News
European Commission raises concerns over UPM and Sappi Joint Venture
The European Commission has issued a Letter of Facts raising competition concerns over UPM and Sappi’s proposed graphic paper Joint Venture as the companies move to finalise the deal.
The letter from the European Commission means that the merger faces the risk of being blocked, as the Commission is concerned about reduced competition and price hikes. The Joint Venture would see UPM Communication Papers and Sappi’s graphic paper business combine with a 50/50 agreement and operate as an independent company.
The transaction requires merger control
approvals, and most jurisdictions, including China, South Africa, and America, have already approved the transaction. After receiving the Letter of Facts, UPM has released a statement saying that it “disagrees with the Commission’s preliminary assessment and will continue to engage with the review process.”
Roland DG launches the TrueVis MG2 Series
Roland DG has announced the launch of the TrueVis MG2 Series, a next-generation UV printer/cutter range comprising of the MG2-640 and MG2-300. The MG2 Series has a newly developed print head paired with advanced waveform control technology, delivering approximately twice the productivity of the previous MG Series. The MG2 Series incorporates Roland DG’s MG2 Series from Roland DG
latest image quality technologies, including improved ink placement accuracy, Variable Dot Technology and True Rich Color print settings. Using single-pass multi-layer printing, which enables up to five layers to be printed simultaneously by stacking combinations of CMYK, white and gloss inks. Roland DG’s renowned integrated print & cut technology enables users to print and contour cut in a single workflow, simplifying production and improving efficiency. Ryugo Nimura, executive officer, Global Sales and Marketing Division, Roland DG, said: “The MG2 Series has been developed to help print businesses capture new opportunities in the growing UV market.” “We believe it represents one of the most compelling solutions available in the mid-range UV printer/cutter market today.”
Fujifilm executive joins Soyang’s hardware team
Soyang Europe has appointed Colin Werrett as senior business development manager, with responsibility for developing its hardware business across the UK. Mr Werrett joined Soyang at the beginning of October and reports directly to Andy Webb, the new commercial director. He brings 32 years of experience across the print and graphics industries, including more than three decades with Fujifilm. He will work closely with customers
10 | October/November 2026
throughout the sales process, helping PSPs identify the technologies and production solutions best suited to their individual requirements. On his appointment, Mr Werrett said:
“Soyang has built a strong reputation across both media and hardware, and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with former customers, meeting new customers and helping businesses identify the right solutions for their needs.” Andy Webb, commercial director at
Soyang Europe, added: “We’re very pleased to welcome Colin to the Soyang team. His depth of industry experience, together with
UPM continued to say that the proposed
Joint Venture would “support the long-term competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the European graphic paper industry.”
The proposed Joint Venture is being
reviewed while the European Commission is updating its competition rules, aiming to protect fair competition while also supporting business investment and innovation. The European Commission’s final decision is expected by around the New Year, with UPM and Sappi in the process of formally analysing and responding to the Letter of Facts.
ESS unlocks growth with VeloBlade Nexus 3032
Manchester-based Elite Signs Solutions (ESS) has invested in a VeloBlade Nexus 3032 from Soyang Europe. ESS designs, manufactures and installs signage for customers across the UK, and its portfolio includes illuminated signage, built-up letters, wayfinding, wall and vehicle graphics, exhibition displays and bespoke display solutions.
After suffering a fire in March 2020, it has since been building the company back up from scratch after securing a new facility, including purchasing an AXYZ CNC router, two Roland printers, a Canon Arizona 480 XT and Mimaki JFX200-2513EX, along with several Vivid solutions. Thomas Swales, director at ESS, said: “The result of all our investment was that our printing capacity had increased enormously, but it also highlighted the next area we needed to address – finishing. That ultimately led us to Soyang and the new VeloBlade machine.”
Installed at the end of June this year, the
VeloBlade Nexus 3032 features a cutting area measuring 3,000x3,200mm, cutting speeds of 1,500mm/s, and can handle a wide range of materials up to 25mm thick, including Dibond, MDF and acrylic.
Thomas Swales, director of Elite Sign Solutions (ESS) with the new VeloBlade Nexus 3032
his extensive knowledge of wide-format print and strong customer relationships, will be a valuable addition to our hardware business.”
Colin Werrett, senior business development manager at
Soyang Europe
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