Foster City, Calif. – May 1, 2012

“Delivering innovations that empower our customers to successfully transform their business is our primary mission – it’s very simple. 2012 drupa visitors will see that we are focused on creating amazing new technology that will accelerate the ongoing transformation of the print industry,” said Guy Gecht, EFI CEO. “We couldn’t be more excited to be at our industry’s largest trade show with our next generation inkjet technology, the latest in Fiery innovation and new MIS and web-to-print offerings that extend our leadership as the largest cloud services provider in our industry.”

At drupa, EFI will demonstrate how its latest integrated technology enables customers to transform their businesses and benefit from areas of solid growth in print across all commercial sectors. Forward-thinking development and investment has resulted in the most comprehensive business and production software families in the industry, along with cost-effective solutions for versatile UV-curable wide-format and narrow-web platforms.

Drupa attendees will see where productivity meets quality with the debut of the 3.2m VUTEk® HS100 Pro, which is set to become a true screenprint replacement with image quality approaching offset. Driven by EFI’s advanced Orion software and the Fiery proServer, the HS100 Pro has blazing fast throughput rates, low ink consumption and innovative pin curing to guarantee precise droplet placement. The VUTEk QS2 Pro is also being launched at the show, targeting the mid-range 2m sector with six-colors plus three layers of white and low print cost that doesn’t compromise color quality. Both machines benefit from variable drop greyscale printheads, EFI’s advanced ink formulation and low total cost of ownership.

EFI Orion OS is a robust, integrated operating system specifically engineered to maximize the capabilities of every new EFI Wide Format and VUTEk inkjet printing system. Orion OS contains a unique set of expandable features that optimize printer technology and functionality. It controls a powerful combination of software and hardware that work together to provide greyscale readiness, remote assistance, enhanced color, integration and improved performance.

EFI’s Jetrion® 4900 has brought print-and-cut capabilities to label convertors in a fully integrated narrow-web digital press that caters to shorter runs and greater levels of flexibility. This digital label production machine features CMYK and a highly opaque white ink, plus powerful laser cutting, resulting in a complete production line that’s ideal for the lean manufacturing of high-quality durable labels on a wide variety of substrates.

Fiery digital front-ends continue to provide cutting-edge RIP performance and support for leading VDP industry standards. Visitors to the EFI stand will see the fastest yet Fiery server with HyperRIP technology reducing processing times by up to 40 percent, and running the latest VDP standard, PPML 3.0. Fiery technology demonstrations include new workflow automation, advanced job make-ready software, and new voice activated commands that remotely control the Fiery as well as the digital engine attached to it. The stand will also showcase Fiery’s support for the new Altona Test Suite 2.0 and advanced color profiling and spot color solutions for demanding color professionals.

EFI’s productivity software portfolio caters to every type of print business, with MIS and web-to-print products that are designed to simplify operations for a more streamlined workflow and intelligent automation. At drupa, the latest versions of the browser-based EFI Pace™ and EFI PrintSmith™ Vision will be shown, and EFI Monarch and EFI Radius will be on display. The latest version of the EFI Digital StoreFront® web-to-print platform will also be shown, with integration to Fiery technology. During the show, EFI will announce cloud-based remote data protection offerings for Print MIS and web-to-print customers.

EFI productivity software offerings for Latin America will also be on display, supported by EFI Metrics print MIS software, the latest company acquisition in Brazil, which boosts the company’s overall position as the leading provider of MIS/ERP solutions worldwide. This new addition assists EFI’s growth in the region.

For more information on EFI or for a meeting with one of our Business Transformation Experts at drupa, visit www.efi.com/drupa.

About EFI

EFI™ (www.efi.com) is a worldwide provider of products, technology and services leading the transformation of analog to digital imaging. Based in Silicon Valley, with offices around the globe, the company’s powerful integrated product portfolio includes digital front-end servers; superwide, wide-format, label and ceramic inkjet presses and inks; production workflow, web to print, and business automation software; and office, enterprise and mobile cloud solutions. These products allow users to produce, communicate and share information in an easy and effective way, and enable businesses to increase their profits, productivity, and efficiency.

Follow us Online: 

Follow us on Twitter: @EFI_Print_Tech
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EFI.Digital.Print.Technology
View us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/EFIDigitalPrintTech

Orlando, Fla. – March 22, 2012

The EFI R3225 provides eight-level variable drop grayscale heads for superior quality images, optimized ink usage, and UV-curing inks for access to a wide range of substrates, giving owners the lowest total cost of ownership, greatest profit opportunity, additional addressable markets, and high customer satisfaction. Its UV-curable ink technology allows for the widest range of flexible substrates across countless applications including POP, banners, signage, fleet graphics, exhibition graphics and more.

