Kama, a manufacturer of die-cutting and finishing machines and folder gluers, has confirmed that it will be taking part in drupa 2021.

Kama CEO Steffen Pieper said, ‘For our industry, drupa is the only global marketplace in the western hemisphere and therefore irreplaceable.’

Small- and medium-sized machine manufacturer who – like us – develop high-quality solutions for the global market need drupa to be able to show off their new products and developments with this kind of reach.’

Kama stated that, ‘ultimately every market player profits from an open competitive comparison, none more so than international customers. They can gain a complete overview of the industry in just a few days at the leading trade fair, search for solutions for their specific needs and discuss and compare offers in direct meetings.’

‘Online events and in-house exhibitions are effective tools in the current situation,’ the company continued, ‘but they can never be a full substitute. In the long term, only open competition delivers the driving force and impulses for the necessary progress – not only in terms of product development, but also in terms of collaborations. This is something nobody should evade. Customers would soon realise that tactical manoeuvring is not in their interests here.

This view mimics that of former CEO Marcus Tralau, who has previously posted a similar message on LinkedIn. It also follows Windmöller & Hölscher confirming it will exhibit at drupa 2021, and builds on existing positive commitments from Koenig & Bauer and Eagle Systems.

Mr Pieper added, ‘Investment levels are extremely high in the graphics industry, and more than ever our customers need detailed analyses and calculations to help them make their purchase decisions.

‘drupa is the only event that offers this on the required scale; the two large trade fairs in China have not yet reached this level – and even without coronavirus they are still a long way away.

‘With drupa, we have a huge showcase of worldwide renown and reach right on our doorstep. At least for the time being.’

Mr Pieper believes that this last point is not one that should be taken for granted, instead, it requires everyone to get involved. The big players need to adopt a long-term approach in order to preserve the marketplace, he opines, and, ultimately, also the domestic market.

‘As for coronavirus, we are confident that solutions will be found. Even though it is still unclear whether interested parties from all countries will be able to come to Düsseldorf – we will certainly be presenting the new Kama products and developments at Drupa in the new Hall 1,’ concluded Mr Pieper.