New flexo press drives packaging growth for UK converter

- First-ever FL-350 flexo press helps converter enter new markets

 

- Second press ordered by another UK company after testing

 

Douglas Storrie Labels has invested in an Edale Fl-350 servo-driven flexographic printing press as the label printer looks to move into producing flexible packaging.

 

The UK-based printer traditionally invests in British machinery, and has previously purchased a five-color Edale Alpha. Edale said the acquisition of the first FL-350 is part of the continuation of this philosophy.

 

After consideration of many options, and which presses would meet its criteria, Edale said the company took a calculated risk in taking the first-ever FL-350. Douglas Storrie specifically chose to work closely with Edale to develop the new machine to ensure they created a press which would produce labels, tickets and packaging alongside servo technology to give them the top-quality finish that was expected by customers, combined with high running speeds, fast changeover and reduced cost.

 

The FL-350 was installed in September 2011, primarily for the production of self-adhesive labels, tickets and tags but with a view to venture into other fields which the press allows; namely flexible packaging.

 

Douglas Storrie, having bought the prototype model, was testing the machine with the intention of co-developing the press with Edale. Feedback from a real production environment was invaluable in fine tuning the machine and enabled Edale to work on numerous developments to enhance the machines drive system. After a trial period of putting the machine through its paces; Douglas Storrie is now “delighted with the performance of the new investment”.

 

Douglas Storrie managing director Nigel Storrie said: ‘It was necessary to invest in expanding production capacities because business with new customers has grown significantly.’

 

‘The press was installed in September 2011; we felt the press could benefit from a few further developments to get it to an even higher standard.

 

‘Edale worked with us to tweak the finer details which we felt would turn this from a good press to a great press – we now believe we have got one of the best presses on the market, and at a very good competitive price.’

 

Douglas Storrie’s is hosting an Open Day on August 15, with a “British Day by the Seaside” theme, where it will run three Fl-350 machine demonstrations for label, film and flexible packaging printing.

 

Off the back of these positive changes, a second machine has also been sold and installed into another UK company. This company, who cannot yet be named, produces medical products and have now brought print and packaging in-house.

 

Stuart Robinson, works/production manager of Douglas Storrie, said: ‘We have been very impressed with the operator-friendly features the FL350 boasts.

 

‘We are seeing a large increase in the amount of work we are getting out the door and I believe this is all down to the pit-stop changeover, ease of setting the machine up with minimum waste, fast running speeds and pre-register system.

 

‘The FL-350 is printing the highest quality work we’ve ever seen and matching print samples from other print processes which we have not previously been able to achieve. It also gives us the ability and flexibility to print a wide range of substrates and thicknesses enabling us to target different areas of the packaging market.

 

‘Overall the FL350 is a highly versatile machine with many innovative features that we believe will help shape our business over the next year, we are glad we stayed with a flexo machine at this time instead of venturing down the digital route.’

 

Read more on Edale here

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