The rise of Chinese printers

Chinese printing companies are on the rise, and have their eyes set on the UK and EU marketplace. Some have made an instant impact; others are running into issues with maintenance and language barriers. What does the future hold for Chinese printing firms, and how can you navigate working with them?

The global printing industry has witnessed significant shifts in recent years, with Chinese printing firms emerging as formidable players on the international stage and not just domestically.

Chinese manufacturers are making notable inroads in the UK. A striking indicator of this development is the upcoming FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 in Berlin, where the number of Chinese exhibitors has doubled compared to 2024. This underscores the growing influence of Chinese printing technology in the European market, but such growth also comes with challenges – both for those firms, and for printers looking to use their equipment.

Chinese printing firms: notable success stories

Chinese companies have arrived in the market offering a diverse range of equipment that competes on both quality and price with more established firms. Two prominent examples are HanGlory Group and Liyu, both of which have made significant strides in establishing their presence in Europe.

HanGlory Group has grabbed attention for its innovative printing solutions. Their debut in 2024 showcased their commitment to high-quality, efficient printing technology. The company's focus on integrating advanced digital printing capabilities has positioned it as a competitive alternative to established Western brands. 

Liyu has adopted a strategic approach by combining Chinese manufacturing prowess with localised European operations. The establishment of a German subsidiary aims to facilitate better service and support for European customers. This move addresses common concerns about after-sales service and technical support, making Liyu's products more appealing to the European market. But that’s far from the only consideration for those thinking of working with Chinese printing tech.

Challenges of integrating Chinese printing technology in the UK

While the affordability of Chinese printing equipment is an attractive headline, UK print must consider several challenges when integrating this technology into their operations.

One of the primary obstacles is the language barrier. Technical manuals, software interfaces and customer support services are often primarily available in Chinese, leading to potential misunderstandings during installation, operation and troubleshooting. This gap can result in increased downtime and operational inefficiencies that can hurt a company’s bottom line.

Compatibility and standards are another concern. Chinese equipment may not always align seamlessly with EU or UK standards and existing systems. Differences in electrical specifications, software compatibility and safety standards can pose challenges. Without proper alignment, printers might face issues integrating new machinery into their current workflows.

After-sales support and maintenance is something many printers take for granted, and the absence of local distributors or service centres can lead to prolonged downtimes in the event of equipment failures. Shipping replacement parts from China can be time-consuming, and the lack of local engineering support exacerbates the problem. This situation underscores the importance of accessible maintenance and repair services.

Similarly, long shipping times and complex installation processes are additional considerations. Without local support, UK companies might struggle with the initial setup and calibration of new equipment, delaying production schedules and impacting profitability.

Despite these challenges, some Chinese firms have successfully penetrated the UK market by addressing these specific concerns. Liyu for example, has reacted to a growth in demand for its range by opening a Custom Build & Service Centre in the UK. This facility acts as a showroom but also lets customers tailor and configure the machines they wish to order. It also helps in terms of technical and after-sales support.

Equally, by partnering with established UK distributors, Liyu is ensuring that its products meet local standards and customer expectations. This facilitates smoother integration of their equipment into existing print shops, addressing compatibility and compliance issues effectively.

How to successfully integrate Chinese printing equipment

For UK printers considering Chinese printing equipment, certain measures can mitigate potential challenges and maximise the benefits. Start with doing your due diligence – conduct thorough research on potential suppliers. Assess their reputation, quality standards and track record in international markets. Engaging with existing users of the equipment can provide valuable insights into performance and reliability that will help you make your choice.

It’s also a good idea to prioritise manufacturers that offer local service centres or have established partnerships with UK-based distributors. This local presence ensures timely support, maintenance and access to spare parts, crucial for cutting operational disruptions. While a bargain price might grab your attention, you need to ensure there aren’t any upcoming issues. 

You’ll also want to invest in training for staff to effectively operate and maintain new equipment. Manufacturers that provide training programmes and comprehensive English-language manuals can really ease the transition to new machinery. You might also consider pilot testing the equipment. This approach allows for the identification and resolution of potential issues without impacting the overall production process.

The next step for Chinese printing firms

For Chinese printing firms to solidify their position in the UK and broader European markets, they’ve got some way to go – there’s more to deep market penetration than low cost.

Establishing local service infrastructure, as Liyu is doing, is a good start. Developing local service centres staffed with trained engineers can address maintenance and repair concerns. This infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to customer support and builds trust among potential clients, as do training programmes.

Forming joint ventures with local companies can facilitate technology transfer and adaptation to local standards too. Such collaborations can lead to products that are better suited to the specific needs of the UK market. Ensuring that all products meet UK and European Union standards is also crucial. This compliance not only simplifies the integration process for customers but also enhances the manufacturer's reputation for quality and reliability, something it will need to compete with the established US and European printing giants.