The company has issued a statement in which it said that difficult economic conditions and continuing structural change in the graphics industry, resulting in a reduced customer-base, had resulted in the group suffering “massive” revenue decline in the last four years. It also cited the strength of the Swiss Franc as a “detrimental impact on profit margins”. As a result it said that it is looking at a “fundamental restructure” of its global operations over the coming months, including the option to consolidate its two main sites, Zofingen and Felben in Switzerland, which “are not operating at sufficient capacity”. A decision is expected in the next few months. In September last year PrintWeek revealed that the family-run business, which employs around 2,500 worldwide, was in the early stages of moving away from a local operating structure, with its 40 global subsidiaries to be grouped under eight regional divisions. Under the new structure Muller Martini UK will be grouped with the Northern Europe division, headed by the former Muller Martini Benelux managing director Dirk Deceuninck, to whom around 100 staff will report. As a result Müller Martini UK managing director Andreas Schillinger departed the company in November. In its latest statement regarding the restructure the company said: “The aim of the reform is to preserve the company’s future role as a leader in the shrunken global graphics industry through innovative printing and print finishing products together with a high-quality customer service, and to put the company on a sustainable and future-oriented foundation. “In addition, Muller Martini must adapt the size of the company to a scaled-back market to enable it to continue investing in future-oriented product developments.” The firm has manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Germany, China and the US that produce a range of post-press equipment and narrow-web presses. It also offers an advisory facility across its global network, MM Services, which it markets as a comprehensive customer support and advice service. Group chief executive Bruno Müller said: “In order to survive in strong shape, we cannot avoid the need to operate on a smaller scale. “However, by concentrating our forces, we will do our utmost to continue to intensify the comprehensive advice we provide to our customers on new investments and in particular in the service area. “Our sales and service network regionalisation program, which was initiated last year, gives us a good starting point in this context.” A source close to the company said: “Scary times for many at Müller Martini. This is a difficult one to turn around and to put on a secure footing.”...

The pack contains a variety of samples, including white ink, laser cutting, 3D UV varnishing, and printed clear gloss PET. The samples are unbranded to allow Exaprint’s customers to use them as selling tools. Exaprint UK managing director Simon Cooper said: “Our customers can show their customers some of the things that are possible, that they might not be able to do themselves. “We are bringing these techniques to a wider audience, rather than to just an elite few who can afford to make those big investments in the equipment required.” The Creative Box costs £10, which is redeemable against orders for products from the range. However, Exaprint is currently running a limited-time promotion using social media and the sample pack is free to Twitter users who tweet a promotional message. For details visit www.exaprint.co.uk Exaprint launched onto the UK market in May. The firm offers a trade only outsourcing service to printers and designers, using its own sophisticated web-to-print tools. Only registered users see pricing. More than 500 firms have subsequently signed up with the service....

The business, based in Toronto, manufactures pressure-sensitive adhesive coated products for wide-format inkjet printing, offset, screen printing and laminating films. It operates two coating lines in Canada and serves the flexible packaging, graphic arts and label markets predominantly. Drytac Europe managing director Hayden Kelley said the combined operation would result in improved efficiencies, greater flexibility and shorter development time from customer concept to finished products. He added: “With expertise in a variety of industrial and label markets this acquisition positions Drytac for expansion into markets that require more sophisticated adhesive coatings.” He said that in addition to its existing range range of branded and OEM films and adhesives, Drytac could now offer aqueous, solvent and hot melt coatings suitable for a variety of substrates. Multi-Tac customers in Europe and the Middle East will now source their products from UK-based Drytac....

The business, based in Toronto, manufactures pressure-sensitive adhesive coated products for wide-format inkjet printing, offset, screen printing and laminating films. It operates two coating lines in Canada and serves the flexible packaging, graphic arts and label markets predominantly. Drytac Europe managing director Hayden Kelley said the combined operation would result in improved efficiencies, greater flexibility and shorter development time from customer concept to finished products. He added: “With expertise in a variety of industrial and label markets this acquisition positions Drytac for expansion into markets that require more sophisticated adhesive coatings.” He said that in addition to its existing range range of branded and OEM films and adhesives, Drytac could now offer aqueous, solvent and hot melt coatings suitable for a variety of substrates. Multi-Tac customers in Europe and the Middle East will now source their products from UK-based Drytac....

The London show will take place at the Business Design Centre, Islington, from 7 to 9 November before relocating to Paris a week later and to New York next February. The event focuses on live demonstrations, workshops and seminars and is for business and consumers. Last year’s inaugural event was held at the much smaller London venue, the Brewery, attracting 4,000 visitors and show founder Kerry Hogarth said that following feedback from the show’s attendees 15,000 tickets were going on sale for 2013’s exhibition. Optimism this year reflected burgeoning interest in this expanding sector, she said. “Last year a lot of conventional printers came to the show to see if they could get involved in 3D printing in future,” she said. “So this year we expect many to be looking at how to bring a 3D printer to their business for prototyping. “The likes of Amazon are looking at 3D printing and as we see this technology getting bigger in retail it is likely to impact resellers of machines who may look at developing distribution of 3D print. Large-format and large corporate printers may start to look at 3D print modelling.” Exhibitors include 3D printer suppliers MakerBot, Mcor and Ultimaker, software firm Autodesk, Laser Lines, the supplier of lasers, rapid prototyping kit and vacuum casting gear, EuroPac 3D, supplier of scanners, printers and measurement software and consultant Econolyst. Live demonstrations would play a core part of this year’s event, she said. Workshops will show off scanners, 3D printers and art applications, while a new design and art gallery will be the world’s biggest, displaying work from 50 creative professionals, she said. Also new will be a consumer home and food hall, decked out in 3D printed wallpapers. The first day of the show will be targeted at high-end print applications, the second will feature a conference for brands keen on the technology, with the last day aimed at consumers. Visit www.3dprintshow.com...