Seriharta switches to narrow web flexo

Seriharta Grafik Sdn Bhd has switched production of cigarette hard pack printing from sheet fed offset to narrow web flexo at its plant in Ipoh, the capital of Perak in Malaysia

The company, which is part of a large Malaysian tobacco group, handles the printing of its own brand cigarette packs. To improve print quality and productivity, managing director Mr Foo has recently installed a Gallus EM410 flexo press equipped with rotary die cutting and a Martin MBS automatic splicer.  The choice of Martin as a supplier followed a recommendation by Gallus as the best way of maximizing productivity from the new press.

Seriharta Grafik installed the automatic splicer to allow continuous running of the new Gallus by eliminating stops for roll changes, but in practice, the Martin equipment has offered much more, according to Mr Foo: ‘The MBS has performed superbly, giving us smooth automatic roll changes and maintaining a constant web tension. Our quality is now far more consistent, and we have reduced the amount of material wasted. I am really impressed with the Martin equipment – it has exceeded our original expectations.’

Before switching to flexo printing, Seriharta Grafik produced the cigarette packs on sheet fed offset presses with offline die cutting. The process required considerable manpower, resulting delivery problems.   Since the new Gallus was installed, with its inline rotary die cutting and Martin splicer, the company has improved its deliveries and reduced manpower by 75 percent.

The combination of a Martin MBS splicer and the Gallus EM410 is providing a much faster ROI than expected, and although Seriharta Grafik does not have immediate plans for expansion, Mr Foo indicated that any production expansion in the future will certainly include Martin equipment.