The news follows the demise of IPEX leaving The Print Show as the last man standing when it comes to the UK trade shows for printers. It also shows a growing consensus within the industry that the NEC exhibition is attracting all the big guns of the business due to its total focus on the print industry. And that includes the sign industry and those in the cross over industries of the wide-format and signage sectors.

Friedheim’s Zechini Iota attaches the front and rear end papers onto the book block lining band

In a statement Friendheim’s Stuart Bamford says: “We had a great show in 2016 but it was unfeasible to exhibit twice in three weeks last year. But the move back to the NEC is more than welcome, it means more of our customers will be coming to the show where we always shine! We’ve always seen The Print Show as a positive vehicle for growth in the industry and what better way to show our support than to be the official sponsors of the Printers’ Bazaar. We’re hoping that the atmosphere and the sample heavy stand will be more beneficial to printers who are eager to get a look at the enormous range of finished products that they can achieve with the right equipment.”

With more than a century of experience within the industry, the Hemel Hempstead-based company continues to supply finishing and packaging equipment to printers saying that its success is due to employing the best people and working with the best manufacturers. The company’s website says: “By acting on behalf of the world's leading manufacturers Friedheim is able to offer the most technically advanced equipment on the market, all designed to provide customers with the greatest possible operational flexibility, efficiency and bottom line benefits.”

However, the company recognises times have changed as ‘gone are the days of Friedheim’s 2,000sqm stands with over 100 machines all showing the fastest and loudest that finishing manufacturers had to offer’. Instead they speak of a more refined and surgical attitude. The company comments: “Now we need to concentrate on showing customers what our machines can offer them – to increase their profit, to get the contracts and potential customers they need to grow their business, to remain competitive or to out-perform the competition.”

Friedheim has survived and expanded over the decades by seeing where the market is going and supplying the kit that the industry needs. Hence its echoing of today’s environmental concerns of consumerism along with a focus on finishing and packaging equipment, as that sector continues to grow. The Printers’ Bazaar is packed with ideas and innovations with Freidheim showcasing samples and products from 28 manufacturers including the ‘latest in finished packaging that is sustainable and environmentally friendly’.

Friedheim’s Komfi Delta 52 laminating machine will run at its top speed of 35m per minute

Away from packaging there will be the new compact Zechini Iota that attaches the front and rear end papers onto the book block lining band. The changeover consists of reprogramming the band length according to the book spine length and the space between the heated blades according to the book block thickness. In combination with the machine there will be the compact, versatile and semi-automatic Roby Junior 2 case maker suitable for short and medium runs. The Junior usually used with hot, animal glue, can also be used with cold, vinyl glue. Plus, the Bazaar will feature the Delta 52 industrial B2 laminator running at its top speed of 35m per minute.

The company concludes with this workmanlike and optimistic note: “It’s time to roll your sleeves down, wash your hands and handle the finished products.”

The Print Show runs from Tuesday to Thursday, September 18th to 20th 2018.

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