Tungate Group invests in Bobst Master M5 flexo press

UK-based packaging and label supplier Tungate Group has invested in a Bobst Master M5 flexo press to enhance its narrow web production capacity, reaching significant savings in ink and energy use.

The investment in the Master M5 press marks a significant milestone for Tungate Group, established in 1984. The strategic decision to invest in the 630 mm-wide flexo press with UV LED lamps for curing will enable the company to meet customer demands efficiently while driving innovation, cost control and sustainability in its operations.

Kevin Paszek, managing director of Tungate Group, said: ‘As a high-performing packaging and label supplier, we see a lot of challenges in the industry. For example, substrate availability and lead times, particularly on recyclable material, as well as rising business energy costs.

‘In responding to these challenges, we saw the benefit of introducing new technology to narrow web machines. Once we had identified this as a business need, we tested many machines on multiple substrates. The Master M5 press stood out immediately as an ideal solution. What’s more, it also means greater agility - we can support own-label brands that the wide web community can’t due to the prevalence of small run lengths.’

The Master M5 is a versatile, highly automated press suitable for label and flexible packaging production. It can be equipped with oneECG technology, which digitalizes color matching with an extended 7-colour gamut.

Digital workflows with integrated printing and converting technologies, such as DigiFlexo auto-registration with the PrintTutor intelligent camera system, help reduce operating costs and maximize machine uptime.

Steve Lakin, sales manager for labels at Bobst, said: ‘When it comes to enhancing productivity and savings in today’s printing market, the right technology makes all the difference. We were delighted to partner with Tungate on the supply and installation of a Bobst Master M5 flexo press.

‘With the high pressures that today’s converters are under, machines must impress with every single run, and that’s what Bobst is all about. We apply advanced features that make a real day-to-day difference for our customers, whether that maximizing speed and productivity, or finding new ways to reduce energy use and control costs.’

Paszek added: ‘Straight away, we have seen enormous potential in our Master M5. A throughput speed of up to 200 m/min is already impressive, but our set-up time has reduced by 30 percent, compared to our outgoing machine.

‘We anticipate more advantages with the inclusion of oneECG technology. Digital printing technology has made customers more impatient, and that puts a lot of pressure on conventional converters. With our new investment, we’re stabilized and ready to respond to the “now” culture.’