Abbey Labels installs MPS EF UV flexo press to boost efficiency

Label printer Abbey Labels has invested in an MPS EF UV flexo press to increase its efficiency and product range.

The eight-colour multi-substrate press, which will be installed at the Bury St Edmunds-based company's factory next week, has a web width of 340mm and will be equipped with an APC automation extension package which contains servo positioning motors to automatically set the desired print pressure settings.

Chairman Tom Allum said: “The new press will improve our efficiencies by over 40% by reducing waste and setup time. The MPS will also complement our recently installed Esko HD plate making equipment, allowing us to achieve the highest quality in flexo printing.

“Benefits of a fully servo-driven press include consistency of registration throughout the print run and the capability to offer our clients a wider range of substrate thicknesses, from thin films to thicker boards.”

The firm looked at, and ran tests on, a range of alternative machines from firms including Gallus and Nilpeter but found that the MPS machine best fit its requirements.

“We also run four Gallus Arsoma presses, a digital Xeikon press and a range of AB Graphic finishing equipment. This is a new addition to the business and we’re aiming to be up and running quite comfortably within six to seven days after it’s installed,” said Allum.

The firm, which employs 27 staff and has a turnover of £4.1m, has British Retail Consortium (BRC) certification and ISO 14001 accreditation. It provides label production and printing services to clients in the food, beverage, cosmetics, industrial, security and pharmaceutical industries.