Joining from HP, where he covered the same beat as account manager for folding cartons, Harrison began work at Komori in January. He oversees the manufacturer’s pre-existing general sales team, providing his support and guidance as a packaging specialist.
Harrison’s 20 years of experience included working for Friedheim International as a sales manager, as well as a stint in Australia working as Heidelberg’s packaging product manager.
“I was drawn to Komori because they have been very successful with their offset market and have a satisfied range of customers in commercial print and folding cartons,” he said.
“Digital and inkjet is a fast-developing technology that is inspiring a lot of interest now – its cost-per-sheet is low by comparison and it eats up less money from consumables. This is another side of the Komori business which is certainly fast-growing.
“With us, printers looking to find alternative solutions for their short runs can come to a supplier they trust and take a look at the options we and how they can help differentiate their products from the market – something we are happy to offer.”
A key part of Harrison’s new focus will be the Impremia IS29 B2 sheetfed inkjet press, Komori’s flagship digital machine first launched at Drupa in 2016. Designed to compete with B2 machines from major manufacturers like HP and Fuji, the press can run at a speed of 3,000sph simplex and 1,500sph duplex.
With a resolution of 1,200x1,200dpi on a maximum sheet size of 585x750mm, the press can print onto “just about all paper-based and plastic substrates” and boasts instant UV drying, according to Harrison.
He said: “I’ve seen in the field amazing potential for the Impremia IS29 with its exceptional credentials to print offset quality and offset-matching promotional and packaging products. With a colour gamut even wider than offset, it’s opening up whole new marketing options.
“The incorporation of the key Komori sheet transport technologies throughout the IS29 press add the precision and reliability which have gained the Lithrone offset machines such an enduring reputation.”
South Wales-based Lexon Group was the first European firm to take delivery of the €1.5m (£1.3m) IS29 in May last year.
