GraphExpo 2012 Thoughts and Highlights. Thank you for attending!

Having missed Grapho Expo the last few years I found that the show is much different than it used to be; a little less square footage and a LOT more digital! The value of this major show is not about how much iron is on the floor but the knowledge that can be gained by going. Today’s world of print has evolved, and in order to thrive in this market you have to become smart about today’s new technology and the new business practices in the printing industry. Fortunately for our customers, we have continually evolved with new technology in digital printing and finishing so that we can provide our customers with the latest technology available to make their businesses prosper.

During the three days I spent at GraphExpo, I had the opportunity to not only walk the show floor and talk to new potential vendors about their new technologies, new services, and new ways of doing business, I also had the opportunity to talk to our current vendors and gain even more knowledge about economic trends, ink jet technologies, coating and finishing equipment, workflow and offset presses. There were so many learning opportunities available! As I looked around the show floor I saw other members of Graphco’s sales and service team doing the same thing.

The show was packed all three days. Our customers traveled to Chicago from Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania. A number of our customers took advantage of Show Specials (available through the end of October). Others were there to strictly get a better handle of the trends available and to be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities out there. Not a bad use of time when it comes to helping our customers succeed!

One of the biggest attractions at the show was MGI’s booth. Each time I stopped in the booth I was flanked by many, many eager folks wanting to see the new JETvarnish 3D Spot UV Coater that combines both flat and 3-dimensional inkjet technology, along with traditional UV technology and IR curing to produce 3D spot varnished work and the Meteor DP8700 XL Digital Press in action. They are both high-margin, cost-effective digital solutions. Over 30 Graphco customers had VIP Demos on these machines! Congratulations to Graphco customer Northern Ohio Printing who will take delivery on the first JETvarnish 3D in North America! Once again, a trail-blazing Graphco customer leads the way to innovation and profits!

In center of photo: Michael Abergel – Executive Vice President of MGI-USA, John Arnold – Graphco Tech Service Manager, Chris Manley – President of Graphco, Gary Chmielewski – President of Northen Ohio Printing, Allison Harrold – Graphco Sales Representative

Standard Finishing Systems wowed us all again this year with their vast and busy booth. Congratulations to Springdot, Inc. on the purchase of their new Horizon VAC-1000A & M Towers and ST-40 In-Line Stacker!

From Left To Right: Todd Mason – CFO, Rick Autzen – COO, Josh Deutsch – CEO of Springdot, Inc.

Graphic Whizard showcased their new PT line of products. Their booth never seemed to have a quiet moment due to the steady stream of eager customers checking out their new line. Congratulations to Current Office Solutions (GW 8000P Numbering Machine), Harlan Graphic Arts Services (GW Creasemaster Plus), R & B Holt Enterprise (GW460A Perfect Binder) and Dicksons (GW XDC 530 Micro UV Coater) on the purchases of new equipment!

And finally, congratulations to Laurel Print & Graphics on the purchase of a new OKI ProColor pro900 DP Digital Press – perfect for fast, short-run digital printing of envelopes, banners, brochures, etc. in full color.

It’s not too late to take advantage of GraphExpo 2012 Show Specials. If you weren’t ready to sign at the show, most of the show specials are running through the end of October. Call us right away if you want a refresher on the savings available through the end of the month. 800-458-2769.

It was a pleasure to attend GraphExpo. Thank you to everyone who could attend. I hope you all gained from the experience as much as I did. See you all next year at PRINT ’13!

Emilia Fitzgerald, Graphic Designer for Graphco

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