“Using true eight-level variable drop grayscale technology, the EFI R3225 delivers stunning images, durable prints, and optimized ink usage,” said EFI product manager Scott Wood. “This environmentally friendly printer produces minimal VOC levels, and reduced energy costs. The EFI R3225 uses proven UV-curable ink technology, and is ‘the’ alternative to latex printers for customers looking to migrate their current wide format eco-solvent and solvent printers to a more environmentally-friendly solution, while upgrading their businesses to drive expansion and profitability.”

“The launch of the EFI R3225 is a significant move for print service providers wanting to make the move into 3.2m roll-to-roll wide-format UV-curable production but, until now, have been prevented from doing so because there has been no pedigree platform in the entry-level sector,” said wide-format digital consultant Sophie Matthews-Paul. “Users need the assurance that, even though their investment comes at the low-end, they are benefiting from machine build, technology, ink and overall quality from a high-end manufacturer.”

The EFI R3225 is designed to deliver outstanding output to printers of all levels and sizes. Every aspect of the printer has been evaluated to drive simple daily operation and routine maintenance for optimal up-time without compromising print quality. This includes the design of the software and mechanical features of the printer. Other enhanced features and benefits include print speeds up to 900 square feet per hour with stunning grayscale print quality, along with automated features to maximize productivity.

The EFI R3225 will be available in Q2 2012. For more information, visit EFI at ISA booth 2032, go to www.efi.com or call 800-875-7117.

About EFI
EFI (www.efi.com) is a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation. EFI’s award-winning solutions, integrated from creation to print, deliver increased performance, cost savings and productivity. The company’s robust product portfolio includes Fiery® digital controllers; VUTEk® superwide digital inkjet printers, UV and solvent inks; Rastek™ UV wide-format inkjet printers; Jetrion® industrial inkjet printing systems; print production workflow and business process automation software; and corporate printing solutions.

Follow us Online:
Follow us on Twitter: @EFI_Print_Tech
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EFI.Digital.Print.Technology
View us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/EFIDigitalPrintTech

ORLANDO, FLA. – March 22, 2012

“All of our products, from UV digital inkjet printers to optimized workflow solutions, are designed to help our customers reach new levels of competitiveness, profitability and growth,” said Scott Schinlever, senior vice president and GM of inkjet solutions at EFI. “Visitors to our booth will see innovations since last year’s event, including our new entry-level wide-format roll-to-roll printer, all aimed at helping our sign and display graphics customers of all sizes to profitably grow their businesses.”

VUTEk GS3250LX Makes ISA Debut
The fully loaded VUTEk GS3250LX is an LED-based 3.2 meter printer that produces more jobs, extends application offerings and lowers operating costs with LED UV ink curing technology and high productivity features. It is an ideal choice for environmentally-conscious customers seeking a greener printing solution. The VUTEk GS3250LX produces no VOCs, uses less consumables, produces less waste, uses less energy, and has the ability to print on recycled and other materials without warping or head strikes.

“Not only is the VUTEk GS3250LX a green product, but it also delivers stunning point-of-purchase quality, increases up time and productivity, and decreases maintenance costs,” said Schinlever. “EFI’s LED-based printer is engineered to drive down operating costs with decreased power consumption and lower hard costs, as well as reduce waste with consistent color output and simple operation. In addition, the VUTEk GS3250LX optimizes business processes and profit potential with seamless printer integration to EFI Web-to-Print and MIS solutions with native JDF connectivity.”

Also on display is the VUTEk GS3250r, a 3.2-meter printer designed to increase profitability by quickly and efficiently producing high-margin, closely viewed indoor applications with its 6-color, 1000 dpi image quality and UV roll-to-roll productivity. Its stunning print quality at high-speed ensures that customers will profit from increased production speeds and lower costs on a wider range of substrates and applications, and capture higher volume, premium-margin jobs with high quality point-of-purchase (P-O-P) output at up to 1,200 ft m2/hr (111 m2/hr). The VUTEk GS3250r includes multi-queue functionality and double-sided printing for added efficiency and capability.

New 3.2 Meter Printer 
The new EFI R3225 is being launched at ISA (see separate press release issued today). This 3.2-meter roll-to-roll, UV inkjet printer that offers superior image quality, low total cost of ownership, and access to a wider range of flexible substrates at production speed. The EFI R3225 provides eight-level variable drop grayscale heads for superior quality images, optimized ink usage and UV-curing inks for access to a wide range of substrates.

