For several years before the war, many graphic arts businesses in Iraq relied on solutions from Muller Martini. Now Al Shohada as a start-up company has invested in systems from the Swiss machine manufacturer, for the graphic arts industry in Iraq is once again growing after the changes to its political system. This full-service prepress, printing house and finishing company was founded under the Iraqi Prime Minister with the objective of providing relatives of victims of war with a place to work. The proceeds from the sales of the graphic arts products are used to directly support victims of the war.

(From left) Elie Hamaty (Sales Manager at Muller Martini’s representation Middle East Graphics), Alois Hochstrasser (Director of Muller Martini Marketing AG), Makki A.M. Al-Kilidar (Deputy Manager at Al-Thora Trad. & Printing Serv. Est.), Liwaa Al Qadhy (Trading Consultant) and René Thüler (Sales Manager at Muller Martini) shake hands at Muller Martini's booth at the drupa.

“Muller Martini has an excellent reputation in our country,” says Makki A.M. Al-Kilidar, Deputy Manager of Al-Thora Trad. & Printing Serv. Est., which specializes in the graphic arts industry in Iraq and provides the machines for Al Shohada, explaining the reason behind the choice for the new systems.  During the drupa, Al-Kilidar signed the agreement for the delivery of an AmigoPlus perfect binder, an Esprit three-knife trimmer and a Presto A90 saddle stitcher, on which books and magazines will be bound and stitched.