1. Is the product available in Middle East market? If so, when was it introduced? If not, are you planning to have a launch event?

It will be unveiled in the Middle East, probably by October or November this year. We are planning to have a regional launch event after finalizing the strategy for this region. We look forward to introducing the SureColor-S60600L and SureColor-S80600L here as they deliver on quality and affordability, the two most important factors in this region for the signage and dis- play industry.

2. What is the prospect of these machines in the regional market?

The signage industry in the region is set for higher growth, driven by demand from retail, tourism, advertising and the events segments. There is a demand in Middle East for new innovative technologies to print high quality signage and unique display solutions. We believe that both SureColor-S60600L and SureColor-S80600L will be well received by the market as each of these printers is designed to offer users a precise and accurate way to create high impact, durable and profitable signage and display graphics.

To ensure outstanding print quality, durability, and media compatibility, the Epson SureColor S60600 64-inch printer features newly developed Epson UltraChrome GS3 four-colour solvent ink.

SureColor SC-S80600 is the top- of-the-range model featuring dual PrecisionCore TFP (thin film piezo) printheads and 9/10 colours including CMYKLcLmLk plus red and orange, and can also be configured to use white or metallic silver. This will give our customers greater options in printing colourful display solutions. It’s also quick with great print speeds up to 95.1sqm/hr in single-pass banner mode, and up to 12.5sqm/hr in eight-pass film mode.

3. How is the printing industry doing in the Middle East market and how well is Epson placed in the region?

I believe there is a rising demand for innovative, environment-friendly technologies in the growing signage market in the region and with our extensive range of products and innovative, sustainable technology, Epson is well placed to deliver in this market.

Globally, the digital signage market is estimated to be worth $20.8 billion and is expected to grow to

$29.6 billion by 2024 at a CAGR of 7.3%, which shows that there are opportunities for our products in the coming years.

4. Any specific features of the new printers expecting to attract the Middle East customers?

When introducing any large format printer in the Middle East, we ensure that it’s a high quality and affordably priced printer, as these are the two important features that customers look for in this market. The new Surecolor S60600 offers excellent quality printing which makes it a much sought-after printer. The S80600, on the other hand, has photographic image quality with the largest colour gamut in its class. Its high-capacity ink cartridges are available at 700ml per colour, which saves ink and money, making it an affordable choice.

5. What is your take on Expo 2020 and how well is Epson positioned to seize the opportunities?

Just like everyone, we are excited about the preparations for Expo 2020. The event will create a meaningful legacy which will strengthen the image of the UAE in the world as a country committed to innovation and sustainability. It will also generate a demand for unique, eye-catching signage and display solutions that are also environment friendly; and that is exactly what we offer. In the lead up to the event, we can expect a rise in demand for our solutions for the signage, display and events industry.

Also new: Epson’s low-maintenance dye-sublimation printer The new SC-F6300, 44-inch, dye-sublimation printer has been developed for textile producers, photographic studios and promotional goods businesses.

Jeroen van Beem, director of sales, Epson MEA, said: “Epson’s printer heritage speaks for itself and we’re delighted to offer users the complete end-to-end production package, for their peace of mind and convenience. We’ve also made sure that installation and maintenance is simple; so simple, that no specialist knowledge, or tools, are required. We’re confident that we’ve designed a dye-sublimation printer that will keep businesses running at peak efficiency and requires little user intervention.”