A co-operation between Koenig & Bauer Celmacch and Asian manufacturer Guangdong Keshenglong Hi-Tech Group has resulted in the launch of a new Open Close corrugated flexo press series called Prima. The technology represents an entry into the “mid-tech” market, said Koenig & Bauer Celmacch, enabling it to reach a “broader range of customers.
The Prima series is offered as either a pure flexo printing machine (Prima) or as a flexo printing system with rotary die-cutting (PrimaCUT) with movable units (Open Close). The company said its goal is to meet the requirements of customers looking for an alternative to High Board Line technology, with a “reasonable level of investment without compromising on quality”.
Development and design have been handled at Koenig & Bauer Celmacch in Italy, with production at Keshenglong’s facilities, including its 60,000sq/m site at Foshan, China. However, Koenig & Bauer Celmacch said every machine will be produced following its “Engineered by Koenig & Bauer Celmacch” approach. High Board Line Chroma machines will continue to be produced in Italy.
Dr Stephen Kimmich, CEO of Koenig & Bauer, commented: “Our Impact strategy aims to consolidate Koenig & Bauer’s position as an agile technology provider in the world’s most important growth markets. The partnership with the Guangdong Keshenglong Hi-Tech Group and the resulting Prima series are prime examples of how we combine technological excellence with cost leadership through global collaboration to win over new customer segments in the mid-tech sector.”
Koenig & Bauer Celmacch CEO Luca Celotti added: “The market volume for Open Close technology is comparable to the market we currently serve with our High Board Line machines. For us, this represents a very high, previously untapped potential.”
The first sales of a Prima press have already been secured, with customers in Eastern and Southern Europe finalising deals. Assembly of the first press is scheduled for May 2026, after which extensive quality testing will take place ahead of planned live production by the end of the year. Koenig & Bauer said this co-operation with Keshenglong marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership.
