In 1989, the Graphic Arts Materials Division (GAM) was founded as a unique organization serving the European printing industry, mainly with solutions created by Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd. With about 12,400 printing companies in Germany employing some 197,000 people, the printing industry is a typical medium-sized branch of industry. However, as printed publications continue to be the major medium for information exchange, the printing business remains a key industry.
The GAM division provides full services to its clients, including logistics and technical support through its own engineers. Since the division’s start-up, we have cultivated a market in Europe for special offset printing plates called Mitsubishi SILVER DIGIPLATE, which are better known as “Polyesterplates”. We sell these in combination with equipment for plate production. Today, about 2,000 companies are using Polyesterplates for small format printing in the “2-up Computer-to-Plate” segment, signaling that we have finally become the market leader in this area.
By broadening and reshaping our product portfolio with IT solutions, we are aiming to add more value to our products and to increase sales volume. The challenge in the near future will be to strengthen our market position and to duplicate our previous successes, especially in emerging markets such as the Czech Republic and Poland.
The Christmas market is a cherished tradition in Germany. Toward the end of November, large Christmas trees are put up in town squares across the country. A variety of stalls selling holiday treats and ornaments are set up around the tree. Here it is common for people to enjoy a drink called Gluehwein: a heated red wine containing a variety of Christmas spices like cinnamon and clove. Although Gluehwein can trigger a coughing spell if gulped down hot, it can certainly warm you from the inside when sipped on a cold winter’s day. In addition to old standbys like German sausages, there are also stalls selling local specialties. These stalls commonly operate in the same location year after year. The Christmas market is definitely the hottest event for anyone in Germany in December.
 Spacious lounge-style cafes featuring sofas and a relaxing atmosphere have become popular in Germany lately. Cafes in a wide variety of styles are popping up, including those with Moroccan furnishings and the atmosphere of a distant foreign land. Two drinks that are currently popular in Germany are latte macchiato and peppermint tea. Latte macchiato—a blend of coffee and milk prepared Italian-style—is a well-known drink for Germans. Peppermint tea is made by simply adding hot water to a cup filled with peppermint leaves; it smells great and is very refreshing. Both are served in large cups and are perfect for taking a relaxing break.
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