Aquaflex, Inc.

DUNCANSVILLE, Pa.—Aquaflex, owned by F.L. Smithe Machinery, announced that it significantly exceeded 2006 sales projections nearly doubling sales over the previous year. Mac Rosenbaum, vice president of F. L. Smithe said, “We nearly doubled the number of presses sold in 2006 over 2005. And, in 2005 we virtually doubled the number of presses delivered in 2004. It’s very gratifying to see the industry respond so positively to our new Aquaflex product line. We’ve all worked very hard to make the line relevant to the printer’s present and future needs.” While company officials declined to reveal specific sales data, they report that production lines have

Like any other technology, drying equipment for package printing continues to evolve. The industry changes rapidly and suppliers must keep up. The increased speed involved with today’s printing presses, driven by market demand, is one example of how drying equipment must evolve to keep up with the presses on which it is installed. Some press manufacturers, like Aquaflex (see sidebar, next page), have chosen to design and build their own drying systems. Others use dryers manufactured by OEMs. Whichever route you choose to go when purchasing new drying equipment, there are a variety of considerations you need to keep in mind including UV vs.

Relationships are critical in any business. Relationship building takes time, but the benefits of such investments pay huge dividends over time. These relationships are with your vendors, your customers, your suppliers, and your employees. Also critical for a successful mix is the best equipment for your operation. Valdese Packaging and Label’s (Valdese, NC) business is built on this philosophy. “Our operating philosophy has been to surround [ourselves] with the best employees and equipment on the market, and develop long-term partnerships with [our] accounts,” says Darren Little, president. On the equipment side, Valdese recently purchased its first servo-driven press, using technology that Little says represents

Chicago was a busy place during the second week in September. The city hosted Labelexpo Americas 2006 with its 450+ exhibitiors and more than 13,000 visitors, many of whom gave the show a distinct international flare. Along with a steady flow of traffic during the four-day event, the show featured a wealth of significant new products introduced to the label printing market. The following rundown presents a brief review of some of the highlights. Lots to see Avery Dennison announced the acquisition of RF IDentics, a start-up company with technologies and manufacturing assets to enhance its RFID product offerings. UPM Raflatac reviewed its plans

DUNCANSVILLE, Pa.—FL Smithe and Aquaflex will host an informational seminar for small and mid-sized converters at the FL Smithe facility in Duncansville, Pa. The one-day seminar, entitled “From Labels to Film: An educational session for the label converter,” will introduce the flexible packaging marketplace to converters wishing to diversify their business models. The session will feature guest speakers from leading vendors such as Harper, Water Ink Technologies and Trinity Graphics, as well as a keynote speaker on the flexible packaging marketplace. Topics will include the differences in plate-making and anilox rolls between film and paper, among others. Aquaflex will

DUNCANSVILLE, Pa.– Aquaflex announces a partnership with Jetrion, the Michigan-based manufacturer of industrial inkjet products and services. Under this agreement, the two companies will co-design mounts and other critical components to optimize Jetrion’s industry-leading 3025 printing system for use on Aquaflex’s comprehensive line of flexo presses, including the new ELS Servo press. The partnership will leverage both companies’ individual strengths to deliver in-line inkjet solutions to the narrow web label marketplace. Jetrion brings to the agreement a solid reputation as an industry-leading provider of inkjet solutions specifically designed for flexo presses. Aquaflex brings its strong user base, sales and service infrastructure, and a