MPS allies with Etirama for Brazilian production

Dutch press manufacturer MPS announced during Labelexpo a strategic alliance with Etirama, a Brazilian flexo press manufacturer based near Sao Paulo. It expects to introduce the Etiprint press in the first quarter of 2009. MPS says it will incorporate European-made technologies, including servo drives and UV curing.

Etirama produces flexographic and flatbed machines and accessories, and is the biggest narrow web flexographic machine producer in the Southern Hemisphere. ‘We are very excited because the partnership will bring a high quality machine to Brazil. It combines Etirama’s knowledge and support with MPS’ technology,’ said Etirama’s sales manager Rodis Ferrari.

The new line of machines will be produced at Etirama’s 3,000 square meter facility. MPS Latin America will continue to service and support the company’s machines in the rest of the region.

A further development for MPS in Latin America saw the company sell an EF multi-substrate flexo press to Ecuadorian printer Supraplast. The converter will act as a showroom to potential MPS customers in the region when the machine is installed at the end of the year.

General manager Carlos Andrs Piovesan says the 7-color machine will be dedicated to shrink sleeves and will boost the company’s exports to Peru, Colombia and Chile. ‘The new press will increase our capacity and productivity,’ he said, ‘as well as improving the printing quality we can offer our customers.’

Jaime Dagnino, president of MPS Latin America, said: ‘We’re delighted that Supraplast has chosen MPS as a technology partner and has accepted to become our showroom to the market. The company’s name is very strong, which will benefit us immensely. This deal will play a pivotal role in our growth in the region.’