FDBusiness.com

Chesapeake is set to extend its range of finishes for premium packaging markets after installing the longest B1 printing press ever made by Heidelberg

The business’s Branded Packaging division is to target the possibilities of the new press, which is 17 units long, at the premium spirits, fine confectionery and personal care markets.

It has been installed at Chesapeake’s East Kilbride site in Scotland and features 10 printing units, three coating units, four drying units and an in-line cold foiling option.

Tim Whitfield, vice-president of Chesapeake Branded Packaging, said: “East Kilbride supplies some of the world’s most prestigious brands and many of the packs it produces demand an ultra-high quality finish and outstanding shelf appeal.

“This significant investment will bring a number of processes inline providing greater quality control. We will be able to provide multiple colour applications, foiling and an even greater range of matt, gloss and pearlescent finishes, including metallics, spot and solid applications.”

The press is equipped with coating units both before and after printing and perfecting that will, a statement on the installation said, allow the site to provide customers with a range of finishes and effects inside as well as outside the box.

It will provide customers with a greater choice of substrate options, without compromising a pack’s aesthetic appeal.

The press is the latest stage in a major group-wide investment programme – Chesapeake Branded Packaging’s carton operations in the UK, Germany and Poland have all seen major press investments in the last two years.

Jim Todd, sales director of Heidelberg UK, says: “This latest B1 press is a huge step forward in technology [and] will satisfy both current and future brand-owner requirements.”