Larger Flatbed and Greater ROI with EFI Rastek T1000
The Rastek T1000 UV flatbed printer offers best-in-class, high-definition photographic image quality in a larger vacuum-table, entry-level platform. It is ideal in the traditional signage and specialty application markets where CMYK plus white printing is essential. The printer makes no compromises on speed, as it prints white at the same speed as CMYK, so users get the highest return on investment, increase profits with new services and enhance customer satisfaction.

“Our customers are demanding higher quality, regardless of application requirements or viewing distance, and faster turnaround times. With our Rastek T1000, we deliver photographic image-quality that demanding customers require, as well as four-color plus white ink support for spot color, and under and over print, providing businesses with more options to increase their capabilities and profits,” said Schinlever. “The Rastek T1000 also handles a wide range of flexible and rigid media quickly and easily with specialized vacuum table support and a versatile media handling transport system.”

The Rastek H652 is also on display in the Nazdar booth 2414.

EFI Also Demonstrating Integrated Workflow Driven by Fiery; Print MIS and Web-to-Print
To complement its innovative digital inkjet technology, EFI is demonstrating its unique workflow solutions that help customers increase their profit potential by automating much of the print lifecycle and eliminating manual touch points and waste. EFI will showcase how online shopping and communications can be integrated into a print management system and ultimately to the RIP and the printer using a real world scenario consisting of EFI Digital Storefront®, EFI Pace, a Fiery proSever and a VUTEk GS Series printer.

The EFI Fiery XF proServer is a high-performance production appliance designed to optimize the performance of wide format and grand format printers by providing unparalleled RIP speed and printer throughput. The Fiery XF proServer improves printing, production and color.

For more information about EFI innovations, visit ISA booth 2302, go to www.efi.com or call 1-800-875-7117

About EFI
EFI (www.efi.com) is a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation. EFI’s award-winning solutions, integrated from creation to print, deliver increased performance, cost savings and productivity. The company’s robust product portfolio includes Fiery® digital controllers; VUTEk® superwide digital inkjet printers, UV and solvent inks; Rastek™ UV wide-format inkjet printers; Jetrion® industrial inkjet printing systems; print production workflow and business process automation software; and corporate printing solutions.

Follow us Online: 
Follow us on Twitter: @EFI_Print_Tech
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EFI.Digital.Print.Technology
View us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/EFIDigitalPrintTech

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.

The Demonstration Center houses high-speed, high-quality digital printing systems for commercial, transactional, direct mail, signs, industrial and other general graphics printing projects. The unique, three-day event highlighted the economic benefits of the Screen Truepress line. Complementary printing and finishing systems, including the Konica Minolta bizhub PRESS C8000 color digital press and bizhub PRO 1200 black-and-white digital press and MCS Eagle inkjet addressing printer, showcased productive value-added solutions.

Screen’s popular Truepress 344 direct imaging press, Truepress Jet2500UV grand-format inkjet printer and Truepress Jet520 full-color inkjet web press attracted the lion’s share of customer buzz. Visitors were able to test-print several Truepress inkjet models using preselected files, as well as live job files they brought specifically for the print demonstrations.

“Truepress printing systems are so technologically advanced and simple to operate that we encourage people to test them running the kinds of jobs they print every day,” said Tom Leibrandt, Screen’s print on demand product manager. “Many of the customers supplied their own digital files for direct mail, transactional and general commercial projects. Visitors’ reactions to the demonstrations were universally positive.”

The main attraction was the Truepress Jet520, shown on this occasion with a Lasermax Roll Systems roll feeder, combining an unwinder, cutter and sheet transport unit.

“Printing companies are very interested in how high-speed continuous inkjet can help their businesses grow by improving turnaround times, lowering their total cost of print, and giving them the ability to run large, complex variable data jobs all the way down to short-run static projects,” Leibrandt said. “People know a great machine when they see one.”

“There is a lot of excitement around inkjet technology, especially in the high-volume direct mail market,” added David Loos, president of MCS, a leader in industrial inkjet technology, camera systems and digital production solutions. “The cost of digital color has declined substantially. The Truepress Jet520’s ease of use, space-efficient footprint and fast makereadies are extremely attractive. The equipment is ruggedly built and reliable. We wanted to give customers a firsthand look at the industry leader in inkjet.”

In addition to manufacturing water-based and ultraviolet-curable inkjet systems, MCS maintains a dealer relationship with Konica Minolta. Furthermore, in 2011, Screen and Konica Minolta entered into an agreement to jointly market the Truepress Jet520.

