Ultimate Packaging, a printed flexible packaging producer for the food industry, has installed an HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press.
The company's traditional flexo-print business along with its expanding digital business manufactures about 60 to 70 million metres of food packaging every month.
Speaking about the investment, Ultimate Packaging sales and marketing director Chris Tonge said: "Packaging is the only interruptive media left, and global brands are starting to recognise that digital print allows them to connect with their customers like never before."
"Going digital has allowed us to engage with global brands on personalisation and customisation projects on flexible packaging, opening up both existing and new markets, and giving us a unique position in the UK, Europe and beyond. The HP Indigo 20000 means we can talk to brand owners about strategic marketing campaigns rather than continually discussing price and production."
The company had installed an HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Press about three years ago to make way for the wider HP Indigo 20000. The new printer which consists of a 30-inch wide roll-to-roll printer has enabled the company to digitally produce flexible packaging jobs on-demand while minimising waste at the same time.
The printer has also enabled Ultimate Packaging to reduce the production span by meeting growing requirements for shorter run lengths, shorter lead time and higher print quality with the incorporation of customised, personalised variable data printing.
The printer's ability to handle substrates from 12-100 microns has enabled the company to digitally print a full range of food-approved packaging.
Employing 300 people, the company has an annual turnover of about 50m. It is an approved supplier to all of the UK's food retailers and many major brands.