Swisstex to take first UV sheet-fed offset press in Bangladesh

Dhaka-based Swisstex Printers has ordered a 6-color KBA Rapdia 105 with in-line coating, which will be the first UV sheet-fed offset press in Bangladesh.

Shibbir Mahmud (right), chairman of the Swiss Tex Group, and KBA sales manager Bhupinder Sethi (left) confirm the order for a 6-colour KBA Rapida 105

The press is configured for both conventional and UV production, and highlight features of the press include: CleanTronic Impact washing systems; an emission extraction system (EES); three UV interdeck dryers; VariDryBlue dryers (IR/hot air/UV) in the triple-length extended delivery; and the density measuring system ErgoTronic ColorDrive. In addition, the press is raised by 450mm to enable higher sheet piles and incorporates both a CX accessory package for board handling and provisions for mixed operation with conventional and UV inks and coatings. This capability is also the basis for the company's plans to print on plastic films, such as those used for the transparent packaging of clothing. The press is scheduled to go into operation in Bangladesh in spring 2016.

Swisstex Printers is a subsidiary of Swiss Tex Group, a producer of labels for the clothing industry. The company has been producing tags and labels using various technologies since 1995. It took up offset printing around the turn of the century and the first multi-colour press was purchased in 2007. Swisstex is a fully integrated print enterprise with a total of 11 single- and multi-color sheet-fed offset presses. In addition to offset, the company is also active in flexo and screen printing, as well as producing woven labels. Alongside labels, Swisstex offers further print products for the clothing industry, such as photo cards and packaging. Clients include international brand names, and all the products printed at Swisstex are for export.

According to the printer's management, the new press will be the first UV sheet-fed offset press in Bangladesh, although the KBA Rapida 105 ordered by Swisstex Printers is not the only KBA sheet-fed offset press currently earmarked for Bangladesh. Two half-format Rapida 75 presses and a further Rapida 105 are also being installed in the country this year.