Anthony Locicero, Associate editor03.30.21
For the first time in its 30-year history, the yearly General Assembly of ESMA, the European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association, took place online.
Members elected the new Board of Directors, chaired by Samuel Wagner from Sefar.
Ralf Roschlau, ex-Marabu and ex-Saati, has been voted Honorable Ambassador.
“Exactly one year ago I returned from a business trip. Until today it was my last business trip. We all are facing new challenges. No exhibitions, no training and no networking events have meant a tremendous change to the work of ESMA,” Wagner said in his inaugural speech as the new chair of the association. “We need a high level of knowledge in the companies so that the best decisions can be made for the digitalization of industrial production. This requires a network of specialists, training and various platforms for professional and social exchange. I want to ensure that ESMA aligns its activities with this objective and further strengthens the organization’s excellent image.”
For the next two years, Wagner (Sefar) will preside over the Board of Directors consisting of Robin McMillan (vice-chair, Sun Chemical), Manuel Zuckerman (treasurer, Fimor), Dominiek Arnout (Ricoh), Tracey Brown (Meteor Inkjet), Jon Bultemeyer (Marabu), Ibtissem Djaballah (VFP), Pietro Giuliani (Saati), Frens Peters (Lotus Holland), Debbie Thorp (Global Inkjet Systems), Jan van Schaik (SPS Technoscreen) and Steve Wakefield (Fujifilm).
The General Assembly honored Jerry Avis (ex-Sericol and ex-Fujifilm) as ESMA Honorable Ambassador for 2020, and this year members awarded the title to Roschlau.
For almost 30 years Roschlau was involved with Marabu and wrote the last chapters of his professional career at SPT Sales + Marketing and Saati.
He is currently an author and an active member of environmental organizations.
"What a transition. From an emergency solution some 30 years ago into a powerful group of key industry players in screen, pad and digital printing industry," he said. "Today, ESMA is as strong as its members, the leading companies of the European screen and digital world. Its committees and its outstanding event structure not only permanently enlarge members’ vision, but guarantee all the industrial, graphic and textile printing processes a bright future. The award means a lot to me. It is the final prize for my hard work for the benefit of my employers and the benefit of all ESMA members."
ESMA is currently rolling out several online activities. Association’s increasing involvement with textile printing will be reflected i.a. during the “touchpoint textile” sessions at drupa virtual on April 20-23, 2021.
“The pandemic has brought more challenges than expected – to the industry, to our association but also many people in their private lives. At many levels, we all had to adapt and learn how to cope with COVID-19. We remain hopeful but also ready to embrace the change, and propose new ideas for membership and events,” said Peter Buttiens, CEO of ESMA, “Meanwhile, screen and inkjet industrial printing are becoming more important than ever before. To name a few examples from last year, the sales of photovoltaic panels boosted in Asia, and fast coronavirus diagnostic kits rely on printed parts.”
