FESPA Expands As Japanese Association Joins

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team Aug 14, 2007

The Japanese Screen Printers Association (JSPA) has joined FESPA as an associate member.

JSPA's members will now have access to FESPA's range of educational, training and best-practice development tools, as well as having the opportunity to participate in international projects currently in development.

FESPA added that, in turn, the organisation will benefit from stronger links with the Japanese printing industry, making easier the information exchange on new technology and applications, new products, environmental regulations and market trends.

Formed in 1972 in Tokyo, JSPA consists of 11 regional associations representing over 200 print service providers.

The JSPA undertakes a range of activities on behalf of its members, such as liaison with government agencies, promotion of government measures for assisting small-to-medium sized companies, as well as education and the exchange of information between overseas organisations.

The JSPA's links with other trade associations in Japan also provide a resource to the country's screen printing industry.

JSPA chairman, Tokuo Uchida, said: "At the JSPA we pride ourselves on the ability to provide our members a wealth of information and resources.

Now, as an associate member of FESPA, we will be able to offer even greater value thanks to the international links and expertise that FESPA stands for." FESPA's chief executive officver, Nigel Steffens, commented: "Japan's screen and digital printing industry is vibrant and diverse.

Not only have Japanese equipment manufacturers delivered remarkable advances to the world market, the country's print service providers are highly skilled and are setting fine examples in applying the screen printing process to industrial sectors, such as packaging and electronics." He added: "The Asia-Pacific region as a whole is significant in the global screen and digital printing markets and FESPA is committed to expanding its reach and influence in to this region in cooperation with our associate members, as evidenced by the launch of our FESPA Asia-Pacific exhibition in Thailand next November.

We believe that this important partnership with the JSPA will be mutually beneficial and we greatly look forward to working with our new associate member in the months ahead.".