“We have worked closely with MCS and Screen to bring solutions to the graphic arts industry,” said Mike Pierro, director of dealer sales for production print and wide-format products at Konica Minolta. “The open house provided an excellent opportunity to address a portion of the market that is outside our traditional customer base. The combination of MCS, Konica Minolta and Screen products accurately reflects the technology that is available to the mail fulfillment services segment. This is a new audience for us. Highlighting our products cooperatively proved to be quite successful for all three companies.”

About Screen (USA)

Screen (USA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyoto, Japan-based Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd., is a leading supplier of systems and components for the graphic arts industry. Its diverse line of integrated products includes digital printing systems for a variety of applications, including print on demand, variable data, flexo/packaging solutions, industrial and sign/display printing. For more information, please visit Screen’s website at www.screenusa.com. All trademarks and registered trademarks used herein are property of their respective owners.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – (March 6th, 2012) – 3M Commercial Graphics announces the 2012 schedule of its world-class training, testing and accreditation process for installers. Aimed at providing graphic professionals with the training to take their skills to the next level, 3M Commercial Graphics offers opportunities for companies to gain recognition through the 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company Program and individuals through the 3M Preferred Graphics Installer Program. The 3M Endorsed Vehicle Graphics Installer Program was also introduced last year for installations at car dealerships and has been established through the new 3M™ Scotchprint® On-Demand Personalized Vehicle Graphics Program.

3M Advanced Installation Training

Held at the 3M Center in St. Paul, Minn., 3M Advanced Installation Training is a three-day session that enhances skills through discussion, demonstration, and monitored hands-on training. 3M Graphics Installation Trainers provide first-class training sessions that cover an array of topics, including vehicle wraps, fleet graphics, boat wraps, smooth walls, textured walls and floor graphics.

Contact 3minstallationprograms@mmm.com for more information.

Lowen Corporation Training                                                                                                               

In addition to the courses offered in St. Paul, Minn., 3M Commercial Graphics also offers training sessions at Lowen Corporation in Hutchinson, Kan., in which 3M Preferred Graphics Installers offer extensive hands-on practice to build and refine installation skills. These courses run from two to five days, depending on customer requirements, with topics including sales and marketing skills; vehicle accessory disassembly; and graphic film installation and removal for vehicle wraps, boat wraps, fleet graphics, smooth walls, textured walls and floor graphics. These courses utilize the curriculum developed by 3M.

Contact Dennis Shea at denniss@lowen.com for more information.

Graphics Training Seminar                                                                                                     

Planning is also in progress for additional Graphics Training Seminars, with dates and locations to be announced. These seminars are typically three days, but can be customized, and cover various graphic applications with a strong emphasis on vehicle wraps and installation. Topics discussed can include sales and marketing skills; and graphic design, printing, laminating and installation.

Contact info@wrapexperts.com for more information.

Testing

3M Commercial Graphics also offers testing for 3M Certified Graphics Installation, 3M Preferred Graphics Installer and 3M Endorsed Vehicle Graphics Installer credentials. For more information regarding the test and logistics, contact 3Minstallationprograms@mmm.com or visitwww.3mgraphics.com.

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About 3M Commercial Graphics

3M Commercial Graphics help customers worldwide build brands by providing total large-format graphics and light management solutions. 3M manufactures or certifies lighting solutions‚ graphic films and graphic protection‚ flexible substrates‚ as well as inks and toners used to create large-format finished graphics that are consistent‚ reliable and durable. Learn more about 3M graphics products and programs by calling 1-800-328-3908‚ visitingwww.3Mgraphics.com‚ following us @3MGraphics on Twitter or at facebook.com/3Mgraphics.

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs about 84,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

1st March 2012

Over 46% of visiting printers attended more than one day, bringing the total attendance to over 17,500. This represents a record breaking revisit rate for any FESPA Digital event over its 5 year existence, indicating that the breadth of technology on show, combined with the eight Explore-themed visitor features, gave most visitors a compelling reason to extend their visit.

The highest number of visitors came from Spain(45%), followed by the UK (6%), France (6%), Italy (6%) and Germany (4%). While these leading European markets for wide format print are typically well represented among visitors to FESPA events, the location of the 2012 show in Barcelona had a particularly positive impact on attendance from Iberia and France. In all, visitors attended FESPA Digital 2012 from over 111 countries.

Several noteworthy product launches kept the show buzzing with news of innovation and fresh opportunities, and exhibitors across the show floor reported enthusiastically about how the event met their business objectives, whether for actual sales, lead generation, awareness building and channel expansion.

