It has been confirmed that the world's first HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press is running at Bridgeshire Packaging in Somercotes, Derbyshire, in the main producing POP/POS display units.
Launched in October 2011, the FB7600 is a high-volume UV printer that operates in eight print modes with a maximum output of 95sph(500m2/hr). The unit, which can be used for printing films, papers and synthetics, is being used by Bridgeshire Packaging for POP/POS displays, primarily on corrugated board.
"Investing in the FB7600 press was a big step and we followed a careful decision-making process," said Andrew Whittle, director, Bridgeshire Packaging. "Our objective was to improve our production efficiency and reduce turnaround times."
With national and international brand retail and industrial customers demanding display and packaging products within 48 and 24 hours, the company was looking for a machine that could meet the challenge.
"Already we are asking ourselves how we managed without the FB7600," Whittle said. "With the increased production capabilities, we are able to expand our capacity. We're in the process of building a sales team dedicated to the digital market and plan to increase the number of shifts we operate."
Bridgeshire Packaging's press was installed in mid-November last year and the press was in full operation by the second week of December.
Bridgeshire Packaging was established in 1989 as a conventional corrugated manufacturer and has evolved into a one-stop print service provider offering design, conventional and digital print, die-cutting, collating, assembly and distribution services. Apart from POP/POS displays, the company designs and produces CDUs (counter display units), FSUs (free standing units) and pallet displays.
"At present about 95 per cent of the output on the FB7600 press is on corrugated board, but we also run Foamex as well a vinyl's and correx for outdoor banners," said Whittle.
Bridgeshire Packaging has strong environmental interests as well and recycles waste corrugated into products including fuel, animal bedding and its patented Pal-foot, a transit packaging solution for rigid bodied products (like white goods) and POS displays.