Atlantis-Pak installs Mark Andy flexo press

Russian converter Atlantis-Pak has installed a Mark Andy Performance Series P7 flexo press in its label printing department in Rostov-on-Don to increase overall productivity.

Atlantis-Pak installs Mark Andy flexo press

The company began the search for a new flexo press in 2016, and after print trials at two leading European manufacturers, as well as at Mark Andy’s facility in Warsaw, Poland, the printer deiced to invest in a P7.  

‘There was no question after the print trials that the P7 was best suited to our work. Its modern design makes it very ergonomic for the operators and the short web path reduces the amount of substrate waste during changeovers,’ said Yuriy Perepletchikov, the head of Sales Management Department for Label Production. ‘Following visits to existing Mark Andy users and open discussions with them about operational issues, the order was placed, and the press delivered in 2018.’

The new machine is a 13in (330mm) Mark Andy P7 version which includes 10 UV-flexo units, a screen print unit, turn bar and cold foil capability. ‘We felt that the Mark Andy made better use of servo drive technology than the other two presses we trialed. It ran faster with better quality across the range of paper and film substrates we use here, and we like the opportunity it gives us to add value,’ added Perepletchikov.  

Atlantis-Pak was also impressed with the ease and speed with which it was installed and commissioned, and since going into commercial production the P7 has already proved reliable. A typical job on the new Mark Andy is between 3000 and 5000 linear meters, often in nine colors with cold foil and two varnishes. The production is split between paper and film is approximately, though much of the paper is thermal for use with meat products.  

According to Perepletchikov the market is very competitive, so the flexible capacity and high productivity of the P7 is essential. ‘It accounts for almost half of our total label output now and produces superior quality work, so we shall be adding another P7 to replace two of our older presses soon,’ he concluded.

The company, established in 1993, now employs 2,500 people, sells to more than 90 countries worldwide, and occupies a production site of 19 hectares. Its list of production technology includes 28 extrusion lines, 44 shirring machines, 36 printing presses and 13 bag-making machines – all these are in addition to its label production department, which was opened in 2000.