Centurion-based Richflex, an end-to-end flexible packaging solution service provider, recently installed a BOBST VISION CI flexographic packaging solution, which was facilitated by Beswick Machinery.
An official launch of the machine took place at Richflex on June 25, which also gave Beswick Machinery the opportunity to host an open house event for its customers.
The VISION CI is designed to deliver the most efficient performance for all production lengths on a wide range of substrates. Fast to set-up and change over, it features technical innovations and automation that ensure repeatable process consistency, minimum waste and easy manufacturing. It is ideal for converters looking to add a powerful and reliable production tool to their operation.
BOBST representatives from around the world gave various presentations at the event. Eric Pavone, Business Director AFMETR, BOBST, highlighted some industry trends, including a change in consumer behaviour following COVID and with that the rise of e-commerce; the trend of sustainability gaining traction and with the resulting desire for more recyclable solutions such as paper-based products, as well as shorter delivery times; and the ever-evolving offerings from Industry 4.0, such as digitalisation and automation.
Pavone also added that the South African market is short-to medium run oriented, for which the BOBST Vision CI Flexographic packaging solution is ideally suited.
Dr Hussein Cassim, CEO and owner of Richflex, outlined the features of the BOBST Vision CI flexo press, and how they will enhance operational productivity for his company: ‘Over and above what normal flexographic printers offer, this machine is ideal for extended colour gamut (ECG) printing thanks to smartGPS that perfectly manages impression settings and register regardless of operator ability, and allows us to reach up to 92% of the Pantone spectrum using a fixed ink set, which minimises ink press returns and the associated impact on the environment. Printing with ECG also allows for extremely short job start-up, higher running speeds and a lot less raw material waste.’
‘With packaging (buyers), the most important features are speed, price, quality and service. We pride ourselves on quality and service, but with this machine now we can offer better production, and better capabilities in print quality at competitive prices,’ said Dr Cassim. ‘This allows us to tap into and access the larger companies that are looking for good quality and reliability in terms of high capacity and high productivity. A lot of brand owners have reached out knowing that we have this capability, and we are now able to access some of the corporate, bigger multinationals, not just smaller companies to which we were traditionally able to sell.’
Dr Cassim also commented on the service from Beswick Machinery: ‘We have had an amazing relationship from the very beginning. Their guidance, support and advice helped us to to choose the right equipment, to mediate between Europe and us, and over the last nine months they have held our hand to bring this cutting edge technology to our doorstep.’
Bruce Beswick, managing director of Beswick Machinery, said, ‘Our company is a little over 40 years old, and is part of the Beswick Group of companies. The first company was started by my mother in 1976 and today the group employs about 150 people. We represent some of the world’s leading equipment for printing and packaging.’
Dennis Hughhill, regional sales director at BOBST Manchester, gave a presentation on sustainability, with an emphasis on BOBST’s oneBARRIER FibreCYCLE solutions, while Giovanni Caprioglio, sales director coating, BOBST, discussed the company’s lamination, coating and gravure solutions.
The event concluded with a demonstration of the BOBST VISION CI flexo press, which was done by Michael Steggemann, technology sales manager, CI Flexo, BOBST and Oliver Leithäuser, competence centre manager, CI Flexo, BOBST.
BESWICK MACHINERY – BOBST AUTHORISED AGENT SOUTHERN AFRICA
+27 11 433 2686
bmmarketing@beswick.co.za
www.beswick.co.za
