The Middle East region will signal demand for production of super wide format billboards as well as point of purchase (POP) displays in the next five years, said Jacky’s Gulf, an authorised reseller of HP printers in the Gulf Region.

Jacky’s statement comes ahead of the 'Sign and Graphic Imaging 2010,' a specialised event dedicated to the Middle East’s signage, outdoor media, screen and digital printing industries, which begins in Dubai on Monday.

"Last year, we have seen a shift in customer profile where the digital printing service provider is really growing. There was an increased focus on some customers who were looking at solutions that will best complement their existing setup for continuous growth," said Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer, Jacky’s Group of Companies.

The company is set to showcase its wide portfolio of products including the latest Latex Ink-based printer from HP at the three-day expo.

“Many of our traditional customers had only solvent printers and moved onto using flatbed digital UV printers as they were provided with a whole new set of applications for them to target other sectors such as the interior design market, POP displays,” he noted.

During the exhibition, Jacky’s Gulf will highlight the HP Designjet L25500 printer, the latest printer that uses HP Latex Inks and HP Thermal Inkjet printing technologies to provide the best printing experience for low-volume Print Service Providers producing outdoor and indoor applications.

Offering print service providers with print durability comparable to eco-solvent inks, the HP Designjet L25500 enables users to significantly reduce the impact of printing on the environment, and increase customer value.

The water-based HP Latex Inks provide the benefits of solvent-ink technology and emit extremely low levels of volatile organic compounds. This allows us to provide our costumers with sustainable solutions for event branding and exhibit graphics projects.

"In this year’s exhibition, we will be able to display different product categories from entry to medium to production products in both roll to roll and flatbed technology."

"Currently, HP is the only manufacturer in the world to have an eco-friendly green solution using the Latex ink technology. The launch of L25500 printer allows HP to move and target the mass-market segment of large-format printers, he added.-TradeArabia News Service