A 10-colour Windmoeller & Hoelscher Primaflex CM flexographic printing press has joined the complement of packaging equipment at Vins Plastics Ltd. in Bradford, Ontario.
“We had pushed our web offset technology as far as we could, so it became a question of getting a larger offset press with more stations, or flexo technology which has improved so much,” says president, Jamie Vins. “We felt flexo technology is where it should be and offered more flexibility without a compromise in quality. We realized we needed 10-colour capability to be seen as a viable packaging supplier and a web width of 41 inches to complement our extrusion coating lines.”
Pictured above at Vins Plastics with the recently installed W&H Primaflex CM 10-colour press (left to right): Phil Morgan, plant manager; Jamie Vins, president; and Jim Graham, head pressman.
A family-owned company founded in 1975, the route to the purchase of a central impression press is one of innovative technical development. Vins Plastics’ core technical strength was in extrusion lamination and coating, but the requirement for printed packaging was quickly recognized.
“Out of necessity, we started with a two-colour press and expanded into four- and then six-colour equipment, all conventional twin roll systems with no doctor blades. The next step was seven-colour rotary offset, incorporating UV technology. We developed this technology to print thin gauge films and inks to print on plastics and coated paper in the mid-1970’s. We wanted to offer an alternative to high quality rotogravure printing, and this rotary offset press was an avenue without the cost of investing in rotogravure cylinders. It allowed our customers small to medium and even long runs with very high line screens, but without the prohibitive front ends costs.”
It took Vins over a year to review CI press manufacturers and their equipment, and to develop a short list of four to evaluate in depth. After viewing the presses in customer facilities and talking to the press owners, Vins decided on the Primaflex CM press.
“We were looking for a press that would serve us for the long run. The Easy-Set automatic impression setting capabilities and Easy-Reg register setting takes much of the guess work out of makeready and reduces waste in getting a saleable product.
Vins admits it is a large investment, “but if you don’t invest, you are not going to have a future. You have to have the capability to compete.”
Vins Plastic classifies itself as a short run speciality converter, with full converting service capabilities for adhesive lamination and coating, and extrusion laminating and coating. The company has seaming equipment for shrink sleeves and bands, as well as three-side seal pouch making. It also offers extrusion services to other converters.
“We are a niche supplier of products and have a large technical base to aid our customers in testing and selecting materials,” explains Vins. “Our Development Lab can analyze structures and provide suggestions concerning stability and such properties as oxygen transmission. We are a technology partner with our customers and are constantly evaluating new materials as they become available.”
In Vins Plastics’ development lab, Beth Bentulan, research and development technician, performs various tests on materials and analyzes structures for customers.
In addition to these capabilities, Vins explains that manufacturing process can be accelerated as a large volume of raw materials are held in inventory. “We hold onto the base components of products, so that our lead times are better than many converters.”
With 65 employees, Vins Plastics serves pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and industrial markets throughout North America. PPiC
