Robert Bierfreund is taking over the chairmanship of the Digital Printing Association (DIPA) with immediate effect, replacing Ali Özyilmaz of MB Digitalprint.
DIPA brings together experts from all process steps of industrial surface design. The aim of DIPA is to take a holistic view of the individual surface design process and to make the possibilities of industrial digital printing as an innovative process accessible to as many users as possible.
Robert Bierfreund started his career in the printing industry back in 1991. For 17 years, he held various management positions throughout Europe at Bertelsmann Printing. Since 2011, the electrical engineer has been leading Interprint worldwide as Group COO / Managing Director: “I am looking forward to my new tasks within DIPA. Interprint has demonstrated innovative strength in all areas of décor printing since its foundation. As an active member and chairman of DIPA, it is my concern to further develop the new technologies around digital printing with its associated ECO system on their way to the perfectly designed surface.”
Egger, Finsa, Metis and Heimann strengthen the DIPA network
In addition to Robert’s appointment, DIPA also welcomes Egger, Finsa, Metis and Heimann, as additional members that support DIPA with their expertise in the application of digital printing. The Egger Group is one of the leading international wood processing companies and is active in furniture and interior design, flooring and building products. Finsa, a traditional Spanish company, has been producing technical and decorative wooden flooring and construction solutions since its foundation in 1931. Metis, headquartered in Italy, designs and manufactures high-quality scanners for the decor industry, cultural institutions, creative professionals and high-end digital service providers. Heimann, a medium-sized family business based in Hamm, Germany, has been a competent supplier to the graphic arts industry for over 45 years, specialising in gravure, flexo and digital printing.
Finding DPIA at Ligna
DIPA is also participating at Ligna this year too, presenting at the Ligna.Stage. DIPA will present a two-hour Spotlight in German and English, for visitors on site, or streaming and on demand for those interested. The ‘future workshop’ on digital printing will highlight, among other things, the DIPA Academy as a solution to the acute shortage of skilled workers, the use of artificial intelligence in the digital printing process, and the need to build an eco system of its own in the digital environment of different machine manufacturers, technologies, and a wide variety of materials.
The DIPA Academy is a newly established organisation that incorporates DIPA’s education and training philosophy. As an independent limited liability company, it will start offering comprehensive training programs in collaboration with designated technical colleges from 2023.
