59 Issue 248 - August / September 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk MARKET TRENDS / VEHICLE WRAPPING applicator community,” Inigo comments. Duncan MacOwan, head of events and new media at FESPA, adds: “We are delighted with the quality of competitors from across the globe and the response from our community, who are so open in sharing their wealth of experience and engaged to learn from each other.” A Strong Sector One of the competitors that featured in the grand final this year was Michael Szwacki, the director of MEK Wrap Squad, who won the World Wrap Masters UK and Ireland at the first edition of WrapFest earlier this year. This was the second consecutive year he has won a regional event after clinching victory at the World Wrap Masters Europe leg in 2022. Though Szwacki missed out on a spot in the final, missing out by a matter of points in the semi-final leg, he says the thrill of taking part means he could be back for more in 2024 – despite having previously said this would be his last time competing after ten years. “Up to the semi-final, I was leading by over 100 points, which is unheard of,” Szwacki says, adding: “But I made a very important strategic mistake in the semifinal and missed the final by seven points. It was very frustrating, but many people don’t understand how strict those competitions are; every single bit is pointed so choosing the correct strategy is very important. “I was saying to myself this is my last year of competing but I’m still very hungry for that one most important trophy so I’m not saying no yet, and you may see me again on the stage next year.” Offering insight into the market at MEK ▲ Grafityp says its solutions are suitable for wrapping all shapes and sizes of vehicle draw attention to some of the latest wrapping solutions from Grafityp. The company recently linked up with SOTT to launch an entire series of wrap films, consisting of over 60 colours and effects plus three printable and four laminate options. “This new series features the latest technologies, enhanced colour depth and more edgy solutions for wrappers looking to add all manner of effects with wrapping,” Jones says. Master Wrappers Swinging back to the FESPA World Wrap Masters, the grand final of this year’s event took place at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 in Germany. The competition pits wrappers from around the world against each other in regional events, with the winners of each facing off at the grand final. This year, Denmark’s Simon Manley Jokumsen was crowned the World Wrap Master 2023, having held off tough competition from other talented wrappers during the two-day event. Belgium, England, Finland, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, and Norway were also all represented in the final. Professionals in vehicle wrapping and detailing were invited to tackle a series of challenges as part of the prestigious competition. This year, this included wrapping motorbike helmets (Scorpian EXO-Combat) and a balloon dog statue. “I have been trying so many years now and finally I got it,” Jokumsen says, adding: “This is my sport, my hobby, I love it, ▼ Denmark’s Simon Manley Jokumsen was crowned the World Wrap Master 2023 winner Picture: FESPA and I do it every day. I have a burst in my stomach when I come here, I love it.” Judges this year included previous champions, Ivan Tenchev and Kiss Lajos, alongside guest judge Carlos Santana and EmCee Ole SolskinRavn. “There were some really amazing wrappers there with skill; we had master installers,” Tenchev said, adding that the competition is like a “family” and a good place to learn new skills and techniques, amplifying the importance of winning to finalists. Christophe Inigo, deputy sales director of Hexis, one of the event’s sponsors this year, also talked up the importance of the World Wrap Masters to the vehicle wrapping market and the wider industry. “We appreciate the value in supporting this important event as it brings us closer to the installers directly and our worldwide Michael Szwacki, director of MEK Wrap Squad, has been competing in the FESPA World Wrap Masters for ten years 10 Denmark, England, Finland, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, and Norway were represented in the World Wrap Masters 2023 final Factoid
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