By the time the doors swing open at Labelexpo Europe 2025, the HP Indigo stand will already be buzzing with the low hum of real, groundbreaking innovation. That’s where Kemtek Imaging Systems will be anchoring itself, alongside its long-time partner-principal, HP – not just to witness a moment in digital print history, but to help South African converters become part of it.
‘We’re not just showing presses,’ says Wendy McLoughlin, business development executive at Kemtek. ‘We’re showing a platform for growth, diversification and profitability. If you’re in the business of labels and packaging, and you’re not paying attention to what HP Indigo is doing, you’re missing the boat.’
At the heart of this year’s showcase is the new HP Indigo 6K+, set for global release in July. ‘It’s what I’d call the Swiss Army knife of label and packaging presses,’ Wendy quips. ‘It handles everything – smart labels, wide substrates, even complex applications. But what makes it next level is the new SmartControlSystem. It’s AI-powered. It learns and reduces waste. It keeps uptime sky-high. This isn’t about marginal gains – it’s about exponential improvements.’
The Indigo 6K+ joins HP Indigo’s line-up alongside the V12 and 200K presses, each designed with a distinct production niche in mind. While the V12 promises ultra-fast narrow web label runs, the 200K – geared towards flexible packaging – will be featured off-site at HP’s Graphics Experience Centre in Barcelona, giving select visitors an immersive, real-world demo away from the show floor’s frenzy.
Joining Wendy in Barcelona will be Kemtek’s managing director, Graham Comins, and head of industrial sales, Sanjay Maharajh. The team is ready for a whirlwind week.
‘We’ve got a hell of a busy schedule,’ Wendy admits. ‘But that’s the point. We want to meet, show and prove. We’re telling everyone – book early. Slots are filling up.’
So what’s the real agenda? ‘We have a solid base of customers already,’ Sanjay explains, ‘and one goal is to get them onto the HP stand to experience the upgrades for themselves. But equally, we’re lining up new conversations – prospective customers who are unsure about digital or think it’s beyond their budget. That’s the myth we’re busting. This isn’t about luxury – it’s about necessity if you want to remain competitive.’
The Indigo edge
Sanjay doesn’t mince words when it comes to HP’s value proposition. ‘You want a faster turnaround? More SKUs? Higher margins? Then digital is your only path forward. With Indigo, we’re helping customers deliver in three days what their competitors promise in three weeks. That kind of agility isn’t just a differentiator – it’s a margin maker.’
Wendy jumps in. ‘And it’s not just about speed. It’s about smart production. One operator, one press, huge output. The return on investment stretches over seven to 10 years – and then there’s the trade-in path for upgrading when the time’s right. We’ve had customers run HP Indigo presses for a decade, then step into the 6K+ like it’s a natural progression.’
What sets HP Indigo apart, according to the Kemtek team, is its ability to scale with a business. ‘You’re not locked into one application or market,’ Sanjay says. ‘One day you’re printing premium wine labels, the next it’s flexible packaging or short-run cartons. That’s the magic. One machine opens five doors.’
And while competition in the digital print space has intensified, both Wendy and Sanjay welcome it. ‘It keeps us on our toes,’ Sanjay says. ‘But HP Indigo doesn’t compete just on specs. We build partnerships. We map out growth strategies. We’re with our customers before, during and long after the sale.’
Anyone who’s walked the HP stand in previous years knows it’s a magnet for energy. That won’t change in 2025. ‘We’re not promising pyrotechnics,’ Wendy says with a grin, ‘but we are promising impact. People still talk about the vibe from the last show. This year, it’s the same energy – plus smarter tech, real workflows and honest-to-goodness results.’
The moment to make a move
For Kemtek, Labelexpo isn’t just another trade show. It’s a strategic inflection point for South African converters.
‘There’s still a perception that South African printers are price-focused, hesitant to invest,’ Wendy says. ‘But the truth is many are ready. They just need to see what’s possible. We’ll sit down with them, unpack their workflows and show where digital adds value, not cost.’
Her parting message? ‘Don’t miss this. If you’re looking for agility, growth or simply want to stop losing jobs to faster competitors, come see us. HP Indigo is the win-win press. That’s not marketing. That’s what our customers are telling us.’
Visit the HP Indigo stand or pre-book a private demo session via Kemtek Imaging Systems.
Ed’s note: HP is represented and distributed in South Africa by Kemtek Imaging Systems.
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