IFRA

WAN-IFRA: What will be the main topics Schur will focus on at IFRA Expo 2010?

ANNA-KARIN JÖNSSON: Schur will focus on Adding value – We will emphasize on our high speed inserter A1455 which can run targeted inserting of supplement down to the individual newspaper copy – the optimum personalization. Furthermore we will show our new gripper conveyor combining the best from Schur and IDAB WAMAC conveying technology including the patented release mechanism for split and single copy production.

WAN-IFRA: Do you see the typical newspaper printers in your markets converting into semi-commercial printers as a mainstream development?

JÖNSSON: We have different types of customers, some are looking at semi-commercial solutions and some prefer high volume printing – straight out from the press, no inserting just standard bundles. The trend however is more in the direction of semi commercial – finding new areas for utilizing the press to generate more revenue to the business.

WAN-IFRA: Schur offers a solution for three-side trimming. Is this machine usable for newspaper products as well?

JÖNSSON: The on-line trimming solution we are offering is usable for all type of trimming of printed products, leaflets, magazine and newspapers. It is easy to integrate in new or existing systems via extension of gripper or via belt conveyor solutions.
 

WAN-IFRA: How did the inserting business and the need for corresponding equipment develop in the last years? In what regions is a growing demand recognisable?

JÖNSSON: More and more customers are looking for inserting as a new source to generate revenue. We have developed our new high speed inserter to meet the increasing demand for inserting – higher capacity, more hoppers and more sophisticated controls. US and Europe have a stable demand of inserting, the growing markets for inserting are Middle East and India.

WAN-IFRA: Two years ago, I think, Schur presented an automatic depalletiser. Has this system been accepted by the market? Is it already in daily use somewhere?

JÖNSSON: There is a demand for the depalletiser in the market but due to the merger we have been forced to prioritize in our extensive product portfolio and the depalletiser is on hold for the moment.

WAN-IFRA: After a number of difficult years in the newspaper industry and for its suppliers, is there a slight market recovery to be felt? Are the order books filling up again?

JÖNSSON: Many projects are in progress and hopefully a couple will be decided at IFRA Expo in Hamburg. We have received inserting orders during the summer and are just about to install the equipment. We feel a market recovery but the competition among the suppliers are fierce and a lot of second hand equipment is in the market.