Belgian envelope manufacturer diversifies operations with first SAI LM outside Japan
To break into a new market, Belgian SME Elep has chosen the SCREEN Truepress Jet L350 SAI LM – a digital-printing label press that meets the latest standards for food packaging.
Elep has a rich history as an envelope manufacturer, dating back to 1963. Today, with its 65 employees, Elep is the last industrial envelope manufacturer in Belgium.
“To ensure our long-term continuity, we wanted to diversify our activities,” says Yves Peiffer, Elep’s CEO. “We opted for the production of self-adhesive labels on rolls – it’s a different segment from envelopes but one where we can apply our know-how built up over decades.”
First L350 SAI LM installation in Europe
After an intensive search for the best printing press, Elep chose the Truepress Jet L350 SAI LM from Japanese supplier SCREEN. “SCREEN Europe came out as the best option in terms of combined quality, service and price,” says Peiffer.
He adds: “We felt it was important to bring in the very latest technology. Our new printer is the very first installation of the SAI LM outside Japan. The 'SAI' in the printer's name refers to the bright, high-quality colours it can print. The colours are very stable and scratch-resistant, which is appreciated by label buyers from all industries. 'LM' stands for the 'low migration' of ink particles, and the LM ink complies with key regulations in Europe for food packaging.”
After-sales support was another important factor in choosing the printer. SCREEN Europe technicians trained Elep’s staff in Lommel over the summer and are on hand at any time with technical advice. It’s useful too that SCREEN's European headquarters in Amstelveen is just a 90-minute drive from Lommel.
Labels on demand
With its new printing press, Elep targets small to medium print runs, including those for food producers. Given its digital technology, Elep can deliver print runs as small as 100 labels, but also rolls with several hundred thousand labels.
At 60-metres per minute, the printer can quickly reprint personalised labels on demand, allowing customers to keep smaller stocks of labels. Given its longstanding commitment to sustainability, reducing paper or ink losses and working without printing plates are important to Elep.
New sales manager
In appointing Nadine Vanderwaeren, Elep has attracted an experienced business development manager for its new label division. Nadine has extensive expertise in materials and knowledge of the label market. “Digital printing is becoming increasingly important as customers demand more and more flexibility,” says Vanderwaeren. “Elep wants to be a true partner for its new label customers and recommend the best solution in terms of safety, sustainability and efficiency.”
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