Phil McMullin · Head of Sales · EPSON · The Print Show 2025
Wayne from Inkish caught up with Phil McMullin from Epson at The Print Show in Birmingham, where the aisles were lively and the atmosphere upbeat. Fresh from Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, where Epson drew strong crowds around its new digital label press, Phil arrived at the NEC with a very different showcase — one designed to highlight just how broad Epson’s offering to the UK print market has become.
He began by noting that Epson’s reputation was originally built on proofing and photographic excellence, with the company long recognized for color consistency and image quality. Today, that same expertise underpins a much wider portfolio spanning signage, graphics, customization, and textile applications. On the stand this year were multiple roll-to-roll printers using eco-solvent, resin, and aqueous inks for everything from posters to POS; T-Series devices for high-quality aqueous output; and a growing family of UV flatbeds — including the compact V1000 and the larger B7000 — offering white ink, spot varnish, and layered 3D effects ideal for promotional, industrial, and décor markets.
Epson also showcased its expanding label printing range, reflecting both print-for-pay and on-demand manufacturing opportunities. In addition, the company placed strong emphasis on the booming textile sector, running live demos of its direct-to-film (DTF) and direct-to-garment (DTG) solutions alongside roll-to-roll fabric printers for decor, soft signage, wallpaper, and upholstery. All of it, Phil emphasized, is built on Epson’s own printheads, inks, and chassis — ensuring total control over quality and reliability.
Asked about Epson’s unique position as both a printhead supplier and a printer manufacturer, Phil clarified that the company carefully manages potential conflicts by supplying earlier-generation printheads to OEM partners while reserving the latest heads and firmware for Epson-branded systems. The result is an ecosystem where innovation at the core — in printhead design, firmware, and color science — drives every device under the Epson banner.
Phil also discussed Epson’s acquisition of Fiery, calling it a natural fit that extends Epson’s reach into the cut-sheet production segment. The move, he said, complements rather than competes with Fiery’s existing OEM relationships and underlines Epson’s long-term strategic commitment to professional print.
On The Print Show itself, Phil praised organizer Chris Davies for building what he described as the strongest UK floorplan since IPEX, noting the importance of bringing all major OEMs back under one roof. He welcomed the introduction of the Sign Show alongside the print event, seeing synergy between the two audiences, and stressed the value of giving UK PSPs a “home show” to engage directly with technology suppliers.
Looking ahead, Phil hinted at a busy calendar of smaller focused events and customer open days at Epson’s new Lutterworth facility, a full-scale industrial demo center purpose-built to host large equipment — a step up from the company’s previous Hemel Hempstead premises.
In closing, he reflected on the importance of supporting local exhibitions, saying the more big names there are, the more reason there is for people to come out, explore the technology, and see the value firsthand. As the first day wound down, Epson’s stand was bustling — a testament to the company’s growing footprint across every corner of the print market, from labels and signage to textiles and industrial décor.
