RollsPack’s latest multimillion dollar investment in a customised, state-of-the-art, nine-colour gravure printing press is set to be a game changer for this SME and its customers.
It represents a massive leap forward for the business in delivering high-end flexible packaging solutions to the food packaging sector, and it creates an opportunity for brand owners to upgrade the quality of their print graphics at a time when competition for shelf space and consumer attention has never been higher.
“The gravure press brings unique capabilities and efficiencies to RollsPack and our customers,” RollsPack MD and founder Phillip Rolls says.
“It offers a high-resolution, photographic reproduction quality that is not achievable through the flexographic process.”
Rolls says the machine has been customised offshore for the company, based on the exacting standards required by the Japanese packaging market, where gravure printing is in wide use for flexible packaging.
The press, which will be officially launched in June, is already running trials at RollsPack's Braeside facility for a major food manufacturer.
Rolls says he is confident he’s made the right choice with the investment, especially since RollsPack is the only SME in the market offering this technology at a time when this level of quality is in high demand.
“It meets a recognised shift in the market that is increasing its demand for ready-to-consume products, single-serve packs, increased packaging per unit and multiple varieties of products,” he says.
“In world terms, Australia is a small market, yet we’re the most competitive when it comes to pricing and expectations. Supermarkets are demanding just in time, most industry sectors are demanding just in time, and that’s what we can supply: accuracy, vibrancy, quality and speed to market.
“This is how we can compete with imports, being able to offer a short lead time combined with high quality.”
Rolls says the new technology is well suited to SMEs with lower print runs, allowing them to compete using sophisticated packaging that speaks clearly to their customers.
“As an SME ourselves, we know how important it is to be able to compete with larger players. This is a significant capital investment for us; however, it’s a strategic move that will allow us as a manufacturer to compete with not just the best technology but also with the greatest quality and efficiency.”
As an adopter of LEAN manufacturing practices, RollsPack places high store on waste reduction and efficiency, which translates into competitive pricing. This was another reason for implementing the gravure technology, Rolls says.
“Apart from the exceptional vibrancy and clarity we can bring to the images and graphics on the packaging, the new press allows for higher run speeds, simplifies the operational process and reduces waste at the start and finish of a print run.”
For a full company profile on RollsPack, and more information on the gravure press, see the print issue of PKN Packaging News, May-June 2014.
