Australia’s print industry is preparing for a major technical showcase as IVE Group, Koenig & Bauer, and the Lithographic Institute of Australia (LIA) Victoria join forces for an exclusive event in Melbourne this October. The collaboration will highlight the latest in offset print technology, live demonstrations of cutting-edge machinery, and insights from global leaders in print engineering.
IVE Group has chosen to open the doors of its world-class Braeside facility, offering a rare opportunity for industry professionals to see advanced Koenig & Bauer Rapida presses in full production. Visitors will be able to experience two machines in action: a 10-colour commercial Rapida 106X press with in-line coater and a 7-colour Rapida 106X packaging press featuring dual in-line coating units. The event is more than a technical demonstration; it’s a strategic moment for the industry to engage directly with innovations that are redefining speed, precision, and efficiency in commercial and packaging print.
A Strategic Partnership
The event underscores the long-standing reputation of Koenig & Bauer, the world’s oldest printing press manufacturer, and its growing influence in Australia through its partnership with IVE Group. Markus Weiss, CEO for paper and packaging at Koenig & Bauer Germany, described the collaboration as a milestone in both trust and technological advancement. He noted that Koenig & Bauer’s “full commitment is to support IVE in ensuring the success of these new installations,” emphasizing the partnership’s focus on building “a strong and long-lasting collaboration” between Australian and German teams.
IVE Group’s managing director Matt Aitken echoed this sentiment, stressing that great print requires great technology. “We invested in Koenig & Bauer to ensure we consistently deliver for our customers,” Aitken explained. “By hosting this showcase in our Braeside plant, we are putting automation, innovation, and productivity on full display.”
The Technology on Show
The Rapida 106X presses are globally recognized for their speed and adaptability. The 10-colour commercial press with in-line coating allows for rapid production runs with superior finish quality, while the 7-colour packaging press with dual coaters offers flexibility for complex, high-value packaging jobs. Both machines are designed with automation at their core—features such as automatic plate changing, inline colour control, and smart maintenance systems reduce downtime and increase output.
These capabilities matter in a sector where deadlines are shrinking and demand for customisation is rising. According to Koenig & Bauer product specialists, the Rapida series is capable of pushing productivity up by 20–30% compared to older generation presses. For packaging converters, the dual-coater configuration provides a competitive edge by allowing multiple finishes—such as gloss, matte, or spot UV—in a single pass.
Industry Leadership and Global Expertise
The evening will also feature two keynote figures from Koenig & Bauer Germany: Markus Weiss and Dirk Winkler, head of printing technology and product management. Winkler, known internationally for his expertise in press technology, will moderate the evening and present detailed insights into how the presses are transforming workflows worldwide. Their presence reflects Koenig & Bauer’s direct involvement in advancing Australian print operations and signals the importance of the IVE installation within the company’s global portfolio.
Graham Harris, CEO of Koenig & Bauer Australia, and Rayne Simpson, sales manager for Australia and New Zealand, will also be present, highlighting the local team’s role in supporting implementation and training. Together with IVE executives—including Shaun Hodge, head of operations for print VIC/CX and data—the line-up represents a strong cross-section of industry leadership.
LIA Victoria’s Role
For LIA Victoria, the event fits seamlessly into its ongoing program of technical tours, which have become essential networking and knowledge-sharing platforms for the print community. Robyn Frampton, president of LIA Victoria, called the event “an opportunity for our members and guests to experience the fastest and most advanced lithographic presses, live and in action.” Vice president Jaz Allen and other committee members will also attend, reinforcing the institute’s support for initiatives that connect professionals with global innovations.
The LIA has a history of fostering engagement between practitioners, suppliers, and educators. By partnering with IVE and Koenig & Bauer, the institute strengthens its mission to keep Australia’s print workforce informed and future-ready.
Why This Event Matters
Australia’s print sector is navigating a rapidly changing landscape. Digital disruption, supply chain challenges, and evolving consumer expectations have reshaped how printers compete and grow. Events like this Melbourne showcase highlight not only new machinery but also new business models enabled by technology.
Automation reduces labour costs in a tight employment market. Smarter workflows improve environmental efficiency by cutting waste. Advanced finishing capabilities allow print companies to move into higher-margin markets like luxury packaging. For IVE Group—the nation’s largest diversified print and marketing communications company—the investment in Koenig & Bauer technology demonstrates a strategy to stay ahead of both domestic rivals and global benchmarks.
Event Details and Participation
The technical showcase will take place on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, at IVE Group’s Braeside facility located at 26 Beyer Road. The evening begins at 6:00 PM, with formal presentations starting at 6:30 PM. Drinks and light refreshments will be served. Attendance is free for LIA members, while non-members can purchase tickets at $25 per head. With strict limits on capacity, organisers expect places to sell out quickly.
Looking Ahead
This event represents more than a single evening of demonstrations. It highlights the ongoing role of collaboration between manufacturers, print businesses, and industry associations in driving the sector forward. By investing in world-leading presses and opening its doors to the wider community, IVE Group is reinforcing its position as a leader in Australian print while signalling that innovation is not optional—it is essential.
For Koenig & Bauer, the Melbourne showcase strengthens its global narrative of helping printers transition to smarter, faster, and more flexible solutions. For LIA Victoria, it is another successful milestone in building bridges between technology and practice.
In the end, the Braeside event is about more than machines. It’s about the people, partnerships, and strategies that keep print alive, competitive, and future-focused in a digital-first world.
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