“Even before the coronavirus pandemic we had decided on a new Speedmaster XL 106 six-colour press with UV coating in order to boost our productivity in folding carton production,” explains Khalifa Al Zahid, General Manager of the printing company Shater Al-Ebtekar.
Another reason for the investment was the increased demand for spot colours and spot coatings with UV. What clinched the deal was the company’s prior good experience with Heidelberg Saudi Arabia and the fast service. There are another five Speedmaster CD 102 presses with different technology in the company’s press room.
Shater Al-Ebtekar was founded in 1979 and its 180 employees in Dammam in Saudi Arabia mainly produce folding cartons for the local markets in the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Egypt. Its biggest customers are in the food industry. It processes around 12,000 metric tons of cartonboard each month.The new Speedmaster XL 106 replaces an older Speedmaster CD 102.
“The new press fully met all of our expectations – with high quality, shorter makeready times, and ease of use. The high level of automation meant we could significantