A B Graphic confirms strategic direction at automation open house event

Finishing Solutions

A B Graphic (ABG) recently held an automation open house event at its Bridlington head office and manufacturing facility.

The event showcased the latest developments in the company’s finishing technology, underlined its strategic direction and confirmed its vision for its digital offering, ABG Connect – the company’s latest workflow connectivity solution. An introduction to its new manufacturing facility at Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate, near Driffield, East Yorkshire, was also included in the programme.

Working to a busy schedule, guests on both days received an engaging mix of partner presentations from Cerm, Mercian Labels, Maan Engineering and Actega, together with a factory tour and demonstrations displaying ABG’s automated finishing technology.

The company’s drive for increased workflow automation and connectivity through ABG Connect was a key theme throughout the event, with Matt Burton, global sales director, commenting: ‘In the commercial print arena automation is paramount; however in the labels and packaging space we are in the early days of the automation transformation. ABG is ahead of the market in terms of having products available to facilitate this change such as ABG Connect. ABG will continue to sell more and more products with ABG Connect included, bringing about greater efficiencies by reducing the number of machines, headcount and complexity.’

Finishing equipment on show at the event included a Digicon Series 3 – beverage specification, showcasing Ecoleaf and traditional embellishment capabilities, a DigiLase 4.0 with an emphasis on laser die cutting, fleyevision, a Digicon Lite 3, and non stop winding technology with an Omega Converter 530. Additionally, there was a preview of the latest turret rewinders, due for launch at Labelexpo Europe in September 2023.

Later in the day, guests were able to visit the new 40,000 square foot premises in Kelleythorpe, close to its Bridlington headquarters. Ready for phased occupancy shortly, the site will house the compnay’s dedicated turret rewinder manufacturing facility, which has been based at a smaller site nearby in Middleton on the Wolds since 1995, as well as its engineering facility. The move will expand the company’s in-house engineering capabilities, free up space in the company’s existing site in nearby Carnaby to manufacture Digicon systems and decrease lead times.

Concluding, Matt Burton said, ‘The aim of the event was to reconnect post pandemic and show off what ABG has been up to – our new products, new facilities, new partnerships, new innovation and to share our strategic vision – all developments that allow us to better serve our markets and customers around the world, today and tomorrow.’