Heidelberg Celebrates Milestone 1,000th VLF Printing Unit Install

Green Bay Packaging, a leading producer of folding cartons, corrugated packaging and point-of-purchase displays, has installed the 1,000th Very Large Format (VLF) printing unit from Heidelberg.

The new Speedmaster XL 145-7+L with UV is the latest addition to the Wisconsin-based company. The VLF press, equipped with Prinect Inpress Control and Prinect Inspection Control, will run alongside a Speedmaster CD 102-7+L and an existing Speedmaster XL 145 with UV. According to President and CEO Will Kress, its first XL 145 provided increased capacity and faster set-up times. The new 57˝ press is expected to further improve productivity throughout the plant.

Peak Performance for VLF

Green Bay Packaging installed its first Heidelberg VLF press (an XL 145) in 2013. Since its installation, the company has experienced increased uptime and substantial business growth. Thanks to Prinect Inpress Control, the press comes up to color quickly and offers significantly reduced makeready times.

"The press provides solid performance day in and day out, holds up well to the challenges of the packaging realm and meets the constant demands of our customers," Kress said. "Our operators appreciate the ease of operation and intuitive design. With the first XL 145, our business has grown tremendously, so the decision to purchase a second one was easy."

The new Speedmaster XL 145, which features seven printing units plus a coating tower, can handle both conventional and UV inks and coatings; it comes equipped with a 37 ft. extended delivery for maximum curing at full speeds across a wide range of substrates. Prinect Inspection Control examines each printed sheet for errors and material defects to ensure a reliable and flawless finished product.

"We are confident in the quality of Heidelberg’s VLF platform," Kress said. "Our existing Heidelberg presses run as promised, and this machine will only further our business growth."

Building a Better Box

The high level of automation and intelligent press control simplify all work steps and minimize makeready times, energy consumption, and paper waste. With industry-leading speeds of up to 18,000 sph, Heidelberg's VLF platform is fit to serve both the short-run display market as well as high-volume leaders in the packaging industry.

"Since launching the VLF platform, Heidelberg has been dedicated to providing the packaging market with the highest quality printing press to deliver peak performance for more net sheets produced daily, monthly and annually than any other press in the 57˝ and 64˝ category," Jim Tillery, product manager, VLF, Heidelberg USA, said. "We are extremely excited to celebrate this milestone alongside Green Bay Packaging, a team who represents quality and performance. Green Bay Packaging is truly in a class of its own, and we look forward to our continued partnership."

Since 1933, Green Bay Packaging has remained consistent with its vision and commitment by providing innovative solutions from empowered people solving specific customer challenges. With 31 locations across the U.S. and Mexico, the company manufactures high-quality products used for a wide variety of retail packaging and labeling applications. All operations are driven by continuous improvement and are focused on providing customers with outstanding service while maintaining strong environmental and social responsibilities.

Source: Heidelberg.