The print firm, which has already deployed two manroland 700 presses and two smaller-format manroland models, opted for the machine after carefully considering all options, says Amcor Cartons Auckland manufacturing manager David Wilson (pictured).
“We’ve only been running it for a few months, but it is certainly doing what we expected,” he told ProPrint.
“I would say a competitive price and reliability were what predominantly made us go with the KBA, and we are also expecting the day-to-day maintenance to be lower.
“Having the additional running speed – as it is a 16,500sph press – was also something we looked at, along with the Densotronic colour control system because we are looking for consistent quality,” added Wilson.
The KBA Densitronic system reads colour bars and automatic adjusts the inking units on the press, which is also equipped with an anilox coating unit raised up on special cast blocks for board production.
KBA Australasia sheetfed presses general manager Dave Lewis said he was hopeful these features. Combined with the press’ efficient makeready capabilities, would soon lead to further installations across the Tasman.
“Once the word really filters around about the Amcor installation, we would expect to see a bit more interest in the 105 in New Zealand,” he says.
“We have the Ipex show coming up in May and a lot of Kiwis make their way over for that. We are already talking to a couple of other people,” Lewis.
To ensure the installation process went as smoothly as possible, KBA specifically flew engineers Peter Kockisch and Olaf Wohs over from Dresden (Germany) to New Zealand, as well as KBA Australasia electrician John Studley.
The recent installation furthers the relationship between the two parties which was initiated with the deployment of a Rapida 142 large-format press at the Amcor Botany plant in Sydney.
Employing 85 full-time staff, Amcor Cartons Auckland main niche is producing packaging for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter