Press release submitted on Baumer HHS

Baumer hhs, Krefeld, Germany, has expanded its Xmelt product range for hot melt applications to include heated hoses with a metal core. Their service life is three times that of conventional plastic hoses. In fact, the new DF hoses offer several advantages for hot melt applications.

DF stands for “degradation-free” to emphasize that the new heated hoses eliminate the adhesive degradation caused by charring. “The metal core significantly increases the reliability of production processes for hot melt applications, because it prevents oxygen from diffusing into the hoses when they are heated for long periods, for instance, when machine operators forget to switch off the melters over the weekend. A series of trials showed that after 50 hours at 180 degrees Celsius, hot melt adhesive remains unchanged and clear inside our DF hoses. The quality of the adhesive did not deteriorate at all even after such a long period. In other words, the metal core totally prevents charring of the adhesive inside the hoses,” explains Thomas Walther, Head of Corporate Strategy & Innovation at Baumer hhs.

As a result, the new DF hot melt hoses also eliminate the machine failures that occur when filters and nozzles get clogged with charred glue. In short, production lines with hot melt systems that have been switched over to these hoses boast higher availability. And the list of advantages goes on: The new DF hot melt hoses require less maintenance. Their metal core reduces energy consumption by some 20%, enhancing the sustainability of hot melt applications.

The DF hoses with metal core were developed for Baumer hhs’s Xmelt product range, which is used in countless industrial applications worldwide to process and apply hot melt adhesives. Products range from energy-efficient hot melt units, heated hoses and application heads, to a central adhesive supply system that can supply glue to several packaging machines. Xmelt provides solutions – from a single supplier – for virtually all demands imposed on industrial hot melt applications.

Compatible with other hot melt systems
Baumer hhs further offers versions of the new DF hot melt hoses that are compatible with various common hot melt systems from other suppliers. “The hoses currently used in these systems can be replaced with our new DF heated hoses, like a plug-and-play device,” says Walther.

Packaging manufacturers are switching to hoses with a metal core especially for hot melt applications that place high demands on quality gluing. The same goes for manufacturers of machines that apply hot melt adhesives. They are now installing exclusively these premium hoses in their systems. Thanks to market introduction of the new DF hot melt hoses from Baumer hhs, these manufacturers can now also benefit from the quality and reliability for which the German company and its equipment are so well known around the globe.

As part of a special promotion to mark product launch, Baumer hhs is offering its premium new hoses at a special, low, introductory price, valid through September 2025. They cost no more than conventional heated hoses made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fluoropolymer. “With this special promotion, we want to give packaging manufacturers an attractive opportunity to find out more about the new hoses and try them out in day-to-day production. Our sales and service experts are available at all times to assist both existing and new customers.”

For more information, visit www.baumerhhs.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of edale

Edale, a Canon company, Wakefield, United Kingdom, a leading manufacturer of high-quality flexographic carton and label presses, has announced its new Managing Director, Lachlan Buirds.

Lachlan joined Edale in 2024 as General Manager, with expertise in Operations, Commercial and Change Management. Described as an exceptionally talented leader, Lachlan is now charged with taking Edale through the next stage of its growth strategy.

Former Edale Managing Director, James Boughton, has moved to Canon Production Printing, Edale’s parent company, to take up the role of Director of Regional Sales and Operations Development – Labels & Packaging.

Having worked at Edale for 30 years, progressing from Graduate Engineer to Managing Director in 2004, James has led Edale from strength to strength. This latest role at CPP is a testament to his extensive expertise and experience garnered over his time with Edale.

Speaking about his appointment, Lachlan said: “Edale is a fantastic business, developing next-generation print solutions for the label and carton industry. I’m excited about how we will take the business forward, and I know James is leaving behind a legacy of innovation, customer care and service excellence that we will continue.”

James added: “I am proud to have led the acquisition of Edale by Canon Production Printing (CPP), a significant milestone that reflects the growth and transformation we achieved as a team.

“Building Edale into a company worthy of such a transition was the result of relentless hard work, the dedication of exceptional colleagues, and a touch of good fortune. Now, as I move into the parent company, my focus will be on integrating Edale’s portfolio into Canon’s global regions: Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

“I have every confidence in Edale’s continued success under Lachlan’s capable leadership and wish him all the best in his new role.”

