Outlook Group Buys Mark Andy Press

NEENAH, Wis.—Outlook Group Corp. has purchased a Mark Andy XP5000 press to support the needs of the company’s growing thin-film label business.

The XP5000 system is a 10-color, computer-controlled, 20-inch wide flexographic film press based on a modular platform design.

“This new press will enhance our narrow-web flexible packaging and our rapidly-expanding film-label business, particularly our exclusive MicroLiner® product,” said Joseph J. Baksha, president and CEO of Outlook Group. “MicroLiner utilizes a thinner label liner and a reversed diecutting process to reduce overhead, improve efficiencies and minimize waste, compared to traditional label processes. The XP5000 is another significant investment in our sustainability strategy, which focuses on conservation, operational efficiency and awareness of our limited natural resources. We recently earned our chain-of-custody certifications with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) and the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), so the energy-efficient XP5000 is a natural extension of our sustainability initiative. Outlook Group maintains stringent sustainability standards for operations, so the efficiency of the XP5000, combined with its dynamic capabilities, makes this system an excellent strategic investment. Not only is this press one of the most energy-efficient models available in the market today, it ultimately helps us to better meet the increasing client demands for our MicroLiner label and flexographic services.”

Features of the XP5000 press include: 10 color print stations for expanded color selection; a quick-change print cassette system to allow for shorter runs and quicker turnaround time between projects; auto-register and pre-register functionality to reduce waste; and multi-process capabilities such as gravure, rotary screen print, diecutting and sheeting to improve versatility and responsiveness to client needs.

“We expect the XP5000 to be installed in our Neenah, Wisconsin, facility in early December 2008, and it will be fully-operational by the end of the year,” said Jeff Collier, vice president of operations for Outlook Group. “This press will greatly enhance our flexographic manufacturing and thin-film label platforms and allow Outlook Group to continue adding value to our clients’ printing and packaging programs.”