France-based Stratus Packaging has ordered a further five finishing machines from AB Graphic, as it invests in the creation of added-value packaging.

Stratus Packaging Group is a European specialist in the manufacture of printed labels. It produces self-adhesive, shrink sleeve and IML labels, and is a user of digital printing technology.

The company is also a longstanding customer of AB Graphic, with the two having collaborated for 20 years. This has included the installation of seven Digicon digital finishing machines and extensive R&D collaboration, with feedback from Stratus Packaging’s customers assisting AB Graphic in better aligning product development to evolving requirements.

AB Graphic managing director Mike Burton said, ‘Our ongoing collaboration with Stratus comes as a result of a long and fruitful association, based on our shared values of offering customers the very latest innovations in finishing technology, together with a joint passion for quality.’

This latest round of investments includes a Digicon Series 3 with a flatbed hot foil and embossing module with rotating head (unwind and rewind for foil); the new fast set-up cassette for tooling and high-speed screen module; two Omega SRIs, with a high specification and configured to meet the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry; and three fleyeVision camera inspection systems.

These will allow the award-winning French firm to increase capacity and quality, improve lead times and continue to provide its customers with the very latest innovations in label manufacture.

Stratus Packaging CEO Isidore Leiser said, ‘The Digicon Series 3 with Big Foot and silk screen modules will allow us to offer our customers increased finishing and effects, while the SRI’s will provide a focus on cost-efficient finishing of pharmaceutical labels to meet the increased demand in this market.

‘By integrating the fleyeVision camera systems, we will be able to deliver 100% print inspection to our customers, thereby guaranteeing them perfect results and quality.’

With the machines scheduled to be installed across four of Stratus Packaging’s six manufacturing sites in late 2020, the company envisages that they will be able to link the new purchases with its MIS systems, to help further increase productivity and efficiencies.

‘We look forward to continuing to support Stratus Packaging’s ongoing growth in the European self-adhesive label market,’ noted Mr Burton.