New York: Signalling a landmark achievement for the UAE publishing sector, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Ingram’s Lightning Source have signed an agreement to bring the world’s best print-on-demand (POD) service to Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ).
The agreement was signed by HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, and Shawn Morin, President and CEO of Ingram Content Group, in the presence of John Ingram, Chairman of Ingram Industries, at the Book Expo America 2019.
HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, pointed out that the key objective of this agreement and partnership is for Sharjah to provide inclusive publishing services to the market in the UAE and region, in addition to providing tools and solutions that would enable publishers to start their businesses in Sharjah and expand internationally.
“Attracting this leading company from the USA to establish its business in Sharjah is the first step towards many agreements that will help in building a professional system of services in the publishing industry. This system will play a pivotal role in elevating the publishing industry which is witnessing a rapid development in Sharjah and the UAE. It will stimulate finding solutions to reduce the cost of storing, distribution, marketing and other challenges that face publishers,” he added.
Shawn Morin, President & CEO of Ingram Content Group, said: “We are pleased to have reached a terms agreement with the Sharjah Book Authority to open a print on demand facility in Sharjah. The addition of a Lighting Source location in Sharjah expands our global network of print on demand plants and will help publishers from all over the world reach their readers more quickly and efficiently in this important, and growing, market.”
Print-on-demand services have been a game changer for the publishing business, worldwide. Traditional printing methods had publishers print large quantities of titles pre-empting sales demand, which often incurred huge shipping and storage costs. The print-on-demand service eliminates these costs by offering publishers published materials in as less as 24 hours, which offers them the advantage of deciding print runs according to sales demand.
About Sharjah Publishing City:
Sharjah Publishing City was established in 2017 as the world’s very first publishing free zone offering those in the book industry the opportunity to capitalise on an array of benefits emerging from operating within a free zone environment. Further benefits also include the ideal location at the epicentre of the globe with all the advantages of having the MENA, African and Asian region’s marketplace to hand.
Investment in cultural and educational pursuits is high on the list of priorities for His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Thus, SPC has been established as a conduit of investment into creating a thriving book industry in the world. It keeps with the overall mission of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) to foster investment and growth in the publishing and printing sector within the UAE and the international community.
About Lightning Source (Ingram):
Ingram is the world’s largest print and distribution company working for the publishing sector. Lightning Source is part of the Ingram Group of companies that are internationally respected and a world leader in POD. Lightning Source offers publishers and individuals the opportunity to print 1 book or 10,000 – ready to be delivered in 24 hours.
Lightning Source connects publishers with the world's largest distribution channel of book wholesalers and retailers. In addition to distributing books through Ingram Book Company, Ingram/Lightning Source maintain relationships with the most comprehensive portfolio of booksellers serving consumers today.
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