Ultimate Packaging has invested £2 million in a new print press as part of an ongoing expansion drive.
The flexible packaging manufacturer, two-third's of whose work is in the fresh produce sector, has invested in a new BOBST 20SIX CS print press and announced further plans to invest in an additional laser perforation machine in January 2019.
The brand new print press will further increase print capacity, the company explained, allowing it to 'continue to be reactive and deliver to customers with responsive lead times'.
The new eight-colour press features a downstream unit for film coating with a web width of 1,300mm and speed of 500m/min, delivering consistency across a large range of substrates and applications. The press also allows Ultimate to print using water-based inks, as well as to print on a large range of different substrates and utilise different lacquers
“We are delighted to be putting our fourth Bobst 20SIX 8 colour flexo press into full production this week, following handover by the manufacturer's installation team,' said Ultimate's managing director Jeremy Hodson. 'Over the years, since our first 20SIX investment in 2012, followed by a further two presses in 2015, one with a down-stream unit, we have seen excellent improvements in both press efficiency and material waste reduction. Print quality and colour consistency have been excellent too.”
The new press is also fitted with state-of-the-art Graphic Positioning System (GPS) that allows reduced set-up times and waste.
The firm also has plans to invest in another new laser perforation machine in January 2019, which will work alongside Ultimate’s own ADAPT MAP, whichtailor makes laser perforation designs to specifically suit fresh produce respiration rates, allowing them to achieve optimal results in extending shelf life and freshness.
