PrintFlex Graphics, a flexographic printer located in St Louis, Missouri, has invested in a Gallus One digital label press, allowing the printer to tap into new markets and expand its sticker and label business.
Commencing operations in 1995, PrintFlex Graphics specialises in on-pack and in-pack promotions. As well as label and sticker production, the company offers more complex applications such as peel and reseal coupons and folded promotional booklets. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted to the company the need to diversify its production and move into markets to continue its growth. This is to be achieved by going after more short runs.
Liz Pecha-Poelker, PrintFlex Graphics, commented, ‘After years of growing our business, it became a little static. We’re looking for new markets that we can grow into. The pandemic really highlighted that need for us.’
Whilst operating a 14-unit Gallus EM 280, PrintFlex Graphics began tracking the amount of existing work it could move to a digital press.
‘We realised it’s just not efficient producing the short run sticker and label work we do have on our current press,’ said Ms Pecha-Poelker. ‘We frequently use all 14 units. We’re doing all this crazy peel and reseal and using different varnish plates here and another varnish there. It just doesn’t make sense for our less complex jobs.’
This has led to investment in the Gallus One digital label press. Not only is this to be the first digital press at PrintFlex Graphics, it will be the first of its kind in North America.
The company, which serves a nationwide clientele, is hopeful the machine will help attract more local, smaller businesses that it currently struggles to effectively serve, as well as provide more services to its current customers. Additionally, PrintFlex Graphics will look to see how it can create various versions of labels by producing one layer on its digital press and marrying it with another layer produced on its Gallus EM 280 flexo press.
‘We’re excited to see PrintFlex Graphics install the first Gallus One in North America,’ said Dan Maurer, vice president of digital product management, Heidelberg USA. This machine is a perfect fit for its business, and we can’t wait to see how it helps the company grow.’
‘We’re big Gallus fans,’ continued Ms Pecha-Poelker. ‘We love our EM 280 and we have confidence in the technology and quality of the product. We have a strong partnership with Gallus and know it’ll be there to support us and the Gallus One as we begin this new journey.’
