Sun in narrow web move

Sun Chemical UK hopes to double its market share in the narrow web sector with the launch of a dedicated division built around a range of inks called Onyx.

Sun Chemical Narrow Web, which has operations at Liverpool, South Normanton and East Kilbride, will launch the Onyx range at Labelexpo, which takes place in Brussels from 24-27 September.

The division, fronted by operations director Jeff Hulston and business & marketing director Tom Kelly, has 10 staff dedicated to the narrow web sector, although its supported by the rest of the Sun Chemical group.

Weve had a 13% market share despite ourselves, claimed Kelly. Technical performance is the key to growth.

The Onyx range comprises eight specialised product lines for the UV flexo, waterbase flexo, rotary screen, UV litho and letterpress processes.

Sun Chemical estimates that there are 450 printers in the sector and that it has an annual ink sales value of 25m.

Kelly said Sun Chemical was involved in trials with some major players in the sector.

Joe Smith has been appointed as general manager of Sun Chemical Narrow Web. He was formerly general manager for Akzo Nobel and also worked as a technician in Suns US research operation.