The new press cost £400,000 and will expand Bristol-based Kingfisher’s technology line-up and enhance its capabilities. It will pick up some work currently run on the firm’s existing Edale presses and also push into new applications.
The eight-colour, UV-cured 350mm-wide press will enable Kingfisher to run a variety of spot colours and varnishes, as well as cold foiling and water-based inks. New applications it opens up to the label printer include sleeves, wraparound labels, pouches and sachets.
Production director Karl Jackson said: “Our sales team is out there selling our wares the best they can, and they have been pulling in very good contracts. Sometimes work falls out the bottom due to capacity restrictions so this new Edale press will help us take on that work.
“Edale continues to bring the goods for us and, though we considered alternative presses, there are none on the market that do everything we want like an Edale machine.
“For us, it represents the possibility to move into new worlds – it opens up packaging to us, as well as improving our speed, efficiency and general workflow.”
With a mechanical speed ranging from 5-200m/min, the Edale FL3 comes with a turn bar system, delam/relam capabilities and chill rolls.
Moving forward, Kingfisher’s focus is on improving the sustainability of its operation by reducing its power consumption. With a UV kit portfolio supplied by Turkish manufacturer Feket, it will strive to upgrade the machines onsite to reduce its carbon footprint.
Kingfisher Labels currently employs 17 members of staff on 930sqm premises.
