Nampak invests R100-million in printing
Nampak, Africa's largest packaging company, recently invested nearly R100-million in the printing capability and capacity of its Nampak Cartons & Labels and Nampak Flexible divisions. Growing consumer demand for high-quality printed paper labels, carton board and flexible packaging drove the move.
Over R60-million was invested in Nampak Cartons & Labels and nearly R40-million in Nampak Flexible. The investments were made over a three-year period.
Nampak Cartons & Labels manufactures a wide range of folding cartons and labels. As South Arica's leading producer of folding cartons and labels, the division knows the value of high-quality graphics to customers, especially on-shelf.
Customer expectations of carton board and label printing are continuously increasing with new print techniques and special finishes coming on-line constantly, and Nampak Cartons & Labels is committed to keeping pace. Shayne Munger, divisional sales and marketing director, says, “When we purchase a new piece of machinery, we consider how it will improve our customer value proposition and also our operational performance. This double-win underpins our approach and informs all our decision-making.”
Among Nampak Cartons & Labels' latest acquisitions are two lithographic printing presses, that are up and running at the division's facility in Denver, Johannesburg.
In addition, more than R10-million was invested in establishing a national pre-press computer-to-plate infrastructure, which includes digital artwork management and the processing of printing plates, at the division's three South African litho operations. Shayne says the benefits include improved artwork management at plant level, whilst enhancing the national footprint for artwork management with customers.
Nampak's Flexible division reports similar new investments:
Nampak Flexible's ‘mega' plant is the largest consumer of BOPP and PET film in South Africa. In linear metres, it produces enough flexible packaging in one year to wrap the world six times! Given the scale of the operation, as well as the incredible developments in the printing of flexible packaging materials, several strategic investments were made.
The division unveiled a brand new, R17-million eight colour flexographic printer in May 2009 at its Pinetown operation.
A R15-million shrink-sleeve printer was added to the division's Cape Town line-up too. It forms part of a dedicated shrink-sleeve manufacturing centre at the Cape Town factory.
Globally benchmarked, these investments offer many benefits, primarily through improved quality and speed. The ability to run shorter lengths at more competitive prices is another major advantage supported improved ease of handling, reduced waste and the standardisation of materials.
These installations have been made parallel to a number of initiatives in supply chain integration and management. By working closely with customers, further benefits are expected in the future.
[29 Jun 2009 11:01]