VR Print installs Nilpeter FA-17

Durban-headquartered VR Print has invested in Nilpeter's FA-17. With an eye on expanding into Sub-Saharan Africa and a commitment to technical excellence, VR Print has installed the Nilpeter machine. The company aims to strengthen its capabilities and deliver high-end, compliant labels to emerging markets across the African continent.

With over 25 years of experience specializing in premium labels for highly regulated industries, including agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, animal health, and petroleum, VR Print is a key player in the South African label market. The company operates from a single, centralized facility with regional sales offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

As demand for premium and regulation-compliant packaging increases in East and West Africa, VR Print is positioning itself at the forefront of this development – not only by offering complex label constructions, such as booklet and peel-and-read labels but also by investing in the technology required to produce them at scale.

'We see incredible potential in Sub-Saharan Africa,' said Hilton Van Rensburg, managing director of VR Print. 'But to grow sustainably, we need the right partners. That’s why Nilpeter is so important – they understand our market, our constraints, and our ambitions.'

At the heart of VR Print’s current operation is the Nilpeter FA-17 – an automated, multi-substrate flexo press tailored for flexibility, speed and repeatability. With dual LED and mercury curing options, the FA-17 has enabled VR Print to accelerate the production of multi-layer labels and easily navigate a wide range of ink and substrate combinations.

'The FA-17 press offers print quality that’s as sharp and consistent as any digital print, but with the robustness and speed needed for flexo,' Hilton Van Rensburg explained. 'It’s a workhorse, and it’s helped us cut down makeready time, reduce waste, and train new operators faster than ever.'

Operator training is often a hurdle in expanding regions where flexo expertise may be limited. VR Print has overcome this by leveraging the intuitive design of the FA-17, training staff with no prior flexo experience in just a matter of weeks.

Thomas Andersen, area sales manager at Nilpeter, noted: 'We built the FA-Line not only to perform but to be operator-friendly. VR Print has shown how quickly and effectively it can be integrated into a business and a market with strong growth ambitions.'

What sets the collaboration apart is the shared philosophy. Both companies are deeply customer-centric, future-focused, and committed to long-term progress.

'Nilpeter isn’t just a supplier,' said Hilton Van Rensburg. 'They’re a partner. Their team listens, challenges us in the right ways, and supports us consistently – not just when there’s a problem to fix, but to help us grow.'

That commitment includes proactive support, operator engagement, and ongoing dialogue to ensure the investment remains future-proof. VR Print is already preparing to upgrade with a variable data print bar and is working with extended color gamut printing to respond to shifting client expectations.

Looking ahead, VR Print is laying the groundwork for joint ventures and satellite production in key markets, including Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The goal is to provide agile and sustainable labeling options that meet stringent regulatory requirements while maintaining brand integrity.

'With more local manufacturing and tighter regulatory controls, there’s huge potential,' Hilton Van Rensburg concluded. 'Our partnership with Nilpeter puts us in a position to lead – with speed, quality, and confidence.'

VR Print and Nilpeter also share a strong belief in the opportunities emerging across the African continent. Especially in Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa, both companies see clear signs of growth and development in the label and packaging industry.

Nilpeter has outlined a dedicated strategy for 2025 and beyond, with a packed exhibition calendar and increased local presence, including key events in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. This effort reflects a long-term commitment to the region – not just in terms of business but also in building close partnerships and delivering technology that makes a meaningful difference.

In South Africa, Nilpeter’s longstanding partner, CSM, plays a crucial role – not only in supporting key customers such as VR Print but also in expanding Nilpeter’s presence throughout the region.