British high-quality carton manufacturer Offset Print and Packaging has returned to Koenig & Bauer for two further investments: An Ipress 144 K fltbed die-cutter and an Omega Allpro 145 folder-gluer. This double investment establishes Offset Print and Packaging as the first company in the UK to be equipped with both printing and post-press equipment from Koenig & Bauer.

Vince Brearey, managing director of operations at Offset Print and Packaging, explains the back-ground to the purchases: “We had been looking into replacement and expansion investments for the past 18 months, in line with our strategic growth plans, but were initially undecided as far as format and manufacturer were concerned. Having considered the alternatives and after reaching a decision on the format, we were impressed by the build quality and operator-friendly concept of the equipment offered by Iberica.” “The Omega Allpro 145 was not part of our original plans. But after seeing a machine at an open house in Radebeul, we decided to add to our investment and upgrade our gluing department with the Allpro to maintain our position at the forefront of production technology.” Both machines are manufactured in Europe, to a high specification, and offer a cost-effective solution for the company’s ever-growing business.

Vince Brearey, managing director at Offset Print and Packaging, has now opted for both printing and post-press technology from Koenig & Bauer

Ipress 144 K

The Ipress 144 K chosen by Offset Print and Packaging provides for additional capacity alongside the existing equipment and was delivered in March 2020. It has a maximum speed of 7,500sph with 600 tonnes of cutting pressure. Paper, board and corrugated stocks are processed up to a thickness of 4mm (0.157in). The machine has also been adapted to use the existing formes and thus to save retooling costs. The incorporated options include the OPMR system for sheet alignment at the front and side edges.

Omega Allpro 145

The Omega Allpro 145 folder-gluer ordered by Offset Print and Packaging has a maximum speed of 300m/min (985ft/min) and handles cartonboard from 200 to 600gsm (135 to 405lbs). N-, F-, E-, C-, B-, EC- and EB-flute corrugated substrates can also be processed. The machine incorporates a multitude of time-saving and efficiency-boosting features, as well as improved quality control systems such as a side register unit for precise squaring of the carton blanks. A touchscreen facilitates fast makeready.

Sales director Chris Scully from Koenig & Bauer (UK) is delighted to have extended the already strong relationship with Offset Print and Packaging

High quality and ease of use

Duran folder-gluers are recognised as particularly operator-friendly. They also offer comprehensive remote service functions. Chris Scully, director of sales at Koenig & Bauer (UK): “I am delighted that Offset Print and Packaging has once more chosen us as their supplier – this time for post-press equipment from our Iberica and Duran business units. We expect this to be the first of many similar installations in the UK. Offset Print and Pack-aging is an extremely successful company which continues to invest in mature, high-end technologies in order to stay ahead in the game. We have continued to build on our already strong relationship, and they now have a complete solution for print and post-press from us.”

The Omega Allpro

Interesting website:

offsetgroup.co.uk/

Craig Bretherton

Background photo: The Ipress 144 K