Stefano Rogora, EMEA Marketing Supervisor, INX Digital comments:  “FESPA Digital 2012 met our expectations in terms of visitors and business opportunities. We particularly appreciate the international extent of FESPA shows, which makes them stand out as unmissable events for INX Digital. INX Digital is putting a lot of effort in the promotion of both alternative inks and customised solutions targeting industrial markets and we are extremely pleased that FESPA Digital 2012 has captured this very diverse audience. We have engaged not only with PSPs, but also companies focused on industrial applications across different vertical markets who showed interest in our products and solution orientated approach.”

Johan Suetens, Marcomms Manager for Ink Jet, Agfa Graphics comments: “FESPA Digital 2012 has been a very good show for Agfa Graphics. The quality and number of visitors was better than we had expected and we are especially pleased with the Iberian andUK visitor numbers. We are looking forward to London in 2013!”

Andrea Negretti, President Italy Branch, d.gen comments: “FESPA is THE place to be for d.gen. It’s where we feel represented and recognised on an international basis and surrounded by a valuable community of prospects and customers.  We are pleased with the sales results achieved and the positive reception our Teleios Grande textile printer received. d.gen is committed to the development and promotion of environmental friendly printers and we are proud that today the print industry is acknowledging our commitment and compelling proposition in this field.”

Print Shop Live!, FESPA’s live workflow showcase which took place for the first time in Europe, was a highlight of the event, with hundreds of print service providers joining moderated tours in English and Spanish. Big Buck$ Cafe, a working cafe highlighting a range of digital print applications was also a popular destination, with many visitors taking advantage of a coffee break to consider the opportunities to diversify their product offering. The Explore Conference, Planet Friendly Printing Zone, Textile Talk Theatre and Narrow Format Zone offered a range of opportunities for visitors to absorb the latest insights into technology, applications, business growth and sustainability.

FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton comments: “FESPA is an amazing organisation to be a part of and the experience I have had on the run up, and during Digital 2012 has been incredible. The feedback I received from visitors and exhibitors at FESPA Digital has also been overwhelmingly positive.

He continues, “Our aim to provide PSPs inspiration to explore the wider opportunities of print certainly seemed to resonate with visitors who voiced appreciation of FESPA’s sharp sector focus and our expert business-led content. FESPA is committed to investing in the success of our community, and bringing fun and vitality to each FESPA event”.

The next European FESPA exhibition is FESPA 2013, the flagship global ‘screen + digital + textile’ event, which takes place at ExCEL London from 25 to 29 June 2013.

FESPA Digital returns in Spring 2014, running from 20 to 23 May 2014 at Messe Munich,Germany.

About FESPA

Founded in 1962, FESPA is a not-for-profit federation of trade associations and an organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen and digital printing industries.  FESPA’s dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast growing industries.

FESPA member organisations include 27 separate National Associations in Europe, and 10 Associate Member Associations in Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nepal,  the Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

FESPA Profit for Purpose
Our shareholders are the industry. FESPA has invested millions of Euros into the global printing community over the last 7 years, supporting the growth of the market. For more information visit www.fespa.com

Forthcoming FESPA events include:

• FESPA Global Summit 2012, 15-16 November, London, UK
• FESPA Mexico 2012, 20-22 September 2012, Mexico City, Mexico
• FESPA Brasil 2013, 13-16 March 2013, São Paulo, Brazil
• FESPA 2013, 25-29 June 2013, London, UK
• FESPA Digital 2014, 20-23 May 2014, Munich, Germany

ST. PAUL, Minn. – (February 23, 2012) – 3M Commercial Graphics will showcase its 3M™ Scotchprint® Wrap Film Series 1080 for thousands of car enthusiasts at select 2012 NASCAR® races.

“3M’s extraordinary wrap films are already used on many NASCAR vehicles, but fans may not realize that they too can use it to create a custom look of their own,” said Doug Blackwell, business development manager for 3M Commercial Graphics. “We are excited for this promotion to get people talking about car wraps and to connect them with our network of professional installers.”

At seven events over the course of the 2012 NASCAR season, 3M Commercial Graphics will set up a demonstration area outside of the track where visitors can watch a car being customized with car wrap films from 3M. The demonstrations will showcase a variety of the film 1080’s 34 distinct combinations of colors and finishes. Booth staff will be available to answer questions, hand out product samples and provide information on how visitors can create their own custom car wrap with the help of their nearest 3M Certified and 3M Preferred Graphics Installer.

