Ricoh is shifting some production of its multifunctional printers from China to Thailand to avoid tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump in his escalating trade war with China.
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| Ricoh in Shenzhen, China |
Ricoh will shift production of its key MFP portfolio destined for the USA market to Thailand in about two months.
“This decision was made in response to the announcement of List 4 of Section 301 Tariffs by the US government,” said the Japanese print tech manufacturer in a statement.
“Currently, Ricoh Asia Industry (Shenzhen) is producing the higher-speed models of its key MFP portfolio, whereas Ricoh Manufacturing (Thailand) is producing the lower-to-mid-speed models. By shifting the Chinese production to Thailand, all the key MFP products will be shipped to the USA from the Thai factory.
“Moving forward, Ricoh will continue to investigate the possible shift of other products and related parts and supplies, with a view to optimizing the supply chain system. This may further include a shift from Thailand to China in response to possible business risks, and to achieve even greater efficiencies.”
‘Deceptive’ Chinese language Liberal party election signs
Oliver Yates, an independent in the seat of Kooyong who ran against treasurer Josh Frydenberg, has complained to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) about what his lawyers call ‘misleading or deceptive’ Chinese language election signage in support of the Liberal Party.
The signs printed in the AEC’s purple and white colours told voters that the correct voting method was to put a “1” next to the Liberal candidate.
Yates has threatened to take the Liberal party to the court of disputed returns over the signs, according to The Guardian newspaper. The Labor Party has also complained about the signs, which appeared at polling places on election day in electorates including Chisholm and Kooyong.
Liberal Gladys Liu leads Labor’s Jennifer Yang by 960 votes in Chisholm; Yates won a primary vote of 9.8% in Kooyong, while Frydenberg recorded a primary vote of 49%.
World Wrap Masters 2019 highlights
Austrian Traian Moldovan from TM Wraps took home the crown of the World Wrap Master Champion 2019 at FESPA. Norman Brübachj from design-freiburg took second place and Jonas Sjöström was third place.
Watch the day 2 highlights of the World Wrap Masters Finals at Munich, Germany below.
JCDecaux adds live radio playlist to digital billboards
Out-of-Home company JCDecaux Australia has partnered with Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) in an Out-of-Home first digital billboard campaign for the radio network that delivers a live music prompt of songs currently playing on SCA’s Hit network.
Drivers passing by JCDecaux digital billboards on major arterial roads in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are shown the title of the song playing at that moment on the Fox 101.9, Hit105 and 2Day 104.1 stations to encourage them to listen in on their car radios and stay tuned.
“JCDecaux digital billboards are perfect for incorporating live data to create personally relevant messaging to drivers,” said Ashley Taylor, head of creative solutions at JCDecaux. “The familiar information of ‘now playing’ along with the song title and artist is easy for drivers to process and act on and demonstrates the power of Out-of-Home advertising to influence consumer behaviour.”
FESPA Returns to Munich in 2021
Highlights from the FESPA Awards 2019 Gala Dinner
FESPA says the Global Print Expo will return to Munich, Germany in 2021, together with its co-located event for non-printed signage, European Sign Expo. The events will run for four days, from 18 to 21 May 2021. It will be the event’s sixth return to the Bavarian capital.
Roz Guarnori, exhibitions director at FESPA said: “On the back of a successful event in Munich this year, we’re delighted to be returning in 2021. The city has always proved a popular location with visitors and exhibitors, and this is reinforced by the feedback we’ve received during the 2019 event.”
The 2020 Global Print Expo will take place in Madrid, Spain, from 24 to 27 March 2020 at the IFEMA exhibition centre. European Sign Expo and the recently announced Sportswear Pro event will run alongside the main Global Print Expo.
For information on FESPA Global Print Expo 2020 visit: www.fespa2020.com
Signarama and US parent UFG announce Australia Expo 2019
Sign franchise group Signarama and its US-based parent United Franchise Group will hold its Australia Expo 2019 at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove (pictured above) on the Gold Coast on October 9-11.
“Expo events have been the premier showcase for our UFG brands for years,” says UFG. “For the first time in many years we’re returning to the Gold Coast, home of great weather, fantastic beaches, Australia’s best theme parks and some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. Our Expos provide an opportunity to network, learn, grow and develop your business so you can become more profitable. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, find ways to boost revenues, educate yourself on new opportunities and have fun at the same time!”
Speakers will include Signarama Australia’s director Evan Foster and Ray Titus, CEO of UFG and its affiliated companies, who began his career with his father Roy Titus and went on to develop a group of successful brands and franchise development services. The company has over 1,400 franchisees in more than 80 countries within 9 brands.