About Edale – A Canon Company
Edale – the carton and label press people.

Edale designs and engineers printing and converting solutions that are trusted globally by business owners, packaging specialists and production managers from organisations of every size.

With a rich heritage in the packaging industry spanning over 75 years, Edale, a Canon Company, has been a trusted name since its first drawing was registered in 1946.

Leveraging its deep-rooted engineering expertise as part of the Canon family, Edale manufactures world-class equipment and provides solutions that consistently enable its customers to produce high-quality cartons and labels.

Edale exports 80% of its products, and its activities are focused on four key business sectors: Cartons, Labels, Digital and Service & Support, giving customers ultimate confidence in productivity, quality, efficiency and agility.

Together with leading partners, and a worldwide distribution network, Edale designs its technologies to be fully upgradeable and adaptable, keeping customers on the front foot no matter how the market evolves.

Supported by its world-class team, Edale operates from a facility on the South Coast of the UK, showcasing its commitment to innovation and engineering excellence in the packaging industry. For more information, visit www.edale.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), Ramsey, New Jersey, is pleased to announce Neyenesch Printers, a 125-year-old family owned and operated printer serving a wide variety of clients in the San Diego, California area is one of the first to purchase the AccurioJet 30000 HS-UV Inkjet B2+ 29” Press. A legacy brand with a visionary approach, Neyenesch Printers has also acquired Konica Minolta’s AccurioShine 3600. A perfect complement to the AccurioJet 30000, the digital embellishment press will allow the commercial printer to bring its spot UV projects in-house and grow their business by offering advanced capabilities.

Once Neyenesch Printers made the decision to transition from toner to inkjet, the company consulted with all the relevant manufacturers to weigh its options. Neyenesch Printers required a larger sheet size, lightweight media and perfecting capabilities to serve the needs of its hospitality, education, non-profit and pharma clients whose projects included catalogs, mailers and pocket folders.

Neyenesch Printers had been actively exploring UV technology, and after choosing to adopt inkjet, strategically integrated both solutions – recognizing their complementary strengths. While they currently outsource spot UV work, they are eager to bring this capability in-house to showcase the creative potential of embellishment directly to their clients, which is what drove their decision to invest in digital embellishment.

“Speed and cost-efficiency are paramount in today’s market,” said Natalie Neyenesch, Vice President of Operations at Neyenesch Printers. “With the AccurioJet 30000, the very first sheet is sellable. It dramatically reduces make-ready time and waste, allows for more pieces per sheet and increases uptime. This enables us to deliver high-quality work faster than ever.”

Neyenesch Printers, known for its longstanding commitment to excellence, continues to evolve to meet the dynamic needs of its clients. With a growing suite of in-house capabilities and a focus on innovation, the company is working closely with its sales team to showcase its latest technology investments. These enhancements are designed to demonstrate how advanced equipment can deliver faster turnarounds, greater efficiency and added value for customers.

“Introducing a new technology gives us a powerful platform to highlight everything we can offer, both to our loyal clients and to new prospects,” added Neyenesch. “With these upgrades, we are now positioned to take on fast-turnaround projects and be even more competitive in today’s demanding print landscape.”

“Neyenesch is an excellent example of a company continuing to grow and evolve by strategically reinvesting in its operations. We are thrilled to see this respected legacy brand embrace cutting-edge technology and expand into inkjet printing,” said Frank Mallozzi, President, IPP, Konica Minolta. “We are honored by Neyenesch’s trust in our team, and look forward to supporting their continued success by providing strategic marketing guidance to help maximize future profitability.”

The AccurioJet 30000 is Konica Minolta’s most innovative digital UV inkjet press to date. As the successor to the AccurioJet KM-1e, the AccurioJet 30000 continues Konica Minolta’s unsurpassed, proven and stable technology with insistence on professional quality. This next-generation digital press features the innovative technology of the tremendously successful AccurioJet KM-1e series, with more than 350 installations worldwide. With new functions to maximize throughput and operator performance, improve productivity and image quality and ensure labor savings through automation, the technology will ultimately contribute to increased revenue for customers.

