Episode 334 - GIS and the Hard Engineering of Inkjet Progress with Steve Williamson, Global Inkjet Systems

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman speaks with Steve Williamson, CEO of Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), about leadership, technology, market change and the future direction of industrial inkjet.

Steve reflects on his four years at GIS, having joined the business from outside the inkjet sector after a career in RF, defence and security. He shares how his initial assumptions about the market changed as he came to understand the complexity of industrial inkjet and the engineering challenges behind print quality, reliability and integration.

The conversation explores the role of GIS as an enabling technology partner, providing drive electronics, ink systems and software for a wide range of applications, from textiles, ceramics and labels to additive manufacturing, aerospace and complex direct-to-shape printing.

Steve also discusses his leadership style, the importance of building a strong senior team, and the need for commercial discipline, profitability and portfolio clarity. He explains how GIS is strengthening product management, improving testing and stability, and diversifying across regions and applications to build resilience.

Looking ahead, the discussion turns to partnerships, collaboration and the need for the inkjet sector to work more effectively across the value chain. Steve highlights growing interest in robotics, complex 3D shapes and applications beyond conventional print.

With GIS approaching its 20th anniversary, this is a thoughtful conversation about the hard engineering, teamwork and strategic focus required to move inkjet forward.