
It had to happen. It's no secret that the overall shrinkage of the commercial print sector would eventually put a lot of pressure on the bindery systems manufacturers. The recent decision by Heidelberg to basically exit the finishing systems manufacturing business was a sign.
The fact is that times are not easy for bindery systems manufacturers, if you're primarily building the traditional iron for commercial finishing. The "action" in recent years has been much more on the digital side, with finishing being sold along with the many continuous inkjet presses. This has forced the major players that haven't pivoted to the digital market to do so.

Don has worked in technical support, sales, engineering, and management during a career in both the commercial offset and digital finishing sectors. He is the North American representative for IBIS Bindery Systems, Ltd. of The United Kingdom.