The device, which will be additional to the Nottingham-based firm’s plant list, will be installed at its 5,575sqm premises in January 2016 and commissioned the following month.
The Rapida 106 has eight printing units that offer both UV and conventional production, two hybrid coating units with two hybrid drying units, 900mm plinth, pile logistics and thick stock capability.
The 20,000sph device also features KBA’s sidelay-free fully-automated feeder, a simultaneous plate changing system, synchronised roller wash and the VariDry Blue super energy-efficient drying system.
“The press will enhance what we are capable of achieving and allow us to produce things quicker and in fewer passes. From an efficiency perspective and lead time, it will be highly beneficial to us and our customers,” said Simply Cartons chief executive Craig Mather.
“It will strengthen our position in the market for quality and give our customers even greater confidence in our ability to deliver premium product, on time, in full.”
As the company's first eight-colour press, the KBA will be configured with a print unit before the last coating unit to enhance the quality of the special effect and added-value finishes that Mather said have become increasingly important in high-end packaging design.
“The extraordinary is becoming the ordinary. Packaging is so important to the product inside it if it can enhance the look or catch the eye,” said Mather.
The company made its decision after also testing alternatives from Heidelberg, Mitsubishi and Komori.
“Each of the manufacturers were very professional and the machines all performed well but the Rapida was just exceptional,” said Mather.
“KBA’s innovation stood out to us. We as a business are innovative and we wanted someone that had the same thoughts and values.
“The Rapida 106 is extremely innovative and KBA were looking at the bells and whistles that would get us to where we wanted to be.”
The business also operates a six-colour Mitsubishi double coater and a six-colour and double coater Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105 as well as four die-cutters, four gluers, two window patchers, two pick-and-place machines and foiling devices.
Simply Cartons, which has 120 staff and a turnover of around £17m, works for a range of brands in the food, cosmetics, confectionery and drinks sectors.
