Finishing & Screen Printing

Autobond makes advances in Middle Eastern market

Thursday 21. February 2013 - Two installations in Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed the global appeal of UK-based laminator and spot UV varnish manufacturer Autobond. The Air Defence Unit in Jeddah has added a second Autobond laminator to its portfolio - a Mini 76 SD TP - while first time customer IMBS University in Riyadh has invested in a Mini 76 TPMHS.

The Air Defence Institute bought the Mini 76 SD TP following last year’s drupa. Already familiar with the capabilities of an Autobond laminator – it uses an Autobond MF65 for cold laminating of B1 jobs – the government subsidiary was looking to update and enhance its printing and finishing production for a range of applications, including brochures and magazines. It found exactly what it was looking for at the Autobond stand at the large German exhibition.
Abdul Azis Almashaan, from the purchasing department, comments: “We were looking for a laminator to take us to the next level. We know the industry is fast-changing with the demand from customers for better quality print, and we wanted the technology to help us meet this demand. When we saw the Mini 76 SD TP demonstrated, we were immediately attracted to the quality of lamination the machine achieved at such high speeds.”
Almashaan continues: “Since the installation, we have been impressed by how user-friendly and cost-effective the laminator is, not to mention the reduction in production time. It was an easy to decision to continue our relationship with Autobond. We’re very happy with the machine.” The thermal-film Mini 76 SD TP incorporates a Heidelberg-Stahl suction drum feeder and has perfector capabilities for two sided lamination, handling print up to 76 x 102cm at output speeds up to 45 meters per minute.
Meanwhile in Riyadh, IMBS University was looking to improve the service and development of its very own print house. The latter was opened in 1990 as a joint project by the university and the government of Saudi Arabia to provide the latest technology in printing services. It also provides the university’s fast growing student-body with a large volume of learning materials.
Ibrahim Almuhaimeed, the Printing Press Manager at the university, comments: “Not only did we want to laminate soft covers accurately at high speeds with great quality, but we were looking for local support and service.”
This led the university to Autobond’s Mini 76 TPHMS via its agent in the Middle East, Alkhorayef Printing Solutions. Almuhaimeed continues: “We were already aware of Autobond’s global reputation and the capabilities of its machine, but the agent reaffirmed the support and service we would receive with the investment. It has since slotted into our operations seamlessly and its quality and productivity has impressed us so much that we’re already considering investing in the company’s spot UV technology.”
The Mini 76 TPHMS, with Heidelberg Speedmaster feed head and 2 sides in 1 pass perfector, possesses a delivery pile stacker and the capability to apply flexible magnet to the print, running at speeds up to 60 meters per minute. Almuhaimeed concludes: “The machine fits in perfectly with our progressive service portfolio of printing and finishing technology, and we would like to thank Autobond and their agent for its excellent machine and the accompanying superior installation and training.”
Khalid Nada, Project Department Manager, Alkhorayef Printing Solutions, adds: “While both customers wanted a machine that would provide quality lamination at high speeds, they also had their own individual ideas about what they wanted to achieve. Due to the versatility of Autobond technology, we were able to cater to the needs of both customers and provide them with a machine that could deliver the jobs they were after.”
John Gilmore, Managing Director of Autobond, comments: “These installations are further proof of the growing demand in the Middle East for cost-effective, high quality lamination and added-value print. It also shows how crucial it is to offer local service and support, and we’ll continue to look into ways in which to deliver what our customers want, wherever they are in the world.”