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Story published in Issue 3-2015, Flexo Plus (http://ow.ly/PEf3Z).
Flexograd is one of the principal label printers in the Smolensk region, offering a comprehensive service to its portfolio of customers. A dynamic and growing company that offers a full service solution, including a design studio and fully equipped narrow web flexo printing facility, Flexograd’s customer base ranges from local meat-packaging plants to companies specialising in food, chemical, and cosmetics. Despite the diverse nature of clientele, all share the same need for high-quality labels and packaging.
Dmitry Mikhailovich Nozikov, Director of Flexograd explained: “We began almost 10 years ago in 2006, with a small team of enthusiastic employees from the graphics industry. Initially we printed sausage casings for a local meat-packing plant on our first flexo machine, which was a central impression Focus Centraflex. We now employ 35 people, and while we have skilled printers, their knowledge and experience was solely offset-based owing to their previous work experience. We had to retrain them to work with flexo equipment.”
Today, the company’s plant includes three Mark Andy narrow web UV flexo presses, coupled with Mark Andy finishing equipment. The company continues to outsource its plate-making as it does not currently see a sound financial case for investing in new and complex process equipment. Flexograd principally produces self-adhesive labels, in-mould labels, and dry labels, with the primary customer base consisting of food and household products manufacturers. “We have established long-term relationships with our clients, and value our partnerships with them highly. We appreciate their business, and strive to provide an exceptional level of service to meet their needs,” he added.
The majority of Flexograd’s presses have been supplied by Mark Andy, and Mr Nozikov commented on this choice. “In the beginning we needed to install a flexo machine quickly, and a Mark Andy LP3000 was available immediately from the manufacturer. After reviewing offers from several different manufacturers, we chose the Mark Andy, which was our second flexo press, and our first UV press. The LP3000 has been a very good machine giving us no problems, so it was logical that Mark Andy became our brand of choice.”
When the Mark Andy Performance Series was launched, Flexograd decided to be one of the first in the country to invest in this new type of flexo press. The P5 was chosen for its efficiency and low waste cost-saving features, as well as its high quality output. With the market demanding shorter runs with more product variety, the 250mm web width of the P5 filled that niche quite well. “The Mark Andy P5 has proved to be extremely successful in fulfilling our needs and has demonstrated to us the high quality of American manufactured equipment. This prompted us to purchase a second P5 in 2013. This time we opted to go with a wider 330mm width 8-colour machine,” he said.
This investment allowed Flexograd to diversify its production capability and handle short runs and complex print jobs, using servo technology and automatic register. “Looking ahead, I can foresee us modernising our plant and replacing our LP3000 with another Performance Series machine,” he added. Flexograd sees the Mark Andy P5 as a true market leader, with the high-speed capability to satisfy customer needs for print quality. Flexograd finds it very easy to operate and maintain, and believes it has just the right amount of automation. It is a flexible machine, and allows the company to run a wide variety of applications. In-mould labels are one of the most complex products that any print house can produce, and Flexograd is doing it successfully on its Mark Andy.
According to Dmitry Mikhailovich: “Between our LP3000 and P5s we meet all the various requests and needs of our customers. We produce cold foiling, lamination, and printing of various types of self- adhesive labels including multilayer, and also jobs that require sheeting. Our machines are well equipped to handle in-mould labels, and as our order numbers are growing, we are thinking about purchasing additional equipment for offline processing.”
Today, many companies face serious losses as a result of the economic downturn and unstable financial situations. Flexograd is not immune from these conditions, but as Dmitry Mikhailovich explained: “The economic crisis is very real and affects us all, but we cope by negotiating with our customers to find mutually beneficial solutions. We also receive invaluable advice from our suppliers, and share our experience with our partners.” He also stated that Flexograd is extremely appreciative of the Administrative body in the Smolensk region for its support in subsidising the Bank loan interest, and offering rebates for the purchase of new capital equipment.
Concluding, Mr Nozikov said: “Naturally, we are interested in future development, and are constantly think about replacing our equipment for the newest models – and we hope to do so soon. If I can share a secret with you – we are looking towards digital technology for our next investment!”
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