The Finishing Alliance pleased with first show

The Finishing Alliance has been hailed as a success by the involved companies after snow and rain failed to deter visitors.

The event, held at Duplo’s Addlestone, Surrey headquarters at the end of January, attracted 96 visitors from 72 companies across the UK. Duplo was joined by partners Renz and Friedheim International, which launched its Audion CS Matic shrink wrapper at the show.

Friedheim marketing manager Neil Elliott said that the company had received a number of enquiries on their products and booked follow-up appointments for further demonstrations at the show.

Friedheim managing director Mark Bristow said: "What was particularly pleasing was the fact that although some visitors could not travel due to the weather at the beginning of the week, they re-arranged their visits to come instead towards the end, when conditions had improved. 

"This showed great commitment in wanting to support the Finishing Alliance and see all of the highly productive and cost-beneficial equipment that was on display for demonstration."

He added that the new Audion CS Matic shrink wrapper had attracted attention at the show.

Iain Bullock, managing director of Renz UK, was pleased with the level of interest shown in the new MOBI 360 semi-automated wire binding machine. "What impressed visitors the most was the ease of use and simple changeover which demonstrated to potential customers the versatility of the machine. 

"This was pleasing to Renz as the machine was specifically developed to encourage companies to keep all their wire binding in-house whether it be book or calendar work.  

"Renz has always found Finishing Alliance events to be a good platform in the UK to showcase our latest technologies.  We appreciate the considerable efforts made by visitors to attend the event in spite of the difficult weather and travel conditions."

Duplo UK managing director Peter Jolly hailed its Eurofold CP-375 bi-directional perforating machine, launched at Drupa, as the star of the show.

He added: "We find these kind of events are excellent for engaging and interacting with customers in a way that is just not possible at a conventional exhibition.  We will certainly be talking with our Finishing Alliance partners Friedheim and Renz about hosting more events like this in the future."