Up2Speed Printing, a rapidly growing packaging and commercial printing company, has taken a significant step forward with the acquisition of a Komori GL640 advance LED-UV six-color press.
This move allows Up2Speed to better service their commercial print customers while accelerating the transition to the growing packaging print market. The configuration of the new 6 color press with coater, loaded with automation, further positions the company to meet increasing demands in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical packaging sectors.
Founded over a decade ago by Jorge Carmenate and his wife, Clara Hernandez, Up2Speed Printing began as a small operation out of their home garage. Since then, the company has expanded to a 20,000 sq ft facility in Hialeah, FL, employing 27 staff. The new press, which arrives in October, is a key part of the company’s growth strategy.
Left to right: Jorge L. Carmenate, Clara Hernandez, Victor Flores and Jorge A. Carmenate.
“We’ve been focusing heavily on packaging in the past two years, which now makes up about 70-75% of our business,” says Carmenate. “The Komori GL640 advance is the perfect choice to support this shift, offering the advanced capabilities we need to produce high-quality packaging with precision.”
The fully loaded Komori press features include PQA, a PDF comparator, and UV interdeck lamp positions, offering flexibility and quality control. Carmenate and his team are particularly excited about the efficiency improvements the press will bring.
“Our current make-ready times with our existing press takes about 1:00 to 1:20 hours. With the new Komori press, we expect that to drop to 20-30 minutes,” he adds. “We see the gains in production speed but also in reduced make-ready, in the pressroom. This will be a game-changer for us in terms of production capacity.”
Up2Speed Printing has built a diverse customer base across multiple industries. The company works with major brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Trader Joe’s, Goya, Bacardi, and Publix, producing a variety of packaging solutions, including folding cartons for food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and beverages.
“Customers are already buzzing about the new press and the increased capabilities it will bring,” says Carmenate. “We’re also excited to break into new markets like pharmaceuticals, where precision and quality are paramount.”
Carmenate’s extensive experience as a pressman gives Up2Speed an advantage. His hands-on approach ensures that the team is well-prepared to handle the advanced technology that comes with the new Komori press.
“Training the operators will be key, especially with the new LED-UV technology and extensive automation. However, I’m confident in their abilities. The press is very user-friendly, and I even plan on getting involved in the training myself,” he adds.
