With its new Rapida press generation, Koenig & Bauer offers proud proof of the power of industrial design. The new flagship of the company’s sheetfed offset portfolio has already picked up two coveted design awards. And consistent implementation of a brand management concept has likewise earned praise from competition jury members. The good news crowned the virtual fair event Koenig & Bauer LIVE.
The presentation of the Red Dot Design Award on 22nd June kicked off the second week of Koenig & Bauer LIVE. Broadcast as an online stream, the event was a perfect opportunity for the company to showcase its latest product innovations for the print industry. One undisputed highlight was the new Rapida press generation for the sheetfed offset segment. “Our newly developed machine will set new standards in the printshop, not only technically but also in its design,” said a clearly delighted Ralf Sammeck, member of the executive board of Koenig & Bauer and chief executive officer of the Sheetfed business unit, during the product presentation.
Clear lines, generous glass surfaces and an overall appearance characterised by the brand colours of Koenig & Bauer also convinced the jury of the international Red Dot Design Award. They identified the Rapida as the “Best of the Best” in its category and honoured this achievement with the competition’s top prize. In addition, Koenig & Bauer was already announced as a winner of the iF Design Award for the new Rapida generation in February. The award ceremony at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin was originally planned for May but then fell victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the new generation of its sheetfed offset presses, the oldest press manufacturer in the world has added yet another decisive aspect to the relaunch of the Koenig & Bauer brand which began in 2017. In terms of machine design, too, the company is committed to strengthening this brand identity. “Consistent implementation of the brand identity, also with regard to product design, underlines Koenig & Bauer’s claim as a leading partner to the print industry,” says Dagmar Ringel, head of corporate communication and marketing at Koenig & Bauer.
