The European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association (ESMA) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, with the association seeking to continue to promote specialist printing processes far into the future.
ESMA was founded in 1990 in the UK as a supplier-led initiative to stimulate the growth and potential of screen printing. Its remit has long-since evolved, with inkjet and screen the two pillars upon which its support for the European industrial printing sector rests.
ESMA is renowned for its conferences and networking, which include TheIJC, an annual gathering in Germany for the inkjet community.
Debbie Thorp, business development director at Global Inkjet Systems and current Chair of the ESMA board, said, ‘For over 30 years ESMA has successfully adapted and diversified through innovation and partnerships to continue to provide valuable services – not only to its membership – but also to the wider printing community through its Knowledge Hub and industry-leading conferences.
‘The membership may have changed over the years, but the focus of ESMA has always remained the same – to promote specialist printing processes, both screen and inkjet, with equal focus.’
Ms Thorp added, ‘On behalf of the board and the membership I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ESMA team for all their efforts and dedication to maintaining so well the core ethos and goals of our association established 30 years ago.’
Walter Fick, one of ESMA’s founder, said, ‘How much has changed in our industry during these 3o years? Nearly everything. The technology has permanently been improved, the machines and printing materials have completely changed, and the markets have moved from graphic applications towards many high-tech industrial operations.
‘But the fact that ESMA members are working together for the benefit and further growth has not changed since the very beginning in 1990, when we started to create a platform where all suppliers, competitors or not, could meet and discuss. Good luck for the coming 30 years.’
