The Chinese print pundits were surprised and blown away by the breadth and variety of print solutions bearing the KBA logo. Many only previously knew of KBA’s Rapida sheetfed offset presses which are widespread in China. Despite the country’s recent somewhat sluggish economy, the string of new orders and projects booked by the end of the trade show clearly surpassed all expectations. KBA profited from its strong footing in packaging printing. In addition, high performance presses with extensive kit and automation are becoming increasingly popular given the rise in wage costs also in China. KBA Rapidas accommodate this trend.
Print Solutions for All banner hits home
Claus Bolza-Schünemann, president and CEO of Koenig & Bauer, summed up his visit to the trade show: “Print China shows us that our efforts concerning our Fit@All programme are on the right track and that we will be fit and well-positioned to move into the third century of our company’s long history in two years’ time.” Ralf Sammeck, executive vice-president for sheetfed offset presses, was also present and added: “Along with sheetfed offset, our exhibits here demonstrate that KBA specialises in nearly everything which can be printed and finished with colour or inks using various techniques. We can therefore fulfil all of our customers’ demands.”
Crowds flocked to watch live demos of a five-colour Rapida 105 with coater and a Rapida 75-4+L equipped with energy-saving and environmentally friendly LED-UV. The Rapida 105, which is based on the Rapida 106, can be found in printing companies across China and was again the most ordered press at the show. A raft of new users also snapped up the more highly automated Rapida 105 PRO, even though its official unveiling is scheduled for the end of June in Radebeul.
KBA profits from shift in Chinese print market
The string of orders placed during the trade show ranged from the Rapida 75, Rapida 105, Rapida 105 PRO, the high-tech Rapida 106 to the large-format Rapida 145. The second order for a Rapida 145 from internet printer Zhengzhou Shengda Color Printing Co. Ltd is an example of the shift in the Chinese print market. KBA sales director Dietmar Heyduck: “In the face of tough competition Chinese online printers are increasingly switching to large format. We are supporting this development with our automated large-format presses for fast job change, a higher level of productivity and shorter delivery times.” Walter Zehner, managing director of KBA China: “Gaining online printers as customers for our highly productive large Rapidas is a huge opportunity for us and means less staff costs for our clients, increased efficiency and greater competitiveness.”
The order for two Rapida 106 with DriveTronic SIS sidelay-free infeed and DriveTronic SPC direct plate-cylinder drives by Guangdong Jinguan Technology Co. Ltd. is a further example of the trend towards high tech in China. The company aims to offer packaging printing with this new high-performance technology online. Accordingly, signing the contract was celebrated officially in the presence of members of the KBA management board.
Good prospects in packaging printing
Dietmar Heyduck: “The Chinese packaging market continues to grow, especially with regard to consumer packaging. The majority of the orders placed here at the trade show came from packaging printers and their demands in terms of press equipment are also rising. Longer presses with more than four or five colours, inline coating and a higher level of automation are becoming increasingly more popular. KBA is the first choice for Chinese sheetfed offset printers in the packaging segment.”