With a major investment in next-generation flexo technology and a purpose-built facility to match, J&P Flexographics is positioning itself for long-term growth – without losing the agility and customer focus that has defined the family-owned business for nearly four decades.
For a company approaching 40 years in business, J&P Flexographics is not standing still.
The Melbourne-based flexible packaging converter has entered a new phase of its development, underpinned by the installation of a top-of-the-range NovoFlex press from Windmöller & Hölscher at its Bayswater facility – a move that signals both confidence and intent.
For owner Phil Jones and his management team, the investment is less about a single piece of equipment and more about setting the direction for the business.
“This was not just a machinery purchase. It was a strategic investment in capability, competitiveness, and growth,” Jones says.
“We wanted technology that would strengthen our manufacturing base and support the next phase of the business.”
A steady evolution
Founded in 1987 as a small print operation, J&P has grown into a full-service flexible packaging business, with capabilities spanning pre-press, flexographic printing, lamination, slitting and finishing.
That growth has been measured rather than rapid – shaped by a consistent focus on what customers value most.
“J&P has grown by steadily building capability around quality, service, flexibility, and support,” Jones explains.
“We are still the same business at heart, but with a much stronger technical and manufacturing platform than we had in the early years.”
Key milestones along the way have included the move into a purpose-built facility in Bayswater, the achievement of FSSC 22000 accreditation, and the recent expansion of warehousing capacity – each step strengthening the company’s position in food and FMCG markets.
Family ownership, long-term thinking
As a family-owned business, J&P operates with a different lens to many of its competitors – one that prioritises long-term value over short-term gains.
“Being family-owned means we can take a long-term view,” Jones says.
“We are not driven by short-term reporting cycles, so we can invest with purpose and make decisions that strengthen the business over time.”
That structure also influences the company’s culture and responsiveness, according to Sarah Coleman, business systems manager and director (and Phil’s daughter).
“We stay close to the operation, close to our people, and close to our customers,” Coleman says.
“That creates accountability and allows us to move quickly when customers need support or decisions made.”
In a market where timelines are tightening and requirements are becoming more complex, that agility is increasingly valuable.
Investing in capability
The decision to invest in the NovoFlex press reflects a convergence of factors – growth ambition, changing customer expectations, and the need to remain competitive in an evolving flexographic landscape.
“It was really a combination of all three,” Jones says.
“We saw growth opportunities, we could see customer expectations changing, and we knew the business had to keep evolving.”
The new press has delivered improvements across print quality, consistency, and efficiency, while also expanding production flexibility.
“The NovoFlex has lifted our performance across the board,” Jones says.
“It gives us excellent print consistency and control, which is critical for strong brand presentation and repeatability.”
Importantly, its impact extends beyond the press itself.
“Its value is not only in what it can do on its own, but in how it works with our pre-press, lamination, slitting, finishing, and quality systems.”
Changing the conversation
The installation has also shifted how J&P engages with its customers.
“It has changed the conversation in a positive way,” Coleman says.
“Existing customers see it as a sign of confidence and commitment, and it gives them reassurance about our future capacity and capability.”
At the same time, it is opening doors to more technically demanding work.
“We are now in an even stronger position to talk about higher-specification projects and demanding print standards.”
A site built for modern flexo
The Bayswater facility has played a critical role in enabling this next stage of growth.
Originally developed as a purpose-built site, it has continued to evolve alongside the business, most recently with the addition of adjacent warehousing to improve material flow and logistics.
“Modern flexographic production is about more than the press hall,” Jones says.
“It is also about materials management, stock control, logistics, and how efficiently departments work together.”
The result is a more integrated operation, where equipment, workflow, and systems are aligned.
Opportunity in complexity
J&P continues to see strong demand from food and FMCG customers, where quality, consistency, and food-safe systems remain critical.
However, the nature of packaging decisions is changing, creating new opportunities for converters with the right capabilities.
“Packaging decisions are becoming more complex, particularly where performance, compliance, and sustainability all need to be considered together,” Coleman says.
“That creates opportunity for converters who can offer both manufacturing capability and practical guidance.”
Practical sustainability
Sustainability is another area where J&P is focused on delivering real-world outcomes rather than abstract commitments.
“For us, sustainability has to be practical,” Jones says.
“It is about helping customers make packaging decisions that work in the real world.”
That includes working on recyclable and recycle-ready structures, exploring the use of recycled content, and helping customers balance sustainability objectives with performance and cost.
“Our role is to help turn sustainability objectives into workable packaging outcomes.”
Looking ahead
Like many independent converters, J&P faces ongoing challenges – from cost pressures and competition to material availability and regulatory change.
But Jones sees opportunity in the same conditions.
“Many customers still value local manufacturing, responsive service, and direct accountability,” he says.
“I think the opportunity lies with converters that can combine modern capability with flexibility and strong customer relationships.”
For J&P, the NovoFlex investment is a key part of that strategy – not the end point, but a foundation for what comes next.
“In five years’ time, success would mean J&P is recognised as one of Australia’s most capable and trusted independent flexible packaging businesses,” Jones says.
“The NovoFlex is not the whole story, but it is a major part of building the capability, consistency, and confidence we need for the next stage of growth.
This article was first published in the Q2 June 2026 print issue of PKN Packaging News, p24.
