Chairman Gerd Finkbeiner said that the absence of presses meant that customers and visitors could have more meaningful discussions, helping them to become more profitable in uncertain economic times.

“One of our customers told me that our approach is brave,” he said. “We are getting away from being a commodity-driven industry and we want to talk to customers about how we can benefit their business. We have a future – Manroland is a reliable, stable and financially sound business. We are bullish about talking about the future.”

Manroland is offering visits to local print facilities if potential customers want to view the machines. The company will be highlighting a raft of improvements to its range of presses including an inline system for cold foiling and the Autoprint system – part of Manroland’s ‘One Touch’ vision, comprising a series of automated operating sequences to enhance makeready times.

On the Manroland stand, visitors can view its latest products on a big screen, enhanced by 3D. In addition, Manroland has officially unveiled its tie-up with web-to-print specialist RedTie.

The press manufacturer has also sold 100 units to a number of worldwide customers, although it hasn’t revealed their identities. On the opening day of Ipex, it made sales of a 10-colour Roland 700 DirectDrive to a Benelux printer and two orders to Brazil for a four-colour Manroland 700 HiPrint perfecting press and a four-colour R200.

On the show’s second day, it said it sold a five-colour 700 LV and a five-colour 900 LV. A Japanese company has confirmed an order for a five-colour 700.

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