Ahead of the FESPA World Wrap Masters Europe 2021, we caught up with judge Kiss Lajos to find out about his hopes for the event and why people should come along to watch the final.
Hello Kiss! Thanks for speaking with us. Can you start off by giving us a bit of an insight into your history in the wrapping sector?
Our business, FixFolia, is based in our hometown in Sopron in Hungary and we do everything from plot text to custom full vehicle wraps. We have all the equipment you need to produce everything in house, so that way we don’t have to rely on other companies.
Most of the jobs we do are colour change and while we do a lot of commercial wrapping and paint protection film (PPF) work, at the moment we are working on bigger projects that involve wrapping trains.
Sounds like you’re incredibly busy! How did you come to be involved in the World Wrap Masters?
My first time with the Wrap Masters was in 2011 when I was competing, after reading about the event in a magazine. I find it hard to believe it’s already 10 years since this; time really does fly by!
I love competing, so I was searching immediately for the next opportunity. After five years of competing, I was asked to switch to the “dark side” and become one of the judges.
How important do you think the World Wrap Masters are to the industry?
I think it is really important. It is a perfect platform to watch and learn, as well as share your passion for wrapping, build your network and make new friends. As people like to compete, they push their limits further and further, so you see year after year that the skill of the competitors rises fast.
They always pick up new tips and tricks from each other and they also follow each other on social media to learn even more. So, during the pandemic when most of us were having to work from home, being in constant contact with your wrapping friends made the whole experience easier.
Excellent! With that in mind, how much are you looking forward to this year’s event and what are your main hopes for the final?
Covid meant it is a long time that we last had a competition, so I am really looking forward to having it. I hope a lot of people will come and enjoy the show, while I also hope that we see some new competitors along with some veterans of the event!
Finally, why should companies consider entering the event in the future?
First of all, I think the exhibition itself is already worth the visit. You can meet most of the major manufacturers, as well as see and try the latest materials, and find out more about the latest trends in the industry.
For the competition, I think it is good to take part because if their workers are not at the top level, they can learn a lot from the others. If they already have a high level of skill, then it is a good opportunity to become the best wrapper of the year!
There are still a few available places in the competition. Compete against the best wrappers in Europe and register now to compete in the World Wrap Masters Europe 2021, taking place 12th - 15th October at the RAI exhibition centre in Amsterdam.