The press, which is expected to be installed by the end of June, will join a six-colour Roland 700, and two Komori Lithrones: a six-colour L28 and a 10-colour LS540SP.

The Rapida will be installed in Platypus’ new packaging plant alongside its recently installed Bobst ExpertCut 106 diecutter.

Sales director Aaron Lusch told ProPrint the investment spree was thanks to “significant growth in packaging work over the last few years”.

“We saw an opportunity in the Queensland market for another packaging supplier,” he said.

Lusch explained that while packaging had been part of Platypus’ offering for the past decade, it had really become central to the company strategy over the past 18 months.

“I wouldn’t say it’s the ideal for everyone – it’s something that we’ve had to work at for a very long time,” he added.

“You’ve got to be prepared to make the investments to buy the equipment. You’ve got to be prepared to invest in the right people who know about packaging. You’ve got to change the company culture in many ways – for instance the [quality assurance] is more stringent [than in commercial print],” added Lusch.

Dave Lewis, KBA Australasia’s general manager for sheetfed presses, called the sale “fantastic”.

“The main reason Platypus went for the Rapida 106 was the level of technology. It’s so up-to-date and the highest level of technology on the latest generation of medium-format presses,” said Lewis.

He added that this was KBA’s second order in Brisbane, and the second Rapida 106 in the country, following the installation of a six-colour press with double coasting at Percival Print and Packaging in Perth.

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