Watch this brief video to see Konica Minolta’s new AccurioJet 30000 HS-UV Inkjet press in action. More information is available online here.

About Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.’s (Konica Minolta) journey started more than 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company partners with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation through its expansive Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. 2025 marks Konica Minolta’s 20th anniversary in production print, for which it celebrates “20 Years of Excellence, Innovation and Impact,” and continues to lead the way in digital commercial printing. This year also commemorates 20 years of Konica Minolta’s bizhub brand. Over the past two decades, the bizhub series has revolutionized office technology and redefined how businesses operate. It has continuously evolved to meet the needs of modern workplaces, fueled by advances in technology and a commitment to innovation. Konica Minolta is proud to be ranked on the Forbes 2025 America’s Best Large Employers list, included on CRN’s MSP 500 list numerous times; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for eighteen consecutive years and presented with Keypoint Intelligence’s BLI 2025 and 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub One i-Series. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow it on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Neyenesch Printers
Founded in 1899, Neyenesch Printers remains a family-owned and operated business. For over a century, we’ve dedicated ourselves to mastering the art of printing. Our business has evolved to deliver what our clients value most: expertise, attention to detail, a wide range of services, environmentally responsible practices, and competitive pricing.

We believe our long-term client relationships and continued growth speak for themselves. We invite you to learn more about our printing expertise and encourage you to contact us to see how we can help make your next print project a success.

Press release submitted on behalf of Muller Martini

Andy Fetherman, President and CEO of Muller Martini Corp. in North America, has announced the appointment of Christopher M. Petro to the newly created position of Vice President of Strategic Alliances. In this new role, Mr. Petro will help manage a highly diverse, innovative offering of digital and traditional finishing solutions that are driving the future of print together with print partners and their customers.

“Since Muller Martini recently joined forces with the Hunkeler Group, Chris’ role in our expanded organization is an integral one,” commented Mr. Fetherman. “Together, these two market leaders will now offer an extensive portfolio of print finishing solutions which are key to our growth, and that of our customers. Chris is an industry veteran who not only brings extensive experience within print’s evolving landscape, but a genuine enthusiasm for the industry and its people. We are delighted to welcome him to the Muller Martini team.”

Prior to joining Muller Martini, Mr. Petro served as the Vice President of Sales, Strategic Accounts, at Canon USA where he led the strategy, execution and growth of the company’s top-tier accounts. Before joining Canon, Mr. Petro was the Chief Executive Officer at GlobalSoft Digital Solutions, an international print/digital service provider where he was co-founder. He has more than 35 years of digital printing experience, including such innovative areas as distributive print, variable content integration, and web-enabled print solutions.

Remarked Mr. Petro, “I began my career in the print industry right after college and have long been a champion of the ever-changing technologies that keep our industry moving forward. Muller Martini has always been renowned for its customer-focused, end-to-end finishing solutions. Now with the addition of the Hunkeler brand, we can address even more opportunities with a robust line of complementary solutions that are driving the future of print.’’

Mr. Petro holds a bachelor’s degree from William Paterson University and has studied at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. In addition, he has extensive training in cellular manufacturing, lean manufacturing, 6 Sigma, and variable content digital printing. Mr. Petro spends his spare time with his family on the beach and also enjoys playing racquet sports.

ABOUT MULLER MARTINI
Müller Martini is the world’s largest producer of print finishing solutions for commercial and book printers, trade binderies, newspapers, and digital book manufacturers. Through its innovative “Smart Factory: Finishing 4.0” platform, Muller Martini is driving digital transformation with systems, software, and machines that optimize workflows and accommodate offset, digital, and hybrid printed products. With U.S. headquarters in Hauppauge, New York, the company provides responsive service and support to printers and binderies nationwide through its extensive sales and support team.

Press release submitted on behalf of IST METZ

Organizer and UV specialist IST METZ can look back on an all-round successful event for UV Days 2025 which took place in Nürtingen, Germany. With around 1000 visitors from 30 countries and 44 exhibitors, the industry event offered an international platform for innovation, exchange and networking. The combination of technological highlights, practical live demos and inspiring presentations once again made UV Days 2025 a central meeting point for the industry.

