South African converter achieves HD Flexo certification

Golden Era Group, the second largest printing and packaging company in Southern Africa, is the latest operation to achieve Esko‘s HD Flexo certification. The accreditation was presented to managing director Raj Chhita at the Flexographic Technical Association of SA luncheon on September 14.

‘Flexographic printing has improved greatly over the last few years and the quality and productivity we can now achieve is comparable to gravure and litho,’ explained Chhita. ‘Next to work from Southern Africa we are also winning business from companies in the UK and USA and we expect that to continue to grow as people realize the quality we can achieve. HD Flexo certification highlights the consistency possible to help us confidently win new work.’

Golden Era was founded in 1954 as New Era Paper Bags, specializing in what were then called ‘Soweto Bags’. Golden Era Printers and Stationers was formed a year later manufacturing folding cartons, followed by New Era Plastics, New Era Packaging, New Era Labels and Waxpak for vacuum-formed and thermo-formed containers.

Between 1988 and 1994, New Era Plastics was restructured, creating a partnership with Colgate-Palmolive. Acquisitions over the years have included Mondipak Alrode, Mondipak Phoenix, Futura, Press Art and EH Walton.

‘Flexo is a more cost effective method of production,’ continued Chhita. ‘In the last few years the quality has increased, as has the variety of substrates that can be printed. We are always looking at ways to enhance our service and HD Flexo has enabled us to do that.’

Roshicka Govinder, marketing coordinator for Esko distributor Antalis, commented: ‘Golden Era joins a select group of professionals both in South Africa and worldwide who have been awarded HD certification – an outstanding achievement and recognition of the exceptional quality standards which they can obtain.’

Jacques Staelens, Esko business manager Middle East and Africa, added: ‘Developments in flexo print quality, spearheaded by Esko, have been fast changing and far reaching. We are delighted that Golden Era is yet another high profile operation to see how our HD Flexo certification helps customers add value in today’s highly demanding market.’

Pictured: The Esko certification is handed to Raj Chhita and the Golden Era team

Click here for more stories about Esko on L&L.com.