Rako digital deal points to future

When Rako Group signed off on two HP Indigo 20000 and nine HP Indigo WS6800 machines at Labelexpo Europe in September, it was the biggest single label and packaging deal in the press manufacturer’s history – and a turning point in the progress of digital print in the wider label industry.

The HP Indigo equipment represents new capacity for Rako. Just two of the new HP Indigo WS6800 presses are replacements for older machines, one of which, a ws4050, will go to the group’s South Africa operation.

Rako was an early and enthusiastic adopter of digital label printing technology, and already had a fleet of HP Indigo digital presses, including 2000-series machines. The company converts both PS and shrink sleeve labels as well as flexible packaging,

‘For more than a decade we have used HP Indigo digital printing technology to bring value to our customers, which include many of the world’s leading brands,’ says Adrian Tippenhauer, managing director of Rako. ‘HP Indigo remains at the core of our digital strategy, and we trust that these digital press additions will help us continue innovating and growing together in the future.’

Alon Bar-Shany, general manager of HP Indigo, said: ‘Rako is one of the largest HP Indigo users in labels and packaging and we have worked closely together to help accelerate and expand its digital printing business. Today’s announcement marks a monumental investment that further positions Rako for growth.’

The press order was matched by an order for AB Graphic digital finishing equipment consisting of several Digicon Series 3 digital converting machines, a second Digicon 3000 converting machine with a web width of 765mm, a Vectra turret rewinder and another SRI converting machine.

AB Graphic sales director Tony Bell points out that Rako’s decision to use the fully automated Vectra turret rewinder indicates increased order volumes for digital printing. ‘Higher value orders highlights a growing trend amongst our customers to spend more on our automation modules to reduce on costly make-ready times.’