When the owners of Label World GmbH decided it was time to move from letterpress to flexo printing, they chose a BOBST flexo press with DigiFlexo automation, Combi Laminator and UV LED curing.
This strategic move has significantly extended the market reach with new applications and added flexibility. It has also doubled output capacity for the German company, which is committed to introducing the latest sustainable practices.
Based in Deisslingen, Baden-Württemberg, Label World GmbH was established at the very start of 2001 by Ines Plamann (CEO) to serve customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland with a variety of label products. In particular, the company specializes in direct marketing, scratch-off and multi-layer labels – services that set it apart from the competition.
“We once started with a letterpress machine that had a width of 200 mm. Later, we added a second machine specifically designed for producing scratch-off labels and for subsequent processing steps. Additionally, we expanded our services to include finishing work. Over time, we made investments in more machines that opened up innovative possibilities in post-processing,” recalls Liedigk. “As a small, independent company with a single production site, we face the challenge of securing our competitiveness to survive in the market. Our printing technology was outdated, which necessitated developing a new strategy for our future.”
Investigating the opportunities
The purchase of an EXPERT M3 inline flexo press was facilitated through BOBST’s representative, Graficon Maschinenbau AG, a long-standing partner providing advice and service for Label World’s existing machines. But the decision was not made before the team had conducted a thorough investigation of the various options available, comparing the pros and cons of each machine and supplier under consideration.
Instinct and investigation drove Label World to choose a 370 mm web width flexo press, with 8 printing stations. The press has been configured with a Combo Laminator and a delam/relam module for producing complex multi-layer labels, with the option to print in color on the adhesive side. As well as requiring advanced technical abilities, one of the main decision-making criteria was size, as the new press needed to fit into the facility.
Ms Plamann explained the reasoning, “When we saw the amazing demos, I was immediately convinced that the BOBST machine would be the right choice, but obviously it needed to fit in our production hall.” Mr Liedigk added, “Space is at a premium here, so we had to consider that carefully. Flexo was also new to us, so we examined all the technical features very closely. Based on the new applications it would allow us to address, the optimized footprint, and the cost-effectiveness, plus the service and advice from Graficon, we opted for BOBST.”
Addressing market challenges
In addition to the technical advancements, Label World’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the choice of UV LED lamps, which consume less energy than standard mercury lamps, offer consistent curing, and create a safer working environment for operators. “Often customers want sustainability, but they are not willing to pay extra for it. We do our bit by improving of our operation, such as recycling leftover silicone materials or PET carriers, and now by implementing UV LED curing on the new BOBST press,” stated Ms Plamann.
The versatile BOBST production line with DigiFlexo automated print pressure control has also addressed challenges posed by the trend towards smaller job runs, shorter delivery dates, and just-in-time demands. Mr Liedigk gave more details, “Where we used to get a large annual order quantity to produce, that is now split up into quarterly deliveries, but they must be ready within a week. Customers just don’t want to hold stock anymore; it is all printed to order. The new BOBST flexo press gives us the flexibility we need to face these pressures head on.”
The investment in BOBST’s advanced flexo technology has not only modernized Label World’s operations but also positioned it for growth by offering a greater variety of products and reaching different markets.
“Before we could only print 200 mm wide – with 370 mm we are much more competitive. Often, we had to turn down orders because of the limitation of the old technology. Now with this flexible and fully automated flexo press, we can reach new markets and more customers with our expanded product portfolio. It has also doubled our capacity which we’re still working to fill,” Mr Liedigk added.
“This is only the beginning of our great partnership with BOBST. My dream is to expand further with a digital label press from BOBST in maybe five years, because I was so impressed when I saw it demonstrated,” concluded Ms Plamann.
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