From pre-press, offset and digital printing to finishing, the over 40 machines in the recently established graphic arts institute in Jeddah are all equipped with the latest technology. Accordingly, there is a fast growing interest in the popular training center, one of four such institutions in Saudi Arabia (with two others in the capital, Riyadh, and one in Damman). With the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, Saudi Arabia is pursuing its goal to be one of the global leaders in technical and vocational education.

Mohammed M. Alsoubae (left), Deputy Director of the Printing Division at the 2nd  Industrial Institute in Jeddah: “The graphic arts industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia needs well-trained people.” Right: Jawad Mustapha Hachicho, General Manager of Muller Martini’s representation in Saudi Arabia, Yousef Al Sanad Trading Est.

“Each year, the training center in Jeddah alone receives 200 applications from Saudi Arabia for the three-year, parallel program, but we can only accommodate 70 trainees,” says Mohammed M. Alsoubae, Assistant Manager of Printing – this shows how popular the graphic arts industry is in Saudi Arabia. “Our industry needs well-trained people,” emphasizes Mohammed M. Alsoubae. “That is why our students have to be up to date on the latest technological developments.”

This public institute, founded 35 years ago, has a correspondingly complex evaluation procedure for the new machines in its workshop. Before the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation chose the Primera C110 with four feeders, a cover feeder and a three-knife trimmer, representatives of the school had the opportunity to take a closer look at the saddle stitcher from Muller Martini at several trade shows.

“The many ideas provided by Mr. Jawad were extremely helpful to us,” says Mr. Alsoubae. Mr. Jawad Mustapha Hachicho, General Manager at Muller Martini’s representation in Saudi Arabia, Yousef Al Sanad Trading Est., is proud of the fact that the school chose the Primera C110: “For Muller Martini, this choice is particularly important because many graduates of the program go on to work in leading positions in the graphic arts industry in Saudi Arabia.”