Universal installs Comco press

The multimillion Rand Mark Andy ProGlide Comco 9 color printing press, recently installed at the Universal Print Group’s label factory in Durban, makes this the first installation of a machine of its kind in Southern Africa and ‘sets the benchmark in the region,’ according to a statement.

‘We put enormous emphasis on technology acquisition in order to meet the complex needs of our customers,’ said Bharat Mehta, managing director of the Labels Division. ‘The labels environment is also changing and developing so rapidly, that in order to stay ahead we need to have the latest machinery at our disposal.’

The Comco MSP ProGlide printing machine is capable of converting very thin packaging films and has much to offer printers in the labeling, niche packaging and carton industries. Its impressive running speed of up to 230 meters per minute (twice as fast as many of the other machines currently in the Southern African market), vastly improves turnaround times. 

‘The quality of the print from this machine cannot be surpassed by anything else in its class,’ said Alan Swart, national sales manager for the division. ‘Its automatic print registration is especially notable, due to the sophisticated servo controls on the print stations.’ 

The Mark Andy Comco customized Bosch Rexroth–Indramat servo motors feature 3.6 million pulses per revolution and deliver greater flexibility and reliability. The Comco also prints on the widest range of substrates – from 12 micron unsupported film to heavy board stock, without any manual machine adjustment.  

In addition, the Comco’s 22’ (560mm) wide web width allows for greater flexibility and versatility. The resulting print quality increases the Universal print Group’s ability to be able to supply the market with cost-effective poly rolls for products such as promotional bunting and palette-wrap.

The press is flexible enough to handle both small and large runs for wrap-around labels and supply contracts are already in place with a number of ‘big brand’ national and multinational companies in the carbonated, dairy and fruit sectors of the beverage industry. Other applications for the wrap-around technology include aerosol can wraps, shrink-sleeve labels and roll-fed labels and wraps.

‘Mark Andy’s focus is on making innovation practical,’ said Paul Bouwer, Mark Andy Comco’s South African agent. ‘They tailor innovations to ensure they meet the true business needs of their customers.’  One example of this is the exclusive ‘S wrap web path’ design that enables very soft tension web transport. This is ideal for thin filmic applications. Another feature is the upward web path which allows for a larger print viewing area as well as very large and efficient Momentum style driers to be fitted above the print stations.’

The Comco went into operation at the beginning of October 2006 and has already attracted a great deal of interest and large orders placed by beverage sector companies expecting a record summer season.