McLean Packaging makes KBA Rapida 106 investment

McLean Packaging Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of premium packaging and item displays for a variety of industries including consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, cosmetics, and health and beauty aids.

It partnered with KBA North America for the investment, its first in the German printing equipment manufacturer’s technology. The new hybrid KBA Rapida 106 41in 8-color press installed by McLean Packaging is configured with seven litho units, a coater, two drying stubs, an eighth litho unit and second coater. The press can run both conventional and UV ink.

Investment in sheet inspection and in-line color density measurement has also been made with the KBA QualiTronic ColorControl system. Other features include the KBA Sensoric Infeed, a touchscreen console, and fully-automated plate loading and plate clamping.

Installed in February, and expected to be in full production in the spring, the KBA Rapida 106 will increase McLean Packaging’s product options and enhance its efficiency for premium packaging and display production.

Joe Fenkel, chairman and chief executive officer of McLean Packaging, said: ‘Our success is built upon continually exceeding the expectations of our customers, both for premium packaging and carton production. We differentiate ourselves from competitors by taking projects that are challenging and delivering a superb product.

‘Our new KBA Rapida 106 hybrid press is a key investment for our current customers as well as our future growth. Our vision is to leverage the unique technology on this specially-configured press to create shelf appeal on our packaging products that outperforms any competitor.’

McLean Packaging’s environmental commitment also helped drive its choice of the KBA Rapida 106.  With its extensive automation and in-line color control, the press saves a considerable amount of waste material and allows the converter to be more efficient. McLean Packaging also minimizes materials added to the waste stream by offering a product range that includes a percentage of post-consumer recycled content, and sources and promotes a sustainable and recyclable product range. It is also certified by FSC, PEFC and SFI.

‘After doing our due diligence among a number of press manufacturers, we chose KBA due to its commitment to support our vision and help us grow our business,’ added Fenkel. ‘This is our first KBA press. The decision to switch to a Rapida was clinched by the overall package of innovative solutions, such as the sidelay-free infeed, ability to use both conventional and UV inks, and the lightening-fast press speed.’

Rob Watts, pressroom manager of the McLean Packaging Moorestown facility, said: ‘We have some of the most demanding customers in the world and we get the toughest jobs that not many printers can fulfill.

‘The unique configuration on the Rapida 106 opens the door for many different ink and coating combinations done more precisely than ever before. We’re excited to see what new challenging designs our customers and our staff will create.’

Pictured (from left): Jeff Besnick, vice-president and general manager of the McLean Packaging Moorestown facility, Fenkel and Edward Heffernan, KBA sales representative, along with Watts