Weedon PSC has invested in a Weipong flexo-printer, prompted by the need to increase print capacity to meet demand for packaging to support recent growth in e-commerce as well as developments towards more sustainable packaging.
The Weipong Venus 1625 STK-TB offline printer – which was sold and installed by UK and Ireland agent, GTS Europe – will print sheets bigger than Weedon PSC’s two existing flexo printing machines, enabling the production of a wider range of packaging and displays. For example, for the first time, the company will be able to offer flexo printing on POS displays as a more cost effective option for high volume runs.
The machine will also print both sides in one pass (four colours on one side, two on the reverse), making it ideal for e-commerce packaging and Retail Ready Packaging with printing inside the box. It can also apply a coating on the inside of a box, for example for fresh produce or automotive components, offering a more environmentally-friendly, cost-effective alternative to plastic packaging. The Weipong printer also includes an infra-red dryer to dry each colour between print stations, so it can run high quality work at speed.
Site changes
Weedon PSC had to remove walls at its factory and reposition existing equipment to install the Weipong. The machine breaks records for the company both in terms of its size and its cost – it is the largest investment in a single piece of equipment in the company’s history.
John Weedon, Managing Director of Weedon PSC (pictured left) , commented, “The acquisition of the Weipong flexo printer follows significant expansion over the last year or so and represents the largest single investment in our company’s history. The demand for corrugated packaging is rising, partly as a result of the growth in online shopping accelerated by the COVID pandemic. But we are also seeing an increase in customers switching to coated corrugated board as a greener alternative to plastic packaging, especially in markets such as fresh produce and automotive components. The packaging industry is having to make some major changes to accommodate new trends. In our case things are pretty extreme – we had to demolish part of our factory to accommodate new equipment to keep up with demand.”
“We are delighted to partner with Weedon once again,” adds David Williams, Managing Director, GTS Europe. “Along with the new Weipong, we have also installed a Hanway digital printer at Weedon recently; the addition of this digital printer and the inside-outside Weipong flexo converting lines adds significant print capabilities and capacity for them, as they continue to grow their market share. We are happy to continue this great relationship with John ad the entire team at Weedon Group.”
