating officer, says: “We are grateful to everyone who took time to suggest names and vote for their favourite and we couldn’t be happier with the choices and welcome ‘Bill Brailey’ and ‘Dottie’ to our Gateshead site. The new braille printers can produce 650 braille characters a second and 1,950 pages an hour. RNIB printers named ‘Bill Brailey’ and ‘Dottie’ Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £8.3m for the RNIB over the past six years By Carys Evans By David Osgar Having celebrated a successful FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo in Amsterdam in March, FESPA has announced the events will return to Berlin from May 6th to May 9th, 2025. Features will include Personalise Make Wear, World Wrap Masters, Club FESPA, and the bi-annual FESPA Awards. This year’s events (FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, and Sportswear Pro 2024) took place at the RAI in Amsterdam and featured a variety of technologies and exhibitors. According to organisers, the 2024 co-located events attracted 12,706 unique visitors with 45% of visitors spending more than one day at the events. Michael Ryan, head of FESPA Global Print Expo, says: “Following three successful events in the city and positive feedback on the venue from all participants, we are pleased to be returning to Berlin in 2025. “We’re looking forward to welcoming exhibitors – as well as visitors – to Messe Berlin next May for an event that I am confident will help printers and sign-makers uncover new technologies and solutions to expand their business and unleash their full potential.” Dates and venue confirmed for FESPA 2025 This year’s co-located shows welcomed visitors and exhibitors from all around the world The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) has announced details for its 2024 Annual Networking Lunch which will take place at Orelle restaurant in Birmingham. The event will take place on June 19th and promises to be an opportunity for attendees to foster connections and ‘drive momentum’ within the print industry as the IPIA looks to "invigorate and re-energise" the print economy. Included in the event are welcome drinks, a three-course lunch with wine, beer, or soft drinks, and a host of networking opportunities and presentations from industry professionals. A special presentation will be given by Rob Cross from Micropress Printers about how the company has adapted to critical industry trends. Matthew Ruff, chair of the IPIA Events Subcommittee, says: "Our Annual Networking Lunch isn't just another industry event; it's a catalyst for growth and collaboration in the print sector. We've meticulously crafted an experience that fosters meaningful connections, sparks innovative ideas, and drives expansion.” In recent years the IPIA has put particular emphasis on the development of its industry events due to the networking, idea sharing, and collaborations that can be generated. IPIA to hold 2024 Networking Lunch The IPIA’s first physical networking event will be held at the Orelle in Birmingham By David Osgar By David Osgar
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