The GAPP
The Gapp Flipping Book: Volume 14 Issue 6
The Gapp Flipping Book: Download Article Only
2024 has been a landmark year for Widasla Technologies. Not only has it marked the engineering firm’s 20th anniversary, but it was also an opportunity to showcase the growth, innovation and success that defines its journey over the past two decades at drupa 2024 – the world’s largest printing exhibition.
Widasla Technologies had its first taste of exhibiting at the iconic drupa trade fair back in 2016. At the time, the engineering firm teamed up with BBR Graphics, who had a stand at the event, giving it the perfect platform to introduce itself to an international audience. It was a big moment for the company – drupa is the event in the printing world and stepping into that spotlight for the first time was a huge milestone for the business.
‘Teaming up with BBR Graphics was a win from the start,' reminisced Dou Fourie, Managing Director of Widasla Technologies.
‘Being on their stand helped us connect with a diverse range of visitors, while identifying how our solutions contribute towards the bigger picture. The response we received from attendees was overwhelmingly positive and it reinforced our belief in the value of innovation and quality.’
Then, of course, COVID happened and like so many other events, the ensuing show was cancelled. Exhibiting at drupa in 2024 was the natural progression that needed to take place. It was a long wait, but it marked the perfect opportunity for Widasla to pick up where it left off, step back into the global print scene, reconnect with industry peers and show just how far it had come.
‘Being part of drupa this year was a full-circle moment for us; it felt like the perfect way to celebrate 20 years of success and growth. Splitting the stand with BBR Graphics was an added bonus because it demonstrated our longstanding relationship, where we could demonstrate what we are capable of achieving together. What better way to mark two decades of innovation and hard work than by showcasing our growth on one of the world’s biggest stages for the printing industry?’
Dou continued, ‘The event provided a global platform for us to not only highlight our service offerings but also connect with a broad audience of industry professionals and customers while expanding our base of partners. We were able to share our story, highlight the value we bring to the printing sector and most importantly, continue to learn and grow from the experience, while flying the South African flag high.’
One of the standout features of its drupa presence was the Widasla Installation Guide, a comprehensive showcase of 64 machines that the company installed around the globe in the 18 months leading up to the event. This guide provided tangible evidence of the company’s expertise and proficiency in the field, making it a key talking point and a dealmaker for many visitors to its stand.
Dou couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout to the show.
‘The first week of drupa was the busiest - it was a different drupa from previous years - with fewer visitors but high-level decision-makers. The benefit was that we had more time to engage deeply with those looking for more information or assistance. The majority of visitors were from the United States, which is proving to be an exciting, growing market for us. Overall, it was an incredibly successful show,’ he acknowledged. Widasla held a South Africa-/Africa-themed day at its stand on June 1st, which proved to be a highlight for South African visitors. ‘The response was overwhelming,’ Dou recalled.
‘A lot of customers who had visited earlier in the show returned just to have a photo taken with the South African flag hanging in the background. It was a proud moment for us to have some of our biggest clients, including Triumph Packaging, Hirt & Carter, Novus Print, CTP Printers, Shave and Gibson, Golden Era Group, Ndabase Print Solutions and Tandym Print join us to celebrate South Africa’s growing presence in the global printing market. We even had a customer from Ghana who had purchased a machine from us earlier this year come by on the day.’
Africa Day was also an opportunity to send a strong message to the global audience.
‘Some exhibitors came to our stand wondering what we were doing there and why South Africa was so prominent. I don’t think they realised just how well South African companies are doing in this space. It was great to show that South African businesses, like ours, are thriving internationally and not merely restricted to the tip of the African continent.’
Widasla’s presence at drupa wasn’t just about raising awareness; it also brought tangible results. The company sold six stock machines at the show and collectively with BBR Graphics, moved a total of 12 pieces of equipment. To-date they have been dismantled and shipped to countries such as South America, Mexico, China, Columbia, India and Hawaii.
In addition to the international sales, the company also saw strong local demand.
‘We’ve sold two presses locally in the lead-up to the show—one to Glenart in KwaZulu-Natal and an 8-colour press to Impress Printers. We’ve also completed installations at Neon Printers (stitcher) and Masterpack (6-colour press),’ Dou noted.
One of the key takeaways from drupa was the growing recognition of Widasla’s engineering capabilities. There was a lot of interest in its ability to handle installations and take-outs around the world, with several dealers approaching the team to discuss potential collaborations. Discussions are currently underway with potential agencies with a big industry announcement to follow in March.
Looking ahead, Widasla is gearing up for even more exciting developments. The firm is launching an apprenticeship program in January 2025 to foster the next generation of engineering talent.
‘We currently have four engineering assistants who will begin their apprenticeships in the new year. This initiative will not only provide opportunities for promising individuals, but also help us build a solid foundation for future growth,’ Dou explained.
Plans are underway to continue to build on the company’s 20 year legacy.
‘By 2028, we anticipate that our staff complement will grow by 30-40%, positioning us as one of the larger dealers globally. In the meantime, we’re confirmed to exhibit at The GAPP Print Expo taking place at Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec in March 2025 and we’re also planning to showcase our work at PRINTING United in either 2025 or 2026. It’s an exciting time for Widasla and we’re ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.’
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far Widasla has come since that first drupa experience. It wasn’t just a chance to showcase its offerings—it was the beginning of a journey that would help shape its future in the global printing market. Who knew that a single event could have such a lasting impact?
‘drupa was a major event for us, but this year, it felt extra special. The energy, the innovation, the partnerships—it was everything we’ve worked for and more. With 20 years under our belt, we’re more committed than ever to push the envelope and help shape the future of the printing industry in South Africa
Explore our world of innovation.
For the past two decades, Widasla Technologies has been demonstrating the value of opting for refurbished pre-owned printing equipment, so much so that it is recognised around the world as the go-to for second-hand printing and packaging machinery.
For the first eight years, the enterprise operated predominantly as an engineering company, due to there being little demand for second-hand equipment at the time.
Today, Widasla boasts a deliberate ethos that revolves around the value of processes and training.
Investing in equipment in the printing industry has become a necessity rather than a luxury but in a fragile world economy buying new is not an option for many.
The current economic climate in the South African marketplace has resulted in a significant shift from new to second-hand…
This year, 2024 has been a landmark year for Widasla Technologies, at drupa.
01
We are exclusive suppliers of pre-owned printing equipment in South Africa for BBR Graphics, catering to global markets such as China and India.
02
Established branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, showcasing steady growth and expansion.
03
We have developed a strong international presence with exports to countries like the USA, China, France, Italy, Dubai, Israel, and South America.
04
We are recognized for exceptional workmanship and service quality, earning a reputation as a trusted provider in the global printing industry.
See our ideas come to life
At Widasla, we excel in maintaining and optimizing printing presses to factory standards, offering everything from routine repairs to complete overhauls. Our expert team designs efficient layouts for factory relocations, enhancing workflow and productivity. Plus, we provide comprehensive operator training to keep your operations competitive and profitable.
Brands We Work With
Widasla elevates printing standards by providing top-quality equipment and expert services. We upgrade print plants to meet the latest specifications, ensuring superior print quality.
Whether installing top-of-the-line pre-owned machinery or refurbishing existing equipment with high-quality spare parts, our meticulous approach guarantees factory-standard excellence.
