Stratus invests for a high performance future

A strategy of using cutting-edge production methods has prompted the Stratus Group to invest in a second Nilpeter FB-3300 Servo press. The group is one of France's leading label manufacturers. The new press, equipped with eight UV-flexo print units, will be located at the group's Stratus SEEC plant in Lyon. It will be placed alongside the group's first FB-3300S installed in 2008. Most of the plant's total output of self-adhesive labels is for major food producers.

"Although times are tough for many European label printers, our strategy is to modernize our production equipment to achieve lower wastage with reduced set-up times and maintenance costs. All this helps us stay innovative", said Isidore Leiser, president of Stratus Packaging Group. "Our experience with the Nilpeter FB-Line has been positive. The machine has proven very productive at a high quality level, which is why we pushed forward to buy a second FB-3300S press. We expect the extra capacity will give us a greater competitive edge in confronting tomorrow's challenges. It will allow us to be even more attentive to the needs of the market and our customers."

Jakob Landberg, Nilpeter's sales and marketing director, says this positive attitude contrasts with the general slow-down in investments by global label producers: "It is great to see companies like Stratus realizing that the best way towards the future is to focus their investments on highly productive 'Lean Equipment', such as the FB-Line. It will benefit Stratus's cost structures for many years ahead. In fact, the group will be among the first converters to experience positive influences when the economic situation improves."

Technical note:
The modular FB-3300S UV-flexo press is designed for high performance, label and packaging production. It has a maximum web width of 330 mm (13 inches). The flexo print units allow fast adjustments and rapid anilox roll changes, which are aided by servo-drives for the principle functions. The FB series produce pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging at a top speed of 228 m/minute (750 ft/minute). The integral UV-curing lamp units have water-cooled chill rollers to assist the converting of heat-sensitive materials. Options include screen process and hot-foil modules.