Brook + Whittle has detailed the gains it has made by embracing a digital-first mindset, powered by HP Indigo’s LEP printing technology.
The converter, headquartered in Connecticut and positioned as a manufacturer of sustainable packaging options, operates a fleet of HP Indigo digital presses, including a mix narrow web and mid web models to produce labels and packaging. Its press portfolio includes 6K, 8K and 25K models, as well as one of the first V12 units installed globally. Brook + Whittle has been one of the V12 beta sites, an initiative that has proved so successful that the 120m/min LEPx model was made commercially available as of Labelexpo Europe 2023.
HP Indigo V12 beta sites around the world have been competing in a mock competition to see who can produce the most labels on the 120m/min press; a championship belt is being passed around as records are set and then broken using the V12
Previously operating with an analogue-first mindset, Brook + Whittle’s successful deployment of digital printing is allowing the company to deliver on the growing demands from its customers for faster lead times and more agile supply. Practically, this is seeing the company’s V12 and 8K digital presses focus on mid and long runs, the 6K digital press handle short runs and the HP Indigo 25K digital press manufacture larger label and shrink sleeves. In particular, the V12 has helped increase Brook + Whittle’s efficiency with short turnaround times and enhanced its offering, such as with variable data printing for any job size. The company’s productivity has increased with the ability of the V12 to process six colours at up to 120m/min.
Jeremy Letterman, chief operating officer at Brook + Whittle, explained, ‘Equipped with the HP Indigo V12 in our digital value chain we’ve been able to convert whole product lines from flexo to digital. This allows us to deliver exactly what customers want, when they want it — that’s the power of HP Indigo technology. We can be sure that the press will continue to run across a variety of substrates, removing the need to pause operations, and that gives us a significant competitive advantage. The speed of response we can now deliver is essential to winning customers over and delivering value across the entire supply chain.’
Noam Zilbershtain, vice president and general manager, HP Indigo and Scitex, said, ‘What Brook + Whittle has been able to achieve with the HP Indigo V12 digital press is testament to the value of shifting to an ‘Indigo first’ mindset – speed, efficiency, sustainability, and ROI across a versatile portfolio of print jobs. As they expand their digital value proposition, we are excited to continue serving as strategic partners in their journey, delivering groundbreaking digital innovation with best-in-class support and training.’
