Sun Moves Gravure Inks Production To Rochdale

Sun Chemical is investing in a new manufacturing facility at its Rochdale (UK) production of publication gravure inks.

Sun Chemical is investing in a new manufacturing facility at its Rochdale (UK) production of publication gravure inks.

The new facility will see the phased relocation of publication gravure ink production from Watford to Rochdale during the early part of 2006.

On completion, the new operation will substantially increase Sun Chemical's gravure manufacturing capacity to ensure it can meet the future demands of the market, said Sun.

In 2003, Sun Chemical gave an early indication to its staff, unions, customers and suppliers that the Watford site would close.

The new Rochdale site is strategically situated to service Sun Chemical's existing customer operations as well as the Polestar operation at Sheffield and the planned Avarto development in Merseyside, believes the company.

Rochdale is already a key production centre for the manufacture of solvent-based and water-based flexographic inks for the European packaging industry and the site also houses a new laboratory facility, incorporating a research and development operation that was built in 2000 to support both businesses.

Demolition of old warehouse buildings on the site began before Christmas to create the required space needed for the new gravure facility.

The design will incorporate designated manufacturing and raw material storage and a tank farm for the storage of finished inks and intermediates, added the company.

The plant's process controls will drive dedicated lines for colour, varnish and extenders.

In addition senior technical personnel will be relocating to Rochdale to guarantee customers continuity of quality and product consistency which has been a trademark of the brand, said Sun.

Charles Murray, Sun Chemical Europe's corporate vice president and group managing director in charge of the UK, said: "This investment is fundamental in ensuring Sun Chemical is aligned with the future growth of the publication gravure business.

The new operation at Rochdale will re-enforce our commitment and leadership in this sector and cater for the growing re-emergence of publication gravure as a high quality commercial printing process for the future.".

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