Resounding Success for Sandon Global at drupa 2024

4 July 2024

Sandon Global, the award-winning British anilox manufacturer, reports that its return to Düsseldorf for drupa 2024 surpassed the team’s expectations with a show that proved a resounding success.

The event drew high-calibre visitors and credible inquiries, providing Sandon Global with a prime opportunity to network with both existing and potential customers, as well as industry partners from around the globe. This marked a highly positive outcome for the company’s return to the world's leading trade fair for printing technologies after the show’s eight-year break.

Richard Millington, Managing Director, Sandon Global, expressed his enthusiasm, “It was great to be back at the Messe and I am delighted to report that drupa 2024 was a real success for our business. Whilst the number of visitors was down compared to our attendance in 2016, the calibre of visitors and genuine business development opportunities were higher. We are thrilled with the positive response at drupa 2024 and look forward to building on this momentum to support printers worldwide in achieving exceptional print quality and operational efficiency.”

One show success was the signing of a new sales agency agreement, with Jordan Lines Printing and Packaging - JLPP appointed as the exclusive representative for Sandon Global products in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. Jake Roberts, Sales Director at Sandon Global, said, “We are excited to welcome Jordanian Lines Printing & Packaging as our new agent and anticipate a successful partnership that will further expand the Sandon Global brand in the Middle East.”

Commenting on the hot topics that attracted visitor attention, Jake Roberts said, “There were a few stand-out topics that drew plenty of interest, including our patented sleeve construction (Pat. EP3368317B1 and Pat. US11059284) that extends sleeve life, plus our enhanced densification treatment (EDT) that prevents substrate corrosion. Visitors were also keen to hear how we can support a transition from solvent to water-based flexo. This attracted considerable attention, as it’s technically challenging, but we have the knowledge and experience to help guide our customers to achieve fantastic results on filmic substrates.”

As well as attracting footfall to its own stand, Sandon Global collaborated with its OEM partner, SOMA, to design a bespoke end ring embedded with an RFID chip. This innovative technology featured in live print demonstrations held twice daily on SOMA’s stand throughout the show.  

Jake added, “Our end ring innovation generated significant excitement. Participating in SOMA’s live demo program was fantastic, and there is potential to develop this technology further to digitise the entire flexographic print process.”

Beyond showcasing equipment and technology, drupa emphasised the importance of personal connections.  

Richard continued, “Attending drupa highlighted the value of live events. The investment is significant, so selecting the right show to ensure a good return is crucial. However, the benefits of meeting people face-to-face in a short time frame can be immense. I want to thank everyone who visited us at drupa and our international network of agents and industry partners for their continued support. We made valuable new connections and enjoyed reconnecting with industry friends. Following this success, we look forward to returning in 2028.”

Concluding, Richard said, “Special credit goes to our team, whose hard work made the show a success. Their team spirit and care for each other make these events a pleasure. Trade shows can be exhausting, both physically and mentally, so I decided to give the team a well-deserved break over the weekend, ensuring they were refreshed and ready for the second week. This decision paid off. We are already following up on the inquiries generated in Düsseldorf and eager to continue our growth trajectory as we enter our 20th year of business, ready for our next phase of growth.”

About Sandon Global

Founded in 2004, Sandon Global manufactures laser engraved anilox rolls and sleeves supplying to flexographic printers worldwide. Exporting to 67 countries, and ISO 9001 accredited, the company prides itself on innovation and setting the standard in anilox engineering.  

R&D is at the heart of the business, and, through new product development, Sandon Global’s innovative anilox cell designs offer its customers precision, quality and consistency. The company develops the latest generation in anilox engravings and supplies a range of ancillary products including sleeve covers, cleaning chemicals, and print sleeve and anilox storage.  

Acknowledged by the industry as a leading brand in the flexographic market, the company has received numerous industry and national awards, including:

  • FIA UK Silver Award Supplier of the Year 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020
  • Chambers of Commerce Exporter of the Year 2021
  • KTP Future Innovator award 2020
  • UK Halton Chamber Business of The Year and Manufacturer of The Year 2019
  • EFIA Gold Award Supplier of the Year 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2011
  • British Chambers of Commerce SME National Award 2017
  •  The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2016
  • EFIA Silver Award ‘Supplier of the Year’ 2013, 2010, 2009 and 2008
  • DS Smith Group Innovation Award 2008

For further media enquiries, please contact Sarah Harriman at PHD Marketing Ltd.

Tel: +44 (0) 1977 708643

Email: sarah.harriman@phdmarketing.co.uk