Roland DG’s CEO breaks down new major expansion strategy
In an exclusive interview with Print Monthly at FESPA, Roland DG’s CEO discussed some of the company’s recent strategic shifts, including its new industrial portfolio and brand identity
Thousands of professionals from across the industry visited The Print Show 2025, which had its final day yesterday (September 25th)
The 2025 edition of The Print Show drew to a close yesterday (September 25th), having welcomed thousands of visitors from all corners of the industry with exhibitors reporting high levels of footfall, leads, and sales.
Running for the ninth time, the show again pledged to help printers identify and locate the solutions they need to succeed and grow in the modern market. Visitors were able to connect with a host manufacturers and suppliers, ranging from some of the leading names in global print to more niche suppliers with a more targeted offering.
Among the stand-out names at the show this year were heavy hitters such as Fujifilm, Agfa, Epson, Vivid Laminating Technologies, Plockmatic Group, swissQprint, and Antalis, all of which brought with them stunning exhibition stands that really helped showcase the power of print.
Highlights including a giant, paper-based robot on the Antalis stand that immediately caught the eye of visitors as they entered the hall. Attendees were also treated to a huge, printed deckchair with show branding at the front of the hall, as well as an explosion of colour on the Epson stand.
“We couldn’t be happier with how the show has gone,” says event director, Chris Davies. “I can honestly say that this has been one of the best shows we’ve ever had; the feedback from exhibitors has been excellent and from the visitors I managed to speak to, they only had positive things to say.
“I’m looking forward to a few days off next week – but then the planning starts for next year. Several exhibitors have already approached me about rebooking for next year, so really the planning has already begun!”
Of course, the main talk of the hall was new machinery, with plenty of new solutions being shown each day. Hybrid Services, the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, hosted the global launch of the new Mimaki TS200-1600 dye sublimation printer, while Fujifilm showed off the new 5UPER COLOUR print models, which include the Revoria Press EC2100S and SC285S.
Of course, what matters most for those exhibiting will be turning leads into sales. However, some did not even have to wait until the show had finished to complete sales. One shining example was Vivid, which set a new record by selling five Veloblade Nexus machines at the show.
Meanwhile, Konica Minolta confirmed several kit sales, including to design, print, signage, and exhibition services specialist Graphix, which invested in a new AccurioPress C7090 ENHANCED digital production press.
Brian Duffy, director of Hertfordshire-based Graphix, says: “We are excited to confirm our order for the new AccurioPress C7090 ENHANCED, which will be at the centre of our small-format printing.
“It replaces a previous faithful Konica Minolta press, but will deliver additional increases in speed along with greater levels of automation and flexibility, which are essential to our evolving and growing business.”
Other exhibitors reporting great results also included Plockmatic Group, who described its sales figures at the show as having exceeded all expectations.
However, it wasn’t all about business, with some exhibitors inviting attendees to take part in on-stand activities. EBB Paper & Board ran a darts competition throughout the show, while a virtual racing game on the Ultima Displays stand certainly brought out the competitive side of visitors – and indeed other exhibitors and organisers.
Indeed, high footfall was partly down to the addition of the all-new The Sign Show, which was co-located in the same hall. This provided sign-makers and anyone working within the signage sector to gain insight into new products and solutions, as well as get hands-on experience with techniques under the supervision of experts.
This brings us on to the special areas at the show, with visitors having four to explore. First was the returning Knowledge Zone, which had a colourful facelift this year. Visitors took to the stage in front of a striking, backlit backdrop, above which hung a huge digital screen that could be seen from all areas of the hall.
Among the 15 sessions that ran this year was an insightful session on AI from Simon Cooper of Solopress, while AI was also the hot topic of a presentation by Jeremy Page and George Kowalewski of Brandnation. Other sessions that drew crowds included the FESPA UK Next Generation panel and Deborah Corn’s look at the security of print.
In The Sign Show section of the hall, visitors were able to try their hand at wrapping on the School of Wrap, with specialists from CVi Group, Space Architectural Interiors, Fedrigoni, All Print Supplies and FESPA UK on hand to offer support and guidance.
Across the aisle at the Traditional Sign-making Masterclass, attendees were invited to learn from Signmode’s David Mearns about classic sign-making techniques and try out signwriting for themselves. Mearns even created a hand-drawn version of the event’s logo on the backdrop of the area.
Finally, Neon Creations drew the crowds at Neon Insights, where those in attendance could learn about the core differences between traditional neon and LED versions, as well as how these incredible pieces are created. Visitors were also invited to try out neon bending, under the watchful eye of the brilliant Tony Spink.
“Having The Sign Show alongside The Print Show this year has been a real pleasure,” Davies says. “It adds a whole new angle to what was already a diverse event and I look forward to chatting with the team about how we can evolve both shows for next year and beyond.”
