Edale becomes Graphium distribution partner in the UK and Ireland

Edale is the manufacturer of Graphium’s web transport and hybrid print/converting features, and as such FFEI said UK and Ireland customers will benefit from Edale’s expertise and knowledge of both Graphium and the evolving UK label market.

Whilst Edale and FFEI build each press jointly, Edale will be responsible for managing UK and Ireland sales, technical support and servicing. Edale builds to order the conventional press frame, based around its FL-3 press, including flexo and converting units. The Graphium digital unit is then added and the final press assembled and tested by Edale. Graphium UV digital inks will also be sold via Edale. Graphium uses specialist inks developed by Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems.

‘Edale becoming our distribution partner in the UK and Ireland for Graphium was a logical next step in what has been a very successful and productive relationship to date, said Andy Cook, FFEI managing director. “Not only does Edale provide the essential transport element for Graphium but it also has a tremendous reputation, in labeling and packaging converting, for product innovation, quality and customer service, which are key values underpinning the whole Graphium concept. I doubt there are any other companies in the UK and Ireland that can offer the label and packaging customers the knowledge, service, support and overall positive customer experience that Edale can provide.’

James Boughton, Edale managing director, said: ‘Developing the web transport, hybrid print and finishing technologies for Graphium over the last two years with FFEI has resulted in significant productivity advances. With our extensive product knowledge and established and loyal customer base, becoming UK and Ireland distribution is the natural progression for Edale.

‘Edale has been involved in the design and development of web transport technology for single pass inkjet since 2002 and can observe the commercial potential that Graphium holds for the future of the packaging industry. The Graphium engine is robust, reliable and delivers exceptional print quality on a wide range of substrates and is exactly what is required to be part of an industrial print and finishing solution.

‘Closer cooperation between FFEI and Edale’s technology and engineering partners has resulted in a hybrid label and packaging solution that features the very best inkjet engine, flexographic print, automated finishing, workflow, and all this as a fully integrated package.’

A Graphium hybrid digital inkjet label press featuring a new configuration will be exhibited on the Edale stand at Labelexpo Europe 2015.