Images Digital Edition March 2019

INDUSTRY NEWS www.images-magazine.com 18 images MARCH 2019 Hirsch to distribute Ovaljet globally; US distributor relationship with Kornit ends On 7 February 2019, Kornit Digital announced that it had closed a definitive asset purchase agreement with US machinery and equipment distributor Hirsch Solutions “to purchase remaining Kornit business assets related to the distribution agreement between the companies“. Kornit has taken ownership of all Kornit-related customer business assets as well as the remaining inventory of systems and ink. Hirsch first signed an agreement to distribute Kornit in the US in 2008. On the same day, Kornit began operating a full direct-to-customer model in North America. Images asked Kornit whether it is planning to operate a direct-customer model in Europe; Oliver Luedtke, director of marketing for EMEA at Kornit, replied: “In the diversified market of Europe, there is a need to complement Kornit’s leading technology with local market expertise and connections. There are no plans right now to change our successful go-to-market model in EMEA.“ On 13 February 2019, Hirsch announced that it will provide global DTG distribution, service and support for the Ovaljet DTG system, which it reports is capable of printing 240 full- size, full-colour prints an hour, “with the lowest ink cost in the industry“. “We‘re excited to begin 2019 as a stepping-off point to embrace the future of digital printing,“ said Paul Gallagher, CEO of Hirsch. “In addition to providing revolutionary improvement to mass personalisation fulfilment providers, Ovaljet is the perfect entryway for screen printers to transition production to flexible and cost-efficient DTG printing. “The Ovaljet system provides a flexible and all-inclusive solution that includes a state-of-the-art multi-location order processing and production management system – from inventory acquisition, barcoding and tracking; process management, control and reporting; right through to package labelling and shipping.“ [See Images March 2018 for more information on this system.] www.hsi.us www.kornit.com The Ovaljet is being distributed by Hirsch Solutions The Clever Baggers move premises and purchase Mimaki CJV150-75 The Clever Baggers, based in Llanymynech, Wales, recently moved to larger premises to cope with increased demand and bought a Mimaki CJV150-75 integrated print- and-cut solvent printer from CMYUK. The company, which produces bags, tea towels, tableware, cushion covers and aprons, purchased the machine at the end of last year. “We didn’t have any problems with the old Mimaki, it had worked perfectly for us for so many years,” said Sarah Evans, fulfilment manager at The Clever Baggers. “It was simply time to upgrade it. It was a no- brainer to go with another Mimaki. The CJV150 is as good as the old machine, but shinier, bigger and allows us to match to Pantones, which is great when you need to switch print method but want the exact same colour.” Sarah added: “The whole process was flawless thanks to CMYUK. From discussions about the machine to instalment, from training to the after sales service they offer. We couldn’t be happier.” www.thecleverbaggers.co.uk www.cmyuk.com The Clever Baggers has purchased a Mimaki CJV150-75 Epson holds colour workshop for students Epson ran a hands-on day for students on the BA textile design course at Birmingham City University in February that looked at how the students could achieve the best quality prints with inkjet technology. The students learned the reasons for setting up files in RGB, and then saw their files printed from different settings so that the theoretical knowledge was translated into practical results, explained Epson. They printed their designs onto a variety of fabrics as well as T-shirts. Students at BCU, whose partnership with Epson is now three years old, are working on a new brief to create eye- catching designs that will be shown on Epson‘s Fespa 2019 stand at Munich on 14-17 May. www.epson.eu Take our online industry surveys: www.images-magazine.com