Africa Print was invited by labelling service provider Ren-Flex on 20 April to attend the launch of its new production facility, which features the flagship HP Indigo 20000 digital press, purchased from local distributor Kemtek Imaging Systems. This is the first installation of the machine in Southern Africa, and is currently the only HP Indigo 20000 used solely for the production of in-mould labelling worldwide.
The vast, climate-controlled facility also incorporates offset and digital printing technologies, plus Schober die-cutting machines, and has been designed to create a seamless workflow, from raw material receiving to finished product dispatch.
According to MD, Tommy du Sart, this is the Ren-Form group’s largest technology investment to date, indicating his team’s commitment to delivering excellence to the market. ‘I’m positive that our customers won’t be able to differentiate between the quality of digital and litho once they see what we produce,’ he remarked during his welcome speech. ‘And, thanks to our skilled staff and the support of our industry partners, HP and Kemtek, we will ensure that this quality is continuously delivered.’
During the launch event guests were given a guided tour of the plant, which also houses two offset printing presses, a Drent Goebel Vision nine-colour reel-to-reel press with in-line perforation and VSOP 850 plus two modern Schober die-cutting systems. Du Sart also announced that they have just purchased another Schober die-cutting system that will seamlessly integrate with the new HP 20000’s maximum size capacity.
Ren-Flex COO, Albe Naude, thanked his factory team for their ongoing assistance and support, detailing the complexity of the machine installations and the establishment of stringent print procedures. Following the tour, guests were able to view numerous label samples produced by Ren-Flex, encompassing food, beverage, household and cosmetic products.