Scotchprint Wrap Film Series 1080 and other 3M car wrap films will be given even wider exposure at the race taking place in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sunday, March 4. At this event, the 3M-sponsored car driven by Greg Biffle will be wrapped in a printed snakeskin design with a matte finish and Scotchprint Wrap Film 1080-CF12 (black carbon fiber). The design will prominently feature 3Mwraps.com. Visitors to the website will find more information about wrapping a business vehicle or a personal vehicle using Scotchprint Wrap Film Series 1080 and other great 3M films.

The dates and locations where the car wrap demonstrations will take place are:

• February 26 – Daytona International Speedway; Daytona, Fla.
• March 4 – Phoenix International Raceway; Phoenix, Ariz. (3Mwraps.com appearing on hood of Greg Biffle’s No. 16 race car)
• July 15 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway; Loudon, N.H.
• August 25 – Bristol Motor Speedway; Bristol, Tenn.
• September 16 – Chicagoland Speedway; Chicago, Ill.
• September 30 – Dover International Speedway; Dover, Del.
• October 21 – Kansas Speeedway; Kansas City, Kan.
• November 11 – Phoenix International Raceway; Phoenix, Ariz.

3M is a longstanding sponsor of NASCAR, and in addition to sponsoring the No. 16 car driven by Greg Biffle, the company is also a Contingency Decal Program participant. 3M has many products designated as “Officially Licensed Products of NASCAR” or “NASCAR Performance Products,” and also offers hundreds of products that are used in racing and automobile production and maintenance.

For more information, visit 3M.com/graphics.

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3M and Scotchprint are registered trademarks of 3M Company.

NASCAR is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

About 3M Commercial Graphics

3M Commercial Graphics help customers worldwide build brands by providing total large-format graphics and light management solutions. 3M manufactures or certifies lighting solutions‚ graphic films and graphic protection‚ flexible substrates‚ as well as inks and toners used to create large-format finished graphics that are consistent‚ reliable and durable. Learn more about 3M graphics products and programs by calling 1-800-328-3908‚ visitingwww.3Mgraphics.com‚ following us @3MGraphics on Twitter or at facebook.com/3Mgraphics.

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs 84,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

21st February 2012

The FESPA Wrap Rally motorhome was decorated using the winning design chosen by FESPA’s Facebook followers.  The European tour covered 11 cities in four countries, visiting seven companies, interviewing seven print service providers and meeting four FESPA Associations in only seven days.

The Wrap Rally motorhome was wrapped by Master Wrapping in Hemel Hempstead. The wrap was created using substrate provided by Hexis and printed on a HP DesignJet LX25500 using 50m vinyl.

On the road to Barcelona, the Wrap Rally team spoke to experts in 3D printing, and printers producing applications from direct mail to printed interiors, including Symeta, HP, Comptoir de l’image, Gobet Product, ATC Group, Hexis and Cunicode.

The Wrap Rally was piloted by an intrepid team of FESPA ‘adventure road warriors’ consisting of new media assistant Rob Older, corporate commercial manager Chris Rimer and events and online marketing assistant Richard Kensett.

Chief Wrap Rally Pilot Rob Older comments: “The FESPA Wrap Rally team have packed so much adventure into the past seven days and the support we have received from our online community has been overwhelmingly positive. We have spoken to a whole host of interesting European printers who have given us fascinating insight into how their business has successfully explored wider opportunities of digital print, and we look forward to learning so much more at FESPA Digital, now we have finally arrived in Barcelona!”

Video footage and highlights of the Wrap Rally adventure, including video interviews, photographs and blogs exploring the wider opportunities of print with printers is available to view at www.fespawraprally.com.

About FESPA
Founded in 1962, FESPA is a not-for-profit federation of trade associations and an organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen and digital printing industries.  FESPA’s dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast growing industries.

FESPA member organisations include 27 separate National Associations in Europe, and 10 Associate Member Associations in Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

FESPA Profit for Purpose
Our shareholders are the industry. FESPA has invested millions of Euros into the global printing community over the last 7 years, supporting the growth of the market. For more information visit www.fespa.com   Forthcoming FESPA events include:

• FESPA Digital 2012, 21-24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain
• FESPA Fabric 2012, 21-24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain
• FESPA Global Summit 2012, 15-16 November, London, UK
• FESPA Mexico 2012, 20-22 September 2012, Mexico City, Mexico
• FESPA Brasil 2013, 13-16 March 2013, São Paulo, Brazil
• FESPA 2013, 25-29 June 2013, London, UK
• FESPA Digital 2014, 20-23 May 2014, Munich, Germany

21st February 2012

Covering 16,500 square metres of hall space in Hall 3 of the exhibition centre, with more than 350 exhibiting companies, FESPA expects the Digital show to attract an international audience of print professionals looking to ‘explore the wider opportunities of digital print’ highlighted by the show’s extensive visitor promotion campaign. When pre-registration closed on 20th February, more than 16000 printers had indicated their interest in the show.

