Interpress Printers invests in flexo technology from Koenig & Bauer

Interpress Printers (IPP), a printer in Malaysia focused on fast-food packaging, has installed an Evo XD CI flexo press from KBA-Flexotecnica as it seeks to support rapid growth in new business.

Pictured (from left): Ratha Kerisnan, managing director IPP; Andrea Dallavalla, KBA-Flexotecnica; Andreas Friedrich, managing director, KBA Asia-Pacific

With headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, IPP has already built up a strong reputation among its customers and is currently enjoying a period of dynamic growth. To accommodate the flood of new business, production capacity is now to be expanded at new premises in the Malaysian capital.

With annual growth rates of around five percent, flexible packaging – today a strong domain of flexo printing – is the fastest growing packaging segment.

After a series of visits to companies in Europe, it was decided to invest in the CI flexo printing line from KBA-Flexotecnica, a subsidiary of Koenig & Bauer AG. The Evo XD for IPP has eight printing units, a new generation dryer and a newly developed coating unit. Technical highlights include a highly efficient energy-saving ventilation system in the bridge dryer, the fully automatic impression control system, AIF, and the ARF register setting system. All important automation and control functions are integrated into the new touchscreen and enable intuitive operation.

The press is scheduled to come on stream at the new production site by the end of the year.

IPP managing director Ratha Kerisnan commented: ‘We are convinced that Koenig & Bauer is the ideal partner to answer our high demands. The outstanding technology of the Evo XD will enable us to define new yardsticks for the packaging sector.’

IPP was founded almost a decade ago and has developed into one of the region's biggest suppliers of fast-food packaging. The company produces for customers in both Malaysia and other Asian countries. IPP is a member of the International Packaging Group, a global alliance of packaging printing companies. As of January 19, 2018, SCGP Solutions (Singapore), a subsidiary of SCG Packaging, acquired a majority stake in IPP. The partnership with SCG Packaging will support IPP´s vision to become a ‘one-stop-shop’ to support all packaging requirements for its clients.

‘This project is solid proof that we have arrived on the Asian market,’ stated Christoph Müller, CEO of KBA-Digital & Web and KBA-Flexotecnica.

‘The next step is now to further strengthen our local presence. Our quality and our local service capabilities as a globally active press manufacturer will benefit not only IPP itself, but also its customers.’