The new Mark Andy Digital Series
Danish label converter FlexoPrint AS has installed a Mark Andy Digital Series press at its headquarters in Randers. The hybrid inkjet/flexo line is the first in the country and the company expect that as much as 80% of the work produced on the new press will be from new clients.
Commenting on the move into hybrid production, CEO Lars Ole Nauta said, ‘We know the flexo process well and see UV inkjet as a stable production platform and the best match for the quality our clients demand. To be able to secure the best of both from one manufacturer made the choice of Mark Andy an easy one.’
The company produces a wide range of single and multi-layer labels and tags on a variety of substrates from self-adhesive stock to film and foil, in up to eight colours. FlexoPrint’s business has been built on medium to long run work for large international commodity companies, where high levels of added value techniques are not always needed. This bucks the trend that many label converters are experiencing, where runs lengths are declining and more complex labels are in demand. ‘We see our job portfolio as a fundamental strength, but are also aware of the variety and diversification that digital capability will bring,’ added Mr Nauta.
Currently the company employs more than 120 staff across its sites, which include a Danish subsidiary, DES Labels in Århus, as well as two in Germany: H&P Etiketten in Salzbergen and recently bought TOM Etiketten in Greven.
Looking ahead, FlexoPrint sees continued growth and more development. On the technology side, apart from needing extra slitting capacity, Mr Nauta expects more medium and longer term investment in digital print technology. ‘We just need to prove it to ourselves and develop a strong commercial model – but there is no doubt that digital is the future,’ he concluded.