In developing the event content, FESPA has focussed on bringing to life the wealth of opportunities that exist for print service providers to grow their business, from technology investments and workflow optimisation, through diversification into new applications and business models taking advantage of the latest developments in substrates and inks.

In addition to the show floor exhibits, there are eight free visitor attractions under one roof at FESPA Digital 2012.

• Explore Conference – NEW
• Planet Friendly Zone – NEW
• Print Shop Live! – NEW
• Big Buck$ Cafe – NEW
• Narrow Format Zone – NEW
• Hall of Fame – NEW
• Wrap Cup Masters Series
• Wrap Rally II

FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton comments: “We’re delivering the richest and most relevant Digital visitor programme yet here in Barcelona, with a raft of new content that matches the specific needs and interests of the wide format printer community, all free of charge.

“FESPA’s central mission is to use our collective expertise in wide format print to educate, share knowledge and highlight best practice to help our community succeed. We hope visitors to FESPA Digital 2012 will take full advantage of this programme, using every opportunity that’s here to complement what they see on exhibitor stands with expert knowledge, insight and a dash of inspiration to help grow their business.”

The free onsite Explore Conference offers more than 40 individual educational sessions in English and Spanish on topics including: Business Building, Technology Issues, Narrow Format Print, Sustainability, Digital Signage, Customer Insight, Printed Electronics and Planet Friendly Printing.

FESPA’s long-standing commitment to sharing knowledge and best practice in the field of sustainability is manifested in the shape of the Planet Friendly conference stream within the Explore Conference, as well as a series of hands-on clinics and workshops running on the FESPA Planet Friendly Zone on the FESPA stand (B15A), inviting printers to share their queries about improving their environmental performance and receive direct advice from FESPA’s four subject experts.

In addition to the vast array of technology innovations on display on exhibitor stands around the show, FESPA’s Print Shop Live! offers PSPs their first opportunity to tour a real end-to-end workflow within a European FESPA show. Live jobs including conventional and textile applications are being produced using GMG colour management software, Onyx ripping and preflighting tools, with output across multiple print devices from Epson, HP and Mutoh. Media are supplied by Ilford and final output is being finished using Esko Graphics cutting solutions.

Inspiration and ideas around innovative print applications can be found at Big Buck$ Cafe, a working coffee shop and WiFi zone within the show, where visitors can see close up how digital print can enhance everything from POS and signage, to floors and walls, to furniture and fashion. The cafe menu provides details of how each application was produced and a dedicated microsite invites visitors to explore further.

For printers thinking about spreading their wings into other formats, the Narrow Format Zone at stand A30 offers advice and insights into opportunities to complement wide format production with digital labels and small format commercial printing. In addition to sign-posted narrow format exhibits around the show, Dr Peter Mayhew of Lyra Research Inc. will host a series of conference sessions within the Narrow Format theatre in this new zone.

The Hall of Fame is where FESPA’s celebrates the leading lights in digital wide format printing as nominated by their peers. It is the culmination of an online vote conducted over a ten-week period, during which members of FESPA’s worldwide community were invited to nominate a printer they believe has made an outstanding contribution to the field of wide format digital. Over 400 nominations were received and narrowed down to a shortlist of 250 who are represented in the gallery of stars in the show entrance. Over 3,000 votes have been made online so far, and visitors to FESPA Digital 2012 can continue to vote onsite for their favourite here. The winner will be honoured at a champagne reception on the final day of the show on the FESPA stand.

The pace speeds up at FESPA’s Wrap Cup Masters Series, the show-stopping live vehicle wrapping competition running throughout FESPA Digital 2012, in which 48 vehicle wrappers will battle through several rounds to be crowned FESPA Wrap Cup Masters European Champion 2012. In Barcelona, the teams will take on the challenge of wrapping a Smart car, to be judged on quality and speed.

The last, unmissable stop for visitors to FESPA Digital 2012 should be the wrapped motorhome which toured the UK, France, Switzerland and Spain on FESPA’s Wrap Rally. The eye-catching RV has come to a halt in the entrance area of Gran Via, and visitors can take a closer look at the printed vehicle graphics, and see video interviews captured dung the tour, which visited more than 10 print ‘explorers’ around Europe.

About FESPA
Founded in 1962, FESPA is a not-for-profit federation of trade associations and an organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen and digital printing industries.  FESPA’s dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast growing industries.

