Abbey Labels adds two Xeikon CX300 label presses

Abbey Labels first introduced the benefits of Xeikon dry toner technology to its customer base in 2013.  

 

Now the family-owned company, which operates a modern manufacturing facility in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, has completed a double investment in the latest Xeikon press model to maintain momentum in the digital print department. The duo of Xeikon CX300s, which replace two Xeikon CX3s, are part of an ambitious 1 million GBP investment plan set in motion to expand Abbey Labels’ production capacity and accelerate productivity, agility and sustainability.  

 

Tom Allum, chairman of Abbey Labels, said: ‘As the most productive press at the 330mm width, not only does the Xeikon CX300 retain the highest print quality on a broad range of challenging substrates and deliver in terms of speed, it also minimizes the environmental impact of label manufacturing by not emitting any harmful substances (VOCs) or generating water pollution, and by using only a minimal amount of electricity. 

 

‘And by being the most food-safe digital print technology on the market with an output that is compatible with existing recycling processes, it also gives our customers the reassurance that they are choosing the most food compliant and environmentally friendly production method for their labels.’  

 

The advanced Xeikon CX300 runs at 30m/min, each full-color machine offers a production capacity of over 50,000 square meters per month in a single shift. The print quality is said to be equivalent to gravure and offset thanks to the LED imaging head, which operates at 1200x3600 dpi, and with a fifth print station, single-pass opaque white or custom colors can be added to expand the application reach.  

 

Allum continued: ‘The speed and automation on the CX300 deliver 25 percent more efficiency compared to our existing Xeikon CX3s, allowing us to operate the business in a very agile and responsive manner. We have added 50 percent more capacity in less than a year, whilst retaining a very similar footprint and the same operators, so the implementation has been very smooth.’  

 

The new digital printing presses represent the halfway point of the 1 million GBP investment plan. They will be complemented by a new finishing area designed to house three new converting machines from AB Graphic International arriving over the coming months, as the company expands its finishing and embellishment offering further.  

 

Filip Weymans, vice president of Marketing at Xeikon, commented: ‘Abbey Labels has built up a very strong digital label printing business based on Xeikon dry toner technology, going right back to 2013 when the first Xeikon 3300 press was installed, and we are proud to continue this great partnership. The two Xeikon CX300 presses with next-generation Cheetah 2.0 technology will give Abbey Labels the boost in capacity they need to take their business to the next level and continue to deliver high-quality labels at speed.’  

 

James Thomas, sales manager UK Labels & Packaging at Xeikon, added: ‘Abbey Labels is a progressive, growing business and Xeikon is proud to be their partner. It’s great to be supporting the company in their investment decisions and play a part in their future success.’