Installation of Offset Print & Packaging’s first-of-its-kind Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 is underway, following the completion of extensive preparatory works including the removal of a 40-metre mezzanine floor.

The Kent-based company confirmed its order for the highly-specified press just over a year ago, becoming the first UK firm to take a next-generation Rapida 145 in the process. 

The press is bristling with automation and energy-saving features. It is configured with seven colours and two coaters, each of which can run both UV and conventional, and can handle substrates up to 1.2mm thick. Maximum sheet size is 106x145cm. 

Edward Bone, managing director of sales at the Aylesford firm, said that its high-profile customers were “always looking for packaging finishes to make their product stand out”.

“The Rapida 145 will vastly increase their options in terms of cost-effective production of highly decorative packaging, and on a large-format scale.”

The firm specialises in high-end custom packaging for clients in markets including food and beverage, cosmetics, homeware and technology. It works for blue-chip customers including Harrods, Sony, Prestat, and Fortnum & Mason. 

Bone lauded the multi-million pound press as a serious investment that would instil “massive customer confidence”.

Other features on the new Rapida include fully automatic plate changing, AniSleeve technology on the coaters for fast and simple anilox roller changeovers, energy-saving VariDry Blue drying technology, ErgoTronic and QualiTronic closed loop colour control, pile logistics at the feeder, and an extended delivery. 

Offset Print & Packaging's team have been trained on the new press at K&B's Radebeul facility in Germany

Managing director of operations Vince Brearey said the complex project had involved more than two years of planning. 

“As well as relocating two cut and crease machines to a new part of the factory, we have also had to remove a 40-metre-long mezzanine floor and upgrade the incoming electrical supply to the factory, alongside excavating and reinforcing the floor to accommodate the new 167 tonne press,” he explained.

“All this while maintaining business as normal for our customers. It’s a testament to excellent teamwork and communications internally as well as to our excellent working relationship with Koenig & Bauer.”

Offset Print & Packaging is a long-standing K&B customer for printing presses and post-press kit. Chris Scully, who has just stepped up to become managing director of Koenig & Bauer UK, described the relationship between the two companies as “symbiotic”.

“This latest investment truly sets them apart in terms of capability, and I know from experience, they will be ready to take full advantage of it from day one,” he said.

Offset Print & Packaging employs more than 100 staff at its 8,640sqm facility. The business is approaching its year end, and had sales of £14.3m in the year to 30 April 2022.