A modular hybrid inkjet press from Focus Label Machinery has been installed at Last Bros (Allprint) Ltd. The d-Flex will expand the printer’s flexo capacity to digital as part of its labels division.
The ‘One+One’ configuration, developed and manufactured by Focus at its Bingham site, in Nottinghamshire, incorporates the latest KM1800i printheads from Konica Minolta in the inkjet print module. The press can reach production speeds of up to 70m/min and has also been configured with two flexo stations, lamination and rotary die-cutting, offering Last Bros the flexibility of full print and converting inline.
Sales and marketing executive, Dean Latchford, said the installation will continue ‘a rebirth’ for the business. ‘The self-contained unit [the d-Flex] will augment and improve on our existing flexo machinery. This is a great step in the right direction for us and the technology will make us that much more competitive,’ he stated.
James Thomas, Focus business development and marketing manager, commented, ‘This is a great installation for us and it was an enjoyable project as the customer was very open to new ideas.’ He continued, ‘The specification gives Last Bros absolute flexibility in the market they serve and will consolidate and generate new business for them, we wish them huge success.’
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Cheshunt-based company was established in 1948 by brothers Ken & Alan Last. David Lee, managing director at Focus, added, ‘To be trading for 70 years and to be investing in new technology speaks volumes.’
