Reflex Labels orders seven Mark Andy presses

The new order is for a mix of P3 and P5 models, in 4-10-color configurations, and all with a 430mm (17in) web width and full UV curing. Options include cold foil, delam/relam, Mark Andy’s QCDC, and a rail system for flexibility and the addition of further converting options, as required.

Reflex Labels CEO Ian Kendall commented that the new Mark Andy presses will offer a production increase of at least 50 percent over the outgoing Italian machines based on existing shift patterns, adding: ‘But we know the P Series will boost output much more than that from our experience elsewhere in the group, and allow us to offer our customers the degree of label enhancement that they need to stay ahead of their competitors.’

All seven presses are to be installed at the company’s plant in Boston, Lincolnshire before September. The order, secured by Mark Andy UK and Ireland sales manager Paul Macdonald, sees nearly 700 Performance Series press installed worldwide. It also brings to 23 the number of Mark Andy flexo presses currently installed at Reflex’s plants in the UK.

This tranche of investment is part of Reflex’s program of ongoing improvement and expansion of its pre-press and finishing capability, which will see group turnover grow from its current 80 million GBP per annum. The UK-based converter is also gearing up to make the most of Brexit, after the UK’s vote to leave the EU last year.

‘We are investing in all 14 of our sites, which currently employ over 500 people – a number we anticipate growing to meet demand,’ said Kendall. ‘We will continue grow organically and by acquisition, and are further standardizing our production capabilities across the group. We have committed to Mark Andy because we see them as a no risk investment for the bulk of our business.’

Kendall added that Reflex Labels is positioned to mitigate raw material cost increases and, ‘maximize on the wealth of new global opportunities that will present themselves once the UK is outside of the EU.

‘You don’t grow a business with a negative mindset – I see all new challenges as opportunities to succeed – that’s why we keep investing and growing.’