In an interview with Gulf Print & Pack, KSA, Ahmed Fayez, General Manager, Al-Kharafi said: “We provide complete solutions to the market – from machinery, printing materials, paper, services – we are a one-stop shop, with plans to expand even further. As agents and distributors of major brands from offset manufacturer Koenig & Bauer to digital press makers Xeikon, from Agfa to Toyo Inks, Al Kharafi plans further expansion into flexo and develop a new type of varnish coating, in line with the global sustainability trends. 

 

Recently, we supplied the complete solution to Al Medan, one of the leading corrugated packaging producers in Saudi Arabia, from prepress, press and post press. Packaging is one of the largest sectors that has grown during the coronavirus pandemic, not only in Saudi Arabia, but across the world, whether through offset or digital printing, and is considered a profitable sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

 

We have also completed a project for IPC (International Printing Company) to supply CTP’s, high- end double coating printing machines, 2 die-cutting machines from Koeing & Bauer and other equipment. These are a few examples of the number of projects that are being handled by Al Kharafi every quarter, depicting growing demand in the region.”

 

Al Kharafi will be participating in the Gulf Print & Pack exhibition, showcasing their digital printer from Agfa that uses eco-friendly ink, and is capable of printing on multiple surfaces including metal, plastic, wood etc., and a China-made CTP.  “The main focus of our participation will be to meet customers, open discussions, share experience and organize live demonstrations on video. In my opinion, digital technology for commercial and packaging will be a growing market for the next 7 to 10 years. Customers are investing in both offset and digital technologies according to their requirements. However, the outdoor advertising sector is not growing at the same pace, and less printing is happening for outdoors, primarily due to increased use of screens like TV’s, gadgets etc.”