AB Graphic International, specialist in print finishing technology, is powering ahead with automation, facility expansion and a standout partnership with Currie Group in the ANZ region.
Providing the finishing touch behind many of the world’s premium print jobs, AB Graphic International (ABG) has built a reputation for high-performance finishing. As it enters its seventy-first year of business, the family-owned company continues to grow through customer-led innovation, expanded manufacturing capacity, and a focus on automation – with strategic partnerships, including its long-standing alliance with Currie Group in the ANZ region, playing a pivotal role.
Legacy of innovation
Founded in 1954, AB Graphic has grown beyond expectations, says sales director Matt Burton, whose great grandfather established the business.
“We’re still headquartered in Bridlington, Yorkshire, but we now operate four manufacturing sites – two in the UK, one in Germany and one in Spain – supported by sales and service subsidiaries across the US, Chile, France, the Netherlands and more,” Burton notes.
Today, the company employs around 460 people worldwide and continues to expand its global reach through strategic distributor partnerships. “Our network includes direct offices and resellers, but partners like Currie Group are vital. In fact, Currie Group is our best-performing distributor globally.”
Customer-led automation
With label converters facing mounting pressure from labour shortages, short-run jobs and faster time-to-market demands, ABG is leaning into its strengths in automation.
“Automation has always been in our DNA, but in recent years we’ve accelerated our efforts around connectivity and integration,” said Burton. At the core of this effort is ABG Connect – a software solution that links ABG finishing equipment with MIS systems to automate machine setup, reduce manual input, and provide real-time production data.
“This allows customers to streamline make-readies, reduce errors, and generate significant productivity gains,” he said. “One UK customer has seen a ten per cent year-on-year headcount reduction and a four – to five-times improvement in profitability in the finishing department.”
The push towards seamless workflows is helping printers bridge the automation gap that often exists between digital print and post-press processes. “In digital printing, you can jump from job to job without stopping. Our goal is to bring that same efficiency to finishing,” Burton explains.
Facility upgrades drive capacity
To support growth and reduce customer lead times, ABG has made significant investments in its manufacturing footprint. In 2023, the company consolidated its UK production operations into a brand-new, purpose-built facility.
“This has given us around thirty per cent more capacity and allowed us to bring two machine shops together under one roof,” Burton said. The modern site includes a customer demo centre and a contemporary work environment – “a big step up from the previous facility,” he notes.
Meanwhile, ABG is also expanding its German plant, with a 50 per cent capacity increase planned by mid-2025. “Germany is the base for our camera inspection systems and inkjet modules, which are seeing growing demand,” he said. “The expansion will also allow us to further develop these product lines.”
New technologies
At Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona this September, ABG will unveil a suite of new systems, including a key innovation in its DigiLase range.
“We’ve had success with laser die-cutting for years, and now we’re introducing the Dual Laser DigiLase,” said Burton. “It doubles the laser power without increasing the machine footprint. This means higher throughput, greater efficiency, and suitability for super short-run jobs, especially in the growing web-to-print segment.”
The enhanced speed of the Dual Laser system addresses one of the main industry hesitations around laser die-cutting – output rate. “While material limitations still exist for lasers, we’ve made significant progress in overcoming speed constraints,” Burton says.Other new developments on show at Labelexpo include a wider-web machine tailored to the wine label segment, a solution for peel-and-reveal multilayer labels, an RFID integration line, and automation features driven by ABG Connect.
A valued partnership
ABG’s presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets is anchored by its strong partnership with Currie Group.
“It’s a deep and longstanding relationship,” Burton said. “We visit the region regularly and work closely with Currie’s team. Their service infrastructure is excellent, and for us, that’s fundamental – because while the sales team may sell the first machine, it’s the service team that sells the second, third and fourth.”
The companies share more than a sales agreement – some ABG team members have even transitioned to Currie Group’s local service division, deepening the technical and cultural alignment between the businesses.
Mark Daws, sales director – Labels & Packaging Division ANZ at Currie Group adds, “Our strong partnership with ABG has allowed us to redefine finishing solutions for our customers throughout Australia and New Zealand. It’s not about replicating technology; it’s about harnessing innovation to deliver truly differentiated value.
“By working hand-in-hand with ABG, we’re able to rapidly adapt and tailor advanced finishing technologies to meet the unique needs of our local markets. Our longstanding collaboration goes beyond product supply; it’s a dynamic exchange of expertise that spans from cutting-edge automation to process optimisation.”
Daws explains that the teams collaborate closely on everything from new product insights and feedback to robust training programs, ensuring that customers “don’t just receive a machine, but a comprehensive support system”. This enables customers to maximise their productivity and maintain a competitive edge in an industry where time and precision matter.
“With technical specialists immersed in both organisations, we continuously refine our support strategies and service offerings. It’s this hands-on, mutually reinforcing approach that has strengthened our market standing over the years and positioned us to meet the evolving demands of an ever-changing print landscape,” Daws says.
Looking to the future
As the industry continues to evolve, ABG is focused squarely on helping customers unlock the next level of automation.
“Our vision is a ‘lights-out’ finishing process – where customers can load a printed roll, walk away, and return to find it finished, packed and ready,” said Burton. “We’re not far off. Between robotics, software integration, and machine intelligence, we’re building towards that fully automated future.”
With fresh investment, a slate of new products, and trusted partners like Currie Group on the ground, ABG is well positioned to lead the charge in the next phase of digital finishing.
This article was first published in the May-June 2025 print issue of PKN Packaging News, p14.
