Saudi printer makes sheet-fed offset investment

Measurable factors such as population growth, economic prosperity and consumer behavior are to drive future demand for packaging around the world. In the Middle East, and especially in Saudi Arabia, an above-average increase in demand is expected. Saudi Arabia is today already importing packaging from neighboring countries.

One of Al Jawad’s specialties is flexible packaging for the food and detergent industries, while the offset printing department produces primary and secondary packaging on a range of substrates up to and including corrugated board.

Its new Rapida 106 features a coater, extended delivery, automatic non-stop pile changing and logistics systems for the feeder and delivery. In addition, the ink rollers in the fifth printing unit can be washed parallel to production.

The order was handled by the local Koenig & Bauer agency, Al Kharafi.

Ehsan Al Khars, Al Jawad general manager, said: ‘It is impressive to experience the production speeds of up to 20,000 sheets an hour on the Rapida 106. The new press replaces three older models from another manufacturer, but still offers ample production reserves. Over the course of the project, we found that the advice given by the Al Kharafi team was paramount in determining an optimum solution. This productivity gives us the desired differentiation and necessary lead on the market. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Al Kharafi.’