In 2024, Labelexpo Americas and Printing United will take place across the same dates – September 10-12. With the label and package printing industry focused on two of the industry’s main events, L&NW caught up with Tim Saur, CEO and managing director, Durst North America.

L&NW: Please tell us about your current position at Durst, your industry background, and your current leadership role at PRINTING United Alliance.
TS: My primary responsibility is to oversee and lead the group of North American-based Durst companies. This includes Durst – of course – as most know, but it also includes several other companies, including Vanguard Digital Printing Solutions, Lift software, and some smaller investments. I also lead the global subsidiary board and work closely with the ownership group on several other aspects. 

I have been on the board of PRINTING United Alliance for seven years.

L&NW: You have been in the industry for over 20 years. Can you briefly elaborate on your history and why you feel Durst has been so successful?
TS: I joined the company over 20 years ago as a young CFO of a joint venture, owned 50% by Durst. At that time, Durst was in the photo industry selling Lambda digital printers. We moved from photo to wide-format, and in 2009, I was involved in our preliminary investment in digital UV label.  So, I have been engaged in label equipment manufacturing since the first days of UV. As a company, we have been innovating and investing in new print segments for 80+ years. In 2007, I became co-CEO of North America with my business colleague, Chris Howard. Together, and with the help of a supportive parent company and great products, we took a small, undercapitalized division and grew it. Chris moved on to another industry in 2014, and I took the lead role alone in NA.

Durst has a unique approach to management. We are all entrepreneurs or have an entrepreneurial mindset and operate largely independently worldwide. This allows us to make fast decisions, support customers without external pressure, have a true, long-term approach, and keep our focus on local market needs (including great service and support). We have been the only company able to transition from photo OEM into wide format, label, ceramic, and corrugated. It is an incredible company, and I am fortunate to be a part of it.

L&NW: As an Alliance board member, can you give us insight as to the coinciding dates of PRINTING United Expo and Labelexpo Americas 2024?
TS: This is a question I have also received directly, so I know it is permeating the market. I was on the board at the time of the date selection and can assure everyone that there was no consideration or knowledge of Labelexpo dates. Many people may be unaware, but PRINTING United often selects dates 6-10 years in advance. We know the dates and location of the 2032 show, for instance. When we booked the 2024 dates, I believe Labelexpo had yet to publish their dates. In fact, I recall most of us were disappointed we could not have the event in October, as is traditional and our attendees plan for. It is important to note that the Alliance did not select these dates intentionally to coincide with Labelexpo.

L&NW: As CEO and managing director of Durst North America, when you look at Labelexpo and PRINTING United Expo, how do you think they are positioned to support your needs as one of the largest OEMs serving multiple markets?
TS: PRINTING United Expo and Labelexpo each serve unique needs for us at Durst. What you’re looking at is new convergent opportunities vs. an existing client legacy event. Each has its own role in the marketplace, and we have a duty to serve the industry at both with our widespread technology suite. PRINTING United Expo allows us to expose and sell our full suite of products and solutions, including the Tau, for example, to those looking to expand their application offerings by getting into the label segment. We expect to have an exceptional 2024 Labelexpo and will be able to meet with current clients who are more deeply engrained in the segment.

L&NW: Your R&D strategy seems to serve all markets. Given that PRINTING United Expo’s model supports all print segments, does that provide an advantage for you?
TS: Tricky question. Largely, yes, but with limitations. PRINTING United Expo allows us to showcase much of our equipment to a variety of verticals and helps with education on how businesses can diversify and scale under one roof. For OEMs, the cost of tradeshows are very high and growing. Like all businesses, we must decide how to spend our resources best. Any time different verticals can come together, allowing us to talk to multiple segments at one event is increasingly beneficial. 

L&NW: Please share your success and experience at PRINTING United Expo 2023.
TS: PRINTING United 2023 was an incredible event. One important aspect for this readership is that we confirmed the growing demand for label printers within the traditional wide-format segment. The show’s attendance, activities, and vibe were impressive, and the interest in our products was excellent.  Furthermore, with higher interest rates, geopolitical issues, and global instability, seeing our industry as strong as ever was reassuring and, honestly, just fun.

L&NW: We’ve learned about some of the Alliance’s programs and services, including its work on the Hill. As an Alliance board member, can you tell us a bit about the strategy and vision behind the support?
TS: Absolutely. The Alliance continues to serve as the voice of the printing industry. The industry requires strong leadership and the ability to have comments on the record on potentially critical legislation and issues that could affect our industry. As the largest and most comprehensive trade association for printing, the Alliance has stepped up to ensure that printing operations are supported to the very best degree possible through monitoring and commentary from the experts at the Alliance.

L&NW: As an Alliance board member, can you share your thoughts on the overall mission and more about your personal involvement?
TS: Sure. I spend a lot of effort keeping a low profile in the industry and at Durst. It is more my nature. At Durst, there is an incredible team of engineers making great products, led by a visionary leader, Christoph Gamper. In North America, I have been able to build up, and am now surrounded by, the most talented group of sales and service professionals. It is easy to keep a low profile.

But the Alliance, and what we must do for the industry, is a much different task.  The Alliance has a goal – an obligation, in my view – to educate and ensure the ongoing value of our industry.  To support areas such as employment, output, legal challenges, and overall economic contribution.  To be a resource and support growth. We must help the print community with a continuous improvement mindset. And, the board must embody the same ideals.  Like Durst, like most readers, PRINTING United Alliance must continue to challenge itself and evolve for the good of our industry. I believe we are doing that and will continue to do so.