NTE installs first Mark Andy Digital One in France

Founded in 1984, NTE employs 20 staff and has an annual turnover approaching five million euros.

An existing Mark Andy user, with flexo technology dating back to 1991, NTE has invested heavily to bring its capability up to date, with the Digital One being the most recent example. Director Thibault Duponchel said: ‘We have always had demand for short run work from our customers but up to now have sub-contracted it out of house.  After seeing the Digital One in action at Labelexpo we saw an obvious way of bringing this outwork back in-house and improving the quality of print and service.’

The Digital One is suited to NTE’s jobs of 1,000 meters or less. It 330mm web width, CMYK dry-toner print capability and in-line finishing options for one-pass production allow it to complement the company’s flexo capacity.  ‘We were impressed with the Digital One’s sturdy build quality and print capability at the expo, but as important to us was the confidence we have in support from Mark Andy. The press was installed in December 2017 and has already exceeded our expectations,’ he added.

NTE is, like many other companies venturing into digital production, finding that a new mind-set and production system is required to maximize the Digital One’s capabilities. With minimal on the run adjustment available, it is vital that all pre-press work is accurate to allow the press to be set right, first time and every time. With its print quality and ability to print variable data, the Digital One is already attracting new work for NTE, but Duponchel claims that the press is kept busy with jobs from existing customers.

‘We pride ourselves on offering a service as well as label products, so retain spare capacity on our presses to allow us to help customers with last minute jobs,’ said Duponchel. ‘Our aim is to build the business into a true “print-on-demand, pay-as-you-use” facility, which will require a second press, and additional sales personnel.’  The company is so pleased with its latest investment that it has agreed to offer reciprocal support to Mark Andy and other label converters interested in the Digital One.

Speaking for Mark Andy, Jean-Louis Pecarelo of French agent Atypic said: ‘I am delighted that NTE has installed the first Digital One in France, and grateful for their offer of assistance with the many interested converters I have on my list. We are already planning a series of events at which we can demonstrate the press to other companies.’