Martin Automatic, a US manufacturer of non-stop unwind/splice and rewind technology, has reported high interest levels and significant sales enquiries to follow up from drupa.

According to Martin Automatic, the number and quality of visitors to the company’s stand at drupa were clear evidence that the world of print is back in business, with a new generation of technology and a raft of new buyers.

Speaking for Martin, Gavin Rittmeyer, VP of sales and marketing, states, “It was good to see old friends but especially meet new ones at drupa, where we engaged in many meaningful discussions with visitors who had definite projects in mind and had done their homework pre-show.” 

These included a cross section of companies from all parts of the print and converting industries, which was a perfect fit for Martin’s extensive range of machines designed for label converting and paperboard applications, as well as flexible material converting and digital printing.

Noticeable on-stand was the increase in visitor numbers from the Asia-Pacific region. An informal atmosphere for solid business discussions on a one-to-one basis and the sales team was impressed with the scope and number of inquiries, some of which led to unexpected sales and a cause for celebration.  Interestingly, one end user brought a digital OEM to the stand and said, “That’s what we need,” highlighting Martin’s unmatched expertise with new as well as established technology.

Although not a dedicated label printing expo, Martin’s narrow web drupa exhibits that ran regular demos throughout the event, proved a major attraction.  They are two of the company’s top-selling machines in the label sector, an MBS automatic non-stop butt splicer, which was linked to an LRD automatic transfer rewinder. “The stand design also allowed us to engage customers with our cutting-edge web transport technology via interactive displays, while the walls and videos displayed installations of our web automation on machines from 25mm to 4500mm widths,” says Rittmeyer. 

Looking ahead, Rittmeyer foresees the conclusion of many successful sales as a direct result of drupe, from both new and existing customers. “Like in-person visits, expos will remain an important part of the capital equipment purchase experience. Video-conferencing tools, while effective, will never replace the need for face-to-face interaction, and Martin stays committed to engaging with our customers and markets regularly, and sees tradeshows like drupa as an essential in creating the best the environment for business.”