LFP - Large-Format-Printing

New Investment at AHA!Print: Agfa Wide-Format Printing System Anapurna Ciervo H3200

Wednesday 22. May 2024 - For more than 10 years, German print service provider AHA!print has been located in Plankstadt, between Mannheim and Heidelberg. The company is led by the two managing directors, photo laboratory technician Adam Hofert and media designer Alexander Hofert.

The basis of the company’s philosophy is to give the best for every order – regardless of the volume of the respective customer request and always with a high-quality standard.
The portfolio includes advertising technology, digital printing, XXL printing, and display systems.
Adam Hofert started in a 70 m² garage with a darkroom. His son Alexander began supporting his father at the age of 14. His training as a media designer took place in a competing company. “For me, it was important to learn the details from scratch and also to gain insight into another company and its processes,” says Alexander Hofert. Alexander Hofert stayed there for a total of six years, but also supported his father ‘on the side’ during this time until the decision was made to enter the family business 100%. In 2007, the move to larger premises and the switch to Mimaki roll printers took place. At that time, the focus of the orders was on roll printing.
The first contact with Agfa was made at the viscom trade fair in Frankfurt, and the idea arose to offer plate media in addition to rolls to expand the spectrum for current and future customers. In the initial considerations, the Anapurna H2500 seemed a bit oversized. Today, the Anapurna is often referred to as a ‘game changer’ in the company’s history. During the Corona period, it proved to be an opportunity, as a lacquering system for plastic panels was added as a supplement for further processing.
Blick in die Plattenproduktion
In 2023, the decision was made to compensate for growth with a new investment. With the planned new building, the production and processing area will increase from 300 to 1,000 m². Alexander Hofert says, “It was clear to us that we would speak to Agfa again as a partner here. We have had very good experiences with the Agfa team over the past six years. There was a solution for any issue within 24 hours at the latest. We particularly like the process for technical issues: fault diagnosis, immediate parts dispatch if needed, and the service technician is already on site the next day.”
“We particularly like the process for technical issues: fault diagnosis, immediate parts dispatch if needed, and the service technician is already on site the next day.”
Alexander Hofert summarizes: “Our customers are used to quality, and changing machine manufacturers is rather difficult. ‘Never change a winning team’. The Anapurna Ciervo fits perfectly with our needs and into the new premises. Quality and higher speed convinced us. It’s great how Mr. Augustin has supported us technically and professionally in our decision here.”