FESPA 2014 – global showcase for garment decoration
Graphic Repro, South Africa
Always a focal point for the global textile industry, FESPA 2014 (Messe Berlin, 5 – 9 June 2014) will deliver a sharper than ever focus on textile garment decoration technology, with approximately 150 companies from this sector representing 25 per cent of the expected total number of exhibitors.
As the world’s largest international trade event for screen and digital printing, the show’s importance to the textile decoration and printwear industries is reflected by the huge support from key suppliers, which include M&R, MHM, Stahls International, Heinz Walz and Promodoro Fashion, as well as all of the major direct-to-garment inkjet printing companies.
Signifying the growth of the garment decoration aspect of FESPA exhibitions, the total exhibitors from this sector represent an increase of about 50 per cent on FESPA 2005. Reflecting FESPA’s strong commitment to this industry, two halls at FESPA 2014 will be dedicated entirely to textile garment decoration technologies and printing techniques, including screen, digital inkjet, embroidery, transfer and associated decoration.
Frazer Chesterman, FESPA Exhibitions director, said, ‘Once again, FESPA will provide the global forum for anyone involved in the international textile printing industry. For European companies that wish to remain competitive by utilising hi-tech, sophisticated technology capable of producing different, value-added effects, FESPA is a must-attend event.’
Many of the textile industry suppliers have decided to significantly increase the size of the stands they will take at FESPA 2014. Leading textile and graphic screen printing equipment manufacturer, M&R will take its largest stand ever, which at more than 600 sq/metres, will showcase the company’s complete range of garment screen printing equipment technologies. These will include the new Diamondback automatic textile press, which sets a new standard in features and affordability in an entry-level press, and the new Challenger and Gauntlet Z-Series presses, which bring a new level of innovation and performance to higher-volume printers who need ultra-fast presses capable of handling specialty inks and high-tolerance performance.
David Blake, international sales manager at M&R explained, ‘Our rapid expansion in Europe and throughout the world can be partially attributed to the exposure our products have received at FESPA. Large and midsize printers in Europe and the US need sophisticated equipment in order to compete, and small printers need a cost-effective way to get into automatic printing. As global markets have shifted, M&R has quickly adapted with additional manufacturing facilities and regional sales and support operations that bring our products and service closer to customers and allow us to respond more quickly.’
Blake added, ‘When M&R first became the world’s largest maker of screen printing equipment, we had a modest presence in Europe, but we made a point of appearing at FESPA shows. Today M&R has a manufacturing facility and a regional sales office in Europe, and the results of our last appearance at FESPA exceeded all expectations. It’s a show we wouldn’t want to miss.’
For pad and screen printing supplier, Impression Technology, FESPA exhibitions are viewed as the key arena in which to serve end-users and support its dealer network. ‘FESPA will be the single most important event in the trade show calendar for us during 2014,’ said managing director, Roy Burton. ‘We will be unveiling new inkjet hardware, including equipment for high-speed digital printing onto textiles and can only properly drive such product launches through a high profile, international exhibition like FESPA,’ he added.
Garment Decoration: Live Workshop Area and Seminar Theatre
For the first time, FESPA 2014 will also include live workshops featuring leading textile industry experts from companies such as software specialists, Corel. The daily tutorials will be geared towards assisting printers in achieving special decorative effects and will be delivered by recognised figures including Charlie Taublieb, a screen printing consultant and expert with 30 years of experience. FESPA will also hold a series of seminars, presented by industry experts on techniques and issues related subjects specific to garment printing.
Full programme details will be available in the Spring at:
www.fespa2014.com
FESPA 2014 Awards
FESPA 2014 will also feature a dedicated awards ceremony to recognise and honour excellence in screenprinting and digital printing, including garment decoration. Entry forms and information, along with a full list of categories will be available shortly by visiting www.fespa2014.com
For further details on FESPA 2014, including travel and accommodation information, please visit: www.fespa2014.com. You can also register for free entry to the show via the FESPA banner link on our Home Page.
© Graphic Repro On-line, 16 January 2014.
