Following the news that both offset press stalwarts Heidelberg and Manroland Sheetfed have chosen not to participate in the rescheduled drupa 2021, following similar earlier decisions by packaging specialist Bobst and digital press manufacturer Xerox, Komori is the latest press maker to head for the Düsseldorf exit door, citing concerns over potential second or even third waves of Coronavirus.
In a statement Komori noted, ‘the comprehensive decision to suspend the exhibit is made in response to the continued raging of the novel coronavirus infectious disease and its serious impact to the economy of both the developed and emerging countries, taking into consideration the potential risks of second or third surge of the pandemic, and to put highest priority in securing the health and safety of our global customers as well as our employees.’
The statement added that the company’s plan is to launch ‘an array of new products and services in the days to come, through open house events and active participations to [sic] regional exhibitions,’ suggesting that it is not eschewing in-person events entirely.
Komori’s involvement in digital print includes its rebadged versions of Konica Minolta’s KM-1 B2 UV-curing inkjet (sold as the Impremia IS29) and the Impremia NS40, based on Landa’s S10 B1 nanographic press. The latter had been expected to have a significant profile at drupa.
