Keith Ferrel is one of the founders of Cactus Imaging, possibly the most successful Grand Format Printer in the Asia Pacific region. In an exclusive interview with FESPA ahead of the FESPA Awards, at which Keith will help judge Outdoor project of the year, we asked what he saw as the big challenges in 2014.
"The reality is that the printing industry is changing, print is changing and as participants in this industry we must not only embrace change but drive the change. We need to provide leadership and opportunity for our staff and help them adapt to the changing environment. We need to attract, engage with and build or maintain a skilled and sustainable workforce – the right people for the right job.
Printing is a tough, competitive marketplace and the best players are not the ones that are the cheapest but the printers with the highest margins. And they are increasingly the ones with the latest equipment. It is now a high technology, automated manufacturing business.
Businesses stand on the verge of momentous change and we need to be ready to deal with it.
We are in a unique time when there is a potentially massive competitive advantage – much larger than incremental increases in efficiency – for people and companies who start figuring out how to take advantage of this pace of change.
What innovations do you expect to come next for digital that will help boost your business?
For us, certainly Latex technology will allow us to have some market advantage in terms of recyclable products and print quality.
Automation. We can’t just keep on employing more and more people.
Online ordering, Fabric printing (a potentially large growth area) Polyethylene for outdoor billboards along with a fully recyclable patented edging product and continuing to add value.
Printing is part of the communication industry and as such we need to provide added value services, personalised marketing, multi-channel operation and communication solutions.
What do you see as your print sector trends for 2014?
In Australia the outlook is very positive for continued growth in the grand format sector. Billboards will maintain the consistent growth it has shown over the last few years – around 6% per annum. Transit advertising is maintaining 6 to 8% growth.
The trends lean to growth in fabrics and recyclable products, both of which we are in a strong position to take advantage of.
Major manufactures of equipment like HP are investing many of their R&D dollars into Latex and Packaging technology so there is obvious growth opportunities in those areas.
For those who don't know you, what can you tell us about your business?
Cactus Imaging is the largest Grand Format printer in Australasia. We print on average 120,000 sq mtrs of print per month (in excess of 1,400,000 sq mtrs per year) We also use three types of ink – UV (1250 litres per month) Solvent (140 litres per month) Latex (160 litres per month), though these totals are approximate.
How do you work with ink and substrate manufacturers to offer new products?
We work very closely with both ink and substrate manufactures. We would meet with both providers at least three times a year and constantly trial or evaluate new substrates and ink. Things like higher quality coatings on substrates to better and more robust ink adhesion and ink vibrancy are top of mind.
Why did you decide to accept the invitation to become a FESPA Award judge?
I consider it an honour to be invited and it gives me an opportunity to work with and gain knowledge from the best minds in the industry.
All categories of print interest me as it gives me an opportunity to gain new ideas and witness some of the best print in the world.
FESPA AWards
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