First Virtual EXPO from Windmöller & Hölscher a Success

Over 2,000 visitors from 120 countries tuned in for live flexographic and gravure press demonstrations, technical sessions and virtual meetings

On June 24 & 25, 2020, machine manufacturer Windmöller & Hölscher  held its first Virtual EXPO to present technologies and products initially  planned for industry mega shows – Interpack and Drupa – that have been  postponed until spring 2021.  “The past months have been a challenge everywhere. Yet the flexible  packaging industry is as busy as ever. That’s why it was so important for  us to hold a Virtual EXPO and show our customers new technologies and  applications that are available now and can help them run their  production more efficiently,” said Peter Steinbeck, Managing Partner at  W&H.  To accommodate different time zones of visitors, the Virtual EXPO was  held live three times a day. Filmed in the 120,000 ft² W&H Technology  Center in Lengerich, Germany, and the W&H Academy, two live machine  demonstrations and eight technical sessions were broadcast live. In  addition, the EXPO offered the opportunity for one-on-one meetings and  both individual and group chats. 

The live machine demonstrations included the NOVOFLEX II  flexographic press highlighting the new RUBY IoT system for analyzing  production data to optimize processes and the newly redesigned  HELIOSTAR II gravure printing press.  The live technical sessions were targeted to package printers, industrial  sack producers, paper bag manufacturers and film extruders. A session  showcasing an All-PE film structure as an alternative to PET for stand-  up pouch applications generated significant interest.  Other technical sessions covered flexible packaging topics, including  sleeve handling solutions for flexographic presses, printing solutions for  industrial sacks, heavy duty films for FFS sacks, remote service and  paper sack production on machinery from W&H subsidiary, Garant  Maschinen. Videos of the demonstrations and sessions are still available  for viewing through the W&H sales team.  The Virtual EXPO was put together in just six weeks. “We have been able  to accomplish a lot digitally over the past few months from sales calls to  live machine trials to service support to the Virtual EXPO. The experience  and insights we’ve gained have been invaluable. At the same time,  personal meetings cannot be replaced. they are very important for  building relationships and trust. Both digital and personal  communications have their place,“ concluded Steinbeck.