Packaging
Kocher + Beck enjoys successful Labelexpo 2009
Monday 12. October 2009 - Leading German manufacturer of precision tooling technology for the narrow web industry Kocher + Beck enjoyed a successful Labelexpo in Brussels according to David Morris, managing director of the companys UK arm.
He commented: “The large number of press manufacturers exhibiting new presses was good to see, and in turn attracts more label converters, and all label converters need tooling.”
Although attendance from UK converters reflected the current state of the market, numbers from mainland Europe were “very encouraging, with all the main groups present and in many cases, they sent several people with different areas of expertise,” he added.
Foreseeing the downturn, Mr Morris said that Kocher + Beck had been more aggressive in its efforts to overcome the inevitable decline in OEM orders. Despite the general lack of funding for new presses he claims the company has managed to increase its market share globally and is optimistic for prospects in 2010.
At Labelexpo, the company introduced its new die cutting station. As yet unnamed, it features two stations in one to allow for offline preparation of the next job. Its-slide-in/slide-out design reduces downtime and waste. It is also easy and quick to set up, and although, according to Mr Morris, it will not suit all applications, those converters with a high number of job changes per shift will see a clear and immediate benefit.
Also given its premiere in Brussels was the all new Tec Screen. Due to go on sale in January 2010, the Kocher + Beck system offers an alternative to existing screen manufacturers in the market, and the company is confident of rapid uptake once supplies commence. The Tec Screen system is fully Gallus compatible, and the company says it has taken its time to develop the product fully before launch to ensure the highest quality. According to David Morris: “It is very delicate technology entering a very competitive marketplace – so we knew we had only one chance to get it right!”
Concluding, he said that Kocher + Beck UK continues to invest in its production capacity to boost output in manufacturing. With the UK market dominated by very short deadlines: “We have to look at ways of supporting the turnaround times placed on our customers, which typically are anywhere between 24 hours to 48,” he added.