Demand Spurs Carton Company To Buy 6-Colour Press

Increasing demand in the competitive carton and packaging sector has led Gateshead (UK) firm Integrated Packaging to order its fourth Komori B1 press - a six-colour Lithrone LS40 with coater.

Increasing demand in the competitive carton and packaging sector has led Gateshead (UK) firm Integrated Packaging to order its fourth Komori B1 press - a six-colour Lithrone LS40 with coater.

The press, which is due to be installed in March, will join two other Lithrones on the 120,000 square metre factory floor.

The purchase is part of a GBP2.2 million investment programme in print and finishing technology, which combined with strong sales and marketing strategies, has seen sales grow at a rate of 11.7 per cent over the past year.

Turnover is estimated to be around GBP16 million.

Managing director of Integrated Packaging, Alan Hall, said: "Business in the carton and packaging sectors has become very competitive over the past few years and pricing and turn-around issues are a priority feature of this market.

To maintain our leading edge we need to consistently employ the latest technology and efficient methods of production.

The investment in the latest Lithrone LS640 and coater is the latest step in this process." Hall said the company has ordered the new six-colour B1 press to cope with increased demands for more material and faster delivery.

He commented: "The turn-around time between artwork arriving and the launch date of the packaging has decreased rapidly during recent years, resulting in the need for more capacity.

We run the presses 24 hours-a-day and their performance is excellent, which is why we have ordered the third press.

The added capacity for spot varnishing in-line makes a considerable contribution to greater in-house production efficiencies.

We print six colours in UV to eliminate curing and increase drying times to meet the tight delivery dates." Hall continued: "We chose Komori because we have developed a close relationship with the company over the past eight years.

We are comfortable in the knowledge that it is extremely responsive and provides excellent advice and continuing service.

We are a family business and we understand the crucial importance of strong business relationships." Integrated Packaging is an approved supplier to all major supermarket chains in the UK.

The company was established 29 years ago and employs 140 staff.

Along with the retail and supermarket sectors, which accounts for over 90 per cent of the company's business, the 'design-complex' confectionery and engineering sectors are also significant for the company.

Steve Turner, sales manager for Komori UK, said: "Komori has enjoyed a good working relationship with Integrated Packaging for a number of years and we are thrilled that it has confirmed an order for its fourth Komori 40-inch press to meet increased demand from its major supermarket client base.".

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