Chief, a packaging and display provider in the US, has confirmed its decision to invest in the HP PageWide C500 Press for single-pass, direct-to-board mainstream production to serve growing demand for high-quality digitally printed corrugated displays and packaging. The press is scheduled for installation in the Chief Atlanta-area complex in August.
The addition of the HP PageWide C500 press will continue Chief’s ongoing investment in digital print and production that began in early 2000. Realizing the importance and potential of the emerging digital print technologies, Chief created Chief Digital in 2011 to focus completely on digital production.
Chief Digital has an decent lineup of printing technologies, beginning with the HP Latex LX600 Printer and HP Scitex FB700 Industrial Printer. By early 2013, Chief Digital had two HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Presses installed. In 2015, as demand continued to grow, the need for faster speeds and higher print quality led to the decision to install the HP Scitex 15500 Corrugated Press.
“What sets Chief apart in the corrugated packaging and display industry is that digital printing has been part of our DNA since the very beginning,” said Aaron Hayes, Chief Digital’s General Manager. “We didn’t just buy a press yesterday. We began this journey years ago and have continued to create, adapt, and lead in digital converting.”
The addition of the HP PageWide C500 brings high-quality mainstream digital production to a greater level for Chief’s customers. This includes opening the market for food packaging applications to serve its customers’ growing needs for digital flexibility. The HP PageWide C500’s CV150 Water-Based Inks and HP Bonding Agent enable printing on both primary and secondary food packaging without an additional barrier.
Chief Container’s customer list includes some of the world’s largest category-leading brands, ranging from consumer electronics to personal care to food and beverage. “Our customers are experts in product marketing and they know the package is an extension of the consumer’s product experience,” said Reuben Guthrie, Chief’s President. “The HP PageWide C500 and the creative team at Chief will help our brands realize new and effective ways to innovate with digitally-printed packaging and displays.”
Chief offers a turn-key packaging and display solution to its clients with an impressive lineup of analog and digital production, as well as a complete assembly and fulfillment center. “We have always sought out the best equipment and solutions for our clients,” said Hayes. “But the machine can only be as good as its operator. When it comes down to it, the greatest difference at Chief is found in our employees.”
