Koenig & Bauer took its bicentenary celebrations to Wuxi in a special event for the Chinese printing industry.

Some 200 from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan attended the anniversary celebrations, with another 80 customers sending greetings by video, with proceedings also including a panel discussion of future trends for the industry.

Guests were welcomed by Walter Zehner, chief executive of Koenig & Bauer Greater China, and Dietmar Heyduck, who is senior sales vice president of KBA-Sheetfed, recognising China's position as the division's highest-volume market.

Heyduck emphasised the importance of authenticity, still a guiding principle for Koenig & Bauer as it enters its third century. He promised continued innovation geared to print's future, and introduced the group's new brand image, which aims to convey the strength of a tradition-steeped brand.

Lu Chang An, vice president of Chinese printing industry association PEIAC, wished Koenig & Bauer all the best on its company anniversary and presented a special gift to the hosts.

Seven panellists joined Heyduck and Zehner to explore trends they expect to shape the future of the print industry in China, with environmental protection, Industry 4.0, networking and digitisation high on the agenda. Against the background of increasing labour and material costs, productivity and automation are becoming foremost priorities in China, something reflected in recent deliveries of highly automated presses.