Press release submitted on behalf of BOBST.
BOBST, Mex, Switzerland, with more than 350 employees dedicated to narrow- and mid-web printing and converting technology, advanced its vision for the future of labels and flexible-packaging production, centered on connectivity, digitalization, automation and sustainability with the opening of a new state-of-the-art Competence Center in Florence, Italy.
Following the successful establishment of the Atlanta Competence Center in the US, BOBST’s 13,000-sq-ft Florence Competence Center provides access to the company’s full range of printing solutions with six complete production lines (including in-line flexo, digital and All-in-One technologies). The new Italian BOBST facility is designed to serve customers through proximity and local expertise, as well as being a hub for collaboration and innovation.
During Oct. 8–10, more than 200 customers attended the grand opening of the new center. They witnessed a complete overview of BOBST’s value proposition for the narrow- to mid-web market, including prepress, machinery, technology area, the Cloud-based digital platform BOBST Connect and final applications. The event was supported by leading industry partners representing the whole value chain.
“The major investment in the Narrow-Mid Web Printing & Converting Product Line demonstrates Bobst Group’s strong commitment to this segment,” says Matteo Cardinotti, head-Narrow-Mid Web Printing & Converting. “BOBST has experienced exceptional growth in labels in recent years, and we are supporting that development by opening more local Competence Centers and hiring more staff worldwide. In Italy specifically, we have also expanded our production facilities and reinforced our service organization to match the needs of European customers.”
At the event in Florence, guests could experience live demonstrations of the entire “Label Solutions by BOBST” portfolio. BOBST’s All-in-One concept, with inkjet and flexo technology in-line, was presented by the DIGITAL MASTER 340 press running pressure-sensitive labels for the beauty segment. For in-line flexo, BOBST MASTER M5 demonstrated single-pass production of multilayer labels featuring oneECG (extended color gamut) technology and DigiFlexo automation.
The production lines on show included a complete solution for short- to medium-run flexible-packaging applications – a BOBST MASTER M6 flexo press integrated with a near-line mid-web laminator, the BOBST NOVALAM MV. This setup, in combination with oneECG printing and DigiFlexo technology, is said to be an ideal solution for flexo converters wanting to produce short- to medium-run flexible packaging and shrink sleeves, a segment that is not profitably using digital technology. All presses demonstrated live were operating with direct integration to BOBST Connect, the advanced digital platform that offers next-level automation, digitalization and connectivity to support sustainable, efficient and profitable production.
BOBST is not operating alone in shaping the future of packaging production but is collaborating with key suppliers to bring maximum value. The event reinforced BOBST’s industry partnerships with the presence of Esko, Kurz, Avery Dennison, Sun Chemical, Kongsberg PCS, DuPont, and Lohmann.
“The new Labels & Flexible Packaging Competence Center provides the ideal scenario for printers and brand owners to fully understand BOBST’s vision for the future of packaging production. Guests at the grand opening experienced our comprehensive portfolio of printing solutions in action and saw how our innovations and partnerships are shaping developments, while discovering how to boost and simplify their label production,” adds Cardinotti.
For more information, visit www.bobst.com.