Bobst identifies narrow web opportunities

Bobst has moved into the narrow web market in a big way in 2015 following its acquisition of Nuova Gidue, now trading as Bobst Firenze. Bobst also had a substantial presence at Labelexpo Europe 2015. At that show it gave a soft launch to a new, as yet unnamed, CI flexo press, which will be fully introduced in the spring of 2016. Next year will also see it introduce a new coating laminator for flexible materials, as well as a web-fed digital press, and a new die-cutter and folder gluer for folding carton converting.

In its web-fed business unit, Bobst said its presence in the flexible packaging market in 2016 will be shaped by the continued and steady growth in flexo, pressure on gravure, and new labels and narrow web opportunities. K will have an effect, it added. Folding carton, within its sheet-fed business unit, will see good potential in growing countries, although price pressures in offset and converting will continue. Drupa will have an effect on this segment.

For 2016, Bobst expects sales in the range of 1.3-1.35 billion CHF. Sales in 2015 are reported in the range of 1.31-1.33 billion CHF. The turnover target for 2016 is 1.4-1.5 billion CHF (1.37-1.46 billion USD). It expects the Americas to be strong next year, with Europe continuing to offer good prospects. The company is seeking to increase its presence in China, Asia, the Middle East and Africa through products, sales and service capabilities.

Read what other label and package printing supply chain members expect to happen in 2016 in L&L’s annual report. Read the article here.