Harrison Packaging takes UK’s first Rapida 106X
Packaging Solutions
Harrison Packaging has become the first UK company to invest in a highly specified Rapida 106X, the largest investment in its history. The press, an eight colour with two coating units will be installed into its Stockton on Tees factory in late January 2022 – an exciting year for Harrison Packaging as it celebrates 140 years in business.
Harrison produces packaging products for a diverse range of customers and brands in several markets including beauty, healthcare, food and beverages. The company has recently invested in new die cutting and CAD equipment and has already committed to new CTP equipment for delivery this summer. It is heavily committed to programmes for sustainability and manufacturing excellence alongside an increasing focus on the development of the Harrison team.
The company invested in Rapida 105 technology in 2008 when it purchased a seven plus coating press and it has now returned to purchase the new Rapida 106X. The press has been specified with the aim of increasing capability and providing significant technical and commercial advantages. It is capable of printing with both conventional and UV inks along with water based and UV coatings.
The team at Harrison visited a number of major press manufacturers prior to the pandemic and performed extensive tests along with a detailed analysis of existing and future requirements.
Speaking about the investment, managing director Mike Baum said: ‘This was the most involved investment process we have ever undertaken and after a diligent comparison between equipment from a number of reputable manufacturers, our team decided that the Koenig & Bauer option would enable Harrison to take the biggest step forward at this point. The new technology the press boasts will ensure that our print process becomes faster and more agile, delivers greater efficiency and produces much less waste, all critical in us providing a sustainable future for all those associated with Harrison.’
He continued, ‘Initially, the press will replace an existing six colour B1 press, although when the press reaches the levels of output we expect, we anticipate removing another of our older presses. Our five year plan is one of significant growth and this press will create sufficient additional capacity to ensure Harrison maintains the levels of flexibility and response we have become known for. We are very excited to see the new machine installed and look forward to working with the team at Koenig and Bauer to maximise the potential for this ‘game changing’ press.’
The Rapida 106X boasts a radical new design with sleek black printing units, new touch screens and LED press status alerts for the operator and is equipped with a whole host of labour saving features and technologies to ensure only the highest quality of print is produced. The press has a top speed of 20,000 sheets per hour and incorporates a host of features aimed at reducing downtime.
The machine can handle stock up to 1.2 mm thick and additionally for non stop running is equipped with an extensive logistics package for both the feeder and delivery and a press raise.