With the UV Days 2025,, IST METZ once again underlined its leading role in UV and LED technology. The event focused on practice-oriented live demonstrations that addressed technological and economic developments along the entire process chain. Live demonstrations of SMARTcure technology showed how the combination of UV and LED technology and data-driven process intelligence sets new standards in efficiency, sustainability and system integration. The revolutionary FREEcure was also used in live demonstrations. FREEcure reduces the use of photoinitiators to a minimum or even makes them completely superfluous. This technology is particularly suitable for production with low-migration inks for sensitive products and packaging.

UV Days stand for professional depth and exchange
Another highlight of the event were the profitable keynote speeches by renowned industry experts. With current topics relating to sustainable UV and LED technology, process optimization and future-oriented applications, they provided valuable food for thought and showed practical solutions for a wide range of printing applications and industrial requirements.

With 44 exhibitors, UV technology was represented in almost all its facets: Material developers, research institutes and application specialists presented their latest developments and used the UV Days as a platform for know-how transfer and networking.

“At a time when artificial intelligence is redefining many industrial standards, the added value of personal encounters at face-to-face events remains essential,” summarizes Managing Director Tim Sterbak. “Especially in highly specialized markets such as UV technology, decisive impulses are generated through direct exchange.

At this year’s UV Days, we successfully combined this strength with AI-driven innovations. We are delighted with the lively interest and the consistently positive feedback – this motivates us to continue developing the UV Days as a permanent industry event in the future.” For more information, visit www.ist-uv.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of C&T Matrix

C&T Matrix, Wellingborough, United Kingdom, a global manufacturer and supplier of creasing matrix, die-making and print consumables to the print and packaging industries, is pleased to announce an exclusive distribution agreement with Astin, a long-standing innovator in the corrugated packaging sector.

Under the new agreement, C&T will be the exclusive supplier of Astin’s product range across the UK and Ireland. C&T has been a valued distributor for Astin for many years. This new step marks a significant strengthening of the partnership between the two companies, with a shared focus on delivering quality solutions and technical expertise to the corrugated packaging sector.

Astin’s offering includes:

1. Anvil Covers and Wheels – high-performance products used in box-making operations for rotary die-cutting equipment.
2. Worldwide Machine Servicing – comprehensive support, maintenance, and repair for a wide range of converting machinery.
3. Design and Rebuild of Machinery – tailored refurbishment and redesign services for both modern and legacy equipment.

These solutions are widely used in the corrugated sector, especially in the production of boxes, where precision and durability are key. The agreement with C&T will bring faster access to these essential products and services to converters in the UK and Ireland.

“This partnership sets the groundwork for stronger relationships and provides higher-quality anvils and services to the corrugated sector,” said Jeff Roth
Director of Global Sales, Astin SRL. “Astin is proud to extend our collaboration after many years of working with C&T. We recognise and value their strong market presence, technical knowledge, and understanding of the high standards Astin delivers.”

Howard Mead, Global Sales Director at C&T Matrix, commented: “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to supplying premium products and solutions. Astin brings not only high-quality parts and machinery services but also a reputation for being a reliable and competent partner. This agreement allows us to support converters with effective solutions and responsive service, exactly when they need it.”

The agreement has been in effect since early 2025, ensuring a seamless transition for both existing customers and new clients.

For further details regarding C&T Channel Matrix and its innovative creasing matrix solutions, visit www.candtmatrix.com or follow them on www.linkedin.com/company/c-t-matrix-ltd.

Press release submitted on behalf of Book Automation, Inc.

Book Automation Inc., New Milford, Connecticut, has introduced Meccanotecnica’s Multifunctional perfect binding line to reshape how printers approach short-run and on-demand book production. The multifunctional perfect binding line combines three automated book-finishing machines to produce perfect-bound books, with options for both softcover and hardcover finishing. The line offers bookbinders significant versatility and flexibility, allowing for seamless book production with various finishing options within the same workflow.

📚 It’s designed for short runs and ultra-fast make-ready.
👍🏻 It handles different processes in a single line: softcover finishing and hardcover preparation.
💡 Compact, modular, and fully automated – it adapts to your needs.
👌🏻 Outstanding performance, quality, and reliability.

For more information, visit www.meccanotecnicagroup.com.