Bennett Graphics adds GM finishing and digital embellishment unit

US-based Bennett Graphics has brought in its first GM investment, DC350Flex finishing line with advanced digital embellishment capabilities, to enhance its high-end label products and grow its label business. 

Based in Tucker, Georgia, Bennett Graphics was founded in 1968. One of America’s highly awarded commercial printer, serving B2B, B2C, education and non-profit clients with research, rapid estimation, and ideation; pilot programs, design, prototyping, digital, offset and large format printing.  

In 2015, the company expanded into labels and flexible packaging with the installation of an HP Indigo digital press and a converting machine. This part of the business soon turned out to be very profitablite, making inroads in labels, particularly in nutraceuticals, a market that expanded rapidly during the Covid crisis.  

Adam Seiz, vice president of business solutions and the company’s process improvement expert, said: ‘Many of our valued folding carton customers had started to inquire about labels, so we seized the opportunity to move into this growing sector. The timing couldn’t have been better. After modest growth in the first few years, the division doubled in size in just three months when Covid hit.’ 

However, as the label business expanded, it became necessary to re-evaluate the machinery requirements to continue on this growth trajectory.  

‘That initial setup served us really well, but after eight years it was time to upgrade the finishing side, so we could better respond to the needs of our customers,’ said Seiz. ‘We decided to invest in a new machine that could create more effects, while also speeding up turnaround times and lowering the costs of each label. The GM DC350Flex configured with a JetFX digital embellishment module best fitted that brief.’ 

Operating at a maximum speed of 262ft/min (80m/min) with semi-rotary die-cutting, GM’s DC350Flex line offers Bennett Graphics a versatile equipment for converting high-volume digital print. It is built on a modular platform, meaning it could be specified with the options required now and offer the option to upgrade in the future if needed.  

With the smooth integration of the JetFX module, Bennett Graphics can create variable digital foiling, cast and cure, spot varnish, micro embossing and other finishing effects without waiting for expensive tooling to be made, which speeds up delivery times.