Sri Lankan distillery diversifies to packaging

Sri Lankan company Royal Casks Distilleries has diversified into package printing with the country’s first Mark Andy Performance Series P5 label printing press.

FIG team at Royal Casks Distilleries

This is the first flexo press that the distillery has invested in for printing high quality spirit labels and pressure-sensitive labels for FMCG and cosmetics customers, as well as shrink sleeves.

This 13in-wide, 8-color press can print with both water- and UV-based inks. It is equipped with a web cleaner, chilled impression rolls, chiller, smart doctor blade systems, web turnbar, cold foiling system moveable on the rail, delam, relam, hot air dryers. and GEW UV curing after every print station. Alongside two die-cutting stations, one sheeting station and a conveyor, this press also features advanced waste wind up unit, motorized BST camera, and electronic features like pre-registration, auto registration and re-pass capability.

The installation has been completed by Flexo Image Graphics (FIG), the exclusive distributor of Mark Andy presses in the Indian subcontinent.

Udaya Perera, general manager at Royal Casks Distilleries, said: ‘This press with its sophisticated features suits our requirements for printing labels. We did extensive study before we decided on Mark Andy. Our decision was driven by excellent after-sales service provided by FIG in the region.’

Gourav Roy, managing director at FIG, said: ‘Realizing the market potential, the company has diversified to packaging with label printing and carton printing production. The new press will enable Royal Casks Distilleries to innovate labels for its products and meet supply timelines, as required.’

Talking of the market in Sri Lanka, Roy added: ‘We have been installing Mark Andy presses for several years in the country to cater to the tea industry. These were mainly used for printing and converting tea tags and envelops. However, in the last few years we have seen growing demand for high quality labels. Responding to the trend, converters are buying presses with UV systems and numerous features to cater to various industries.’

FIG has installed a total of 28 Mark Andy presses in Sri Lanka alongside several Rotoflex slitting rewinding and inspection systems.

FIG is participating at the upcoming Labelexpo India from November 22-25 in Greater Noida, which is being supported by the Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP).