The Digicon 3000 is a wide-web digital finishing and converting system that offers web widths between 400-762mm. It was designed and manufactured in partnership between ABG and Edale and is the first UK install of this design for the flex pack market.
Installed at the Brentwood-based company’s site earlier this month, the device will run in conjunction with Baker Labels’ HP Indigo 20000 digital press to provide a complete single-pass printing and converting line for short-run flexible packaging.
Features include a dual-function unwind station, flexo/hybrid gravure print station, water-based lamination, cold foil, slitting and rewinding.
Phil Smith, general manager of BakPac at Baker Labels, said: “The Digicon 3000 was the natural choice considering our ongoing relationship with ABG and our other Digicons.
“As we look to grow the BakPac division, the Digicon 3000 will help us introduce added value features to our flexible packaging, such as extra coatings, spot varnish and cold foil embellishments. We’ve included the optional gravure coating system, which will enable us to run some development chemistries so that in the future we can offer new coatings and effects.”
The BakPac facility was extended over the Christmas break to accommodate the new press by adding approximately 93sqm to the digital pouch factory floor and an additional floor above to contain all the press services.
Baker Labels managing director Steve Baker said: “Expanding our flexible division just a couple of years after launching BakPac shows the positive growth and demand for high quality, fast turnaround, short to medium runs of digitally printed pouches and flow wrap. The Digicon 3000 allows us to push into new markets and add even more value to jobs.
“Our customers expect us to produce labels and packaging of excellent quality with fast turnarounds. We strive to go beyond expectations. Our aim is to never say no to an enquiry, therefore many label printers come to us when they don’t have the time, equipment, or capabilities to complete a job. We solve customers’ problems for them quickly and to a very high standard.”
Established in 1973 by Roy and Marian Baker, Baker Labels employs 112 staff and has a turnover of £16m. Last month it was awarded Essex Working Well’s Level Three accreditation after building and maintaining a strong wellbeing strategy for its employees.