FESPA member organisations include 27 separate National Associations in Europe, and 10 Associate Member Associations in Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

FESPA Profit for Purpose
Our shareholders are the industry. FESPA has invested millions of Euros into the global printing community over the last 7 years, supporting the growth of the market. For more information visit www.fespa.com   Forthcoming FESPA events include:

• FESPA Digital 2012, 21-24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain
• FESPA Fabric 2012, 21-24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain
• FESPA Global Summit 2012, 15-16 November, London, UK
• FESPA Mexico 2012, 20-22 September 2012, Mexico City, Mexico
• FESPA Brasil 2013, 13-16 March 2013, São Paulo, Brazil
• FESPA 2013, 25-29 June 2013, London, UK
• FESPA Digital 2014, 20-23 May 2014, Munich, Germany

14 February 2012

Printers can benefit from free, independent advice from global experts on how to embed sustainable printing techniques within their business at the FESPA Planet Friendly Printing Zone (stand B15a) which will be open every day of the show. Printers can register for an appointment with an expert in the zone at: http://www.fespa.com/digital/en/planet-friendly-printing/117-fespa-planet-friendly-printing-zone.html

Visitors will also have access to a whole host of environmental features and content at the show. Whether a printer is already involved in sustainable printing techniques, or is just setting out and is unclear where to start, FESPA has gathered together global experts in the field of sustainable printing who will be able to offer invaluable advice and tips to ensure their business is leading in this key area.

The global sustainable printing professionals offering their expertise include: Paul Machin (author of the FESPA Planet Friendly Printing Guide); Laurel Brunner (leader of the Verdigris Project, and co-author of several EU standards relating to sustainability); Clare Taylor, (leading sustainable printing consultant); Dennis Geelen (FEBELGRA secretary and environmental expert); and Michel Caza (FESPA board member, screenprinting legend and co-author of the FESPA Planet Friendly Guide), plus a host of guests from organisations such as the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management.

The two-day Planet Friendly Printing Conference within the Explore Conference programme (room 4.1) is focused on sustainability and the content is designed to offer insight from customers, printers and consultants on the drivers for adopting a more sustainable approach to business, the ‘why to be green’ – and on the many routes to improving the sustainable performance of your business – the ‘how to be green’.

The ‘how to be green’ presentations and debates are underpinned by three hour-long Planet Friendly Printing Workshops (room 4.3) giving more detailed insight and advice on improving your sustainable credentials in the area of carbon footprinting and energy efficiency.

Since 2004 FESPA has published the Planet Friendly Printing Guide which interprets and distils environmental best practice and legislation for printers and offers detailed advice on environmental management. To date, the Planet Friendly Printing Guide has only been available to members of FESPA’s 37 member associations. The latest version of the guide (11th edition) will remain exclusive to FESPA members. However, recognising that sustainability is a significant issue for all printers, FESPA will make an abridged version of the guide available to non-member printers around the world. Visitors can register for a free copy of the abridged Planet Friendly Printing Guide from the FESPA stand (B15).

FESPA’s Managing Director, Neil Felton comments: “Sustainability in printing is an issue that FESPA has championed within our community since 2004 as we encourage printers to embrace more planet friendly printing practices. The latest FESPA Economy Survey also highlighted that over 62% of respondents indicated that ‘green’ printing, or printing using more environmentally-friendly practices has seen an increase in demand as a service. Our continued emphasis on Planet Friendly Printing further helps to reinforce the message that sustainability can support profitability, while our vendor – neutral approach means that our advice and content is free of commercial ties.”

FESPA’s Planet Friendly Printing initiatives are part of its ongoing Profit for Purpose programme.

About FESPA
Founded in 1962, FESPA is a not-for-profit federation of trade associations and an organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen and digital printing industries.  FESPA’s dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast growing industries.

FESPA member organisations include 27 separate National Associations in Europe, and 10 Associate Member Associations in Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

FESPA Profit for Purpose
Our shareholders are the industry. FESPA has invested millions of Euros into the global printing community over the last 7 years, supporting the growth of the market. For more information visit www.fespa.com

Forthcoming FESPA events include:

• FESPA Digital 2012, 21-24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain
• FESPA Fabric 2012, 21-24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain
• FESPA Global Summit 2012, 15-16 November, London, UK
• FESPA Mexico 2012, 20-22 September 2012, Mexico City, Mexico
• FESPA Brasil 2013, 13-16 March 2013, São Paulo, Brazil
• FESPA 2013, 25-29 June 2013, London, UK
• FESPA Digital 2014, 20-23 May 2014, Munich, Germany