Chesapeake to Add Second KBA

KBA offers that capability and, after evaluating the significant contribution made by the RAPIDA 106 at Greenford, we had no hesitation in again asking KBA to partner us in the project at Tewkesbury.

Dec 19 2011 --- Chesapeake Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Packaging, the world’s leading manufacturer in this sector, has continued its major multi-million pound capital investment programme with the addition of a second KBA RAPIDA 106 higher performance B1 press.

Chosen to produce pharmaceutical leaflets at the group’s Tewkesbury site, the two-colour perfector follows last year’s installation of a RAPIDA 106 six-colour machine at the group’s Greenford operation.

Both presses are equipped with KBA’s lightweight stock option which reduces minimum substrate specification to 0.04 mm, ColorTronic off-press ink and register control system and DriveTronic for smooth sheet delivery. The Tewkesbury press, scheduled for installation before the end of 2011, is also equipped with a RapidKut reel sheeter to enable handling of both sheeted paper or reels for ultimate stock flexibility and with Sensoric Infeed System (SIS), KBA’s unique sidelay-free sheet infeed solution.

Chesapeake’s latest addition follows significant investment across all its global operations. Mark Wilson, General Manager Leaflets UK & Ireland, comments: “We have invested strongly in new kit in both the UK and Ireland over the past 2 years which has strengthened capacity for both pharmaceutical leaflets and booklets. We count among our client base many, if not all, the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. In order to offer them the high level of service they demand we require the most advanced technological systems. KBA offers that capability and, after evaluating the significant contribution made by the RAPIDA 106 at Greenford, we had no hesitation in again asking KBA to partner us in the project at Tewkesbury. We are committed to continuing to strengthen and grow the business and the addition of this latest KBA press enables us to address both of these priorities.”

The new KBA press is part of a major expansion programme at Tewkesbury, which will initially double the site’s capacity. Over the next few months, the business will relocate to a new 70,000 sq.ft. factory, close to the existing facility. The new press will be installed there and will also be supported by the installation of other ancillary equipment.

KBA UK managing director Christian Knapp comments: “This is another instance of a market-leader in a specific sector choosing to advance with KBA performance and technology. This is not because the RAPIDA 106 is all things to all men, it is the opposite – each 106 is built to the precise requirements of its owner and so delivers the operational edge that sets them apart.”