Multi Print Systems (MPS) builds printing and converting machines for self-adhesives and packaging and has brought to market innovative products such Crisp.Dot Flexo printing, Quick Change Die, automatic plate mounting and Automated Process Control (APC), including Job Memory.
The Dutch company has recently experienced a period of sustained success and growth within the UK market, culminating in sales of press machinery to three leading UK label printers – Reflex Labels, Hamilton Labels and Watershed Packaging.
Reflex Labels, which has several sites across the UK, is now running production on its 10 colour press, the second MPS press investment made due to positive results generated from the first machine purchased a few years ago. The initial device was purchased primarily for the production of the company’s linerless product, but the press capability created numerous new opportunities in other markets resulting in a demand for a second press.
David Ewing of Reflex (right) with Eric Hoendervangers of MPS.
Leicestershire based Hamilton Labels recently also placed an order for its second MPS press, only two years after the first order. The huge success of its first machine, an EC 330 eight colour press, paved the way for demand for a second press in a much shorter timescale than anticipated. Chris Marsh, managing director of Hamilton Labels, commented: ‘The increase in throughput and productivity made the decision to buy the second press a very easy one indeed. The opportunity to put in a second press with the utilisation of existing skill sets was also very attractive.’ The press is scheduled for delivery early next year.
Hamilton Labels’ Chris Marsh (right), Eric Hoendervangers of MPS and Nick Tyrer (left) of MPS UK.
Watershed Packaging is a success story in its own right, undergoing a period of rapid growth over the last five years. In addition to a new production facility due to be in operation in the first quarter of next year, the company has just purchased its first purpose built packaging press at 20″ wide. The nine colour press will complement four existing MPS machines at the company’s facility in Leeds and will take it forward into new areas of print and packaging.
Steve Walker, managing director of Watershed Packaging, commented: ‘Before purchasing our first press at this width we evaluated presses from other manufacturers. We selected the MPS solution as its technology is unparalleled at this width. MPS and its products have been a part of our growth and have provided us with a sustained platform for continued success through reliability and performance. We value our customers’ loyalty to us when we deliver the support and partnership they require and felt we should adopt the same ethical position when making our own purchasing decisions.’
John Waters of Watershed Packaging with MPS UK’s Nick Tyrer (right) with Watershed’s fifth MPS press.
This period of growth for MPS in the UK is being mirrored elsewhere. Following Labelexpo Amercias, the company saw 13 presses being built simultaneously in its factory – all production bays in use and running at full capacity.
The majority of presses were equipped with eight to 10 colour stations, with a12 colour EF flexo latest generation press in the mix. Most of the EC and EF converting and UV flexo presses have been shipped to customers in Eastern and Western Europe, Latin and North America, Africa, and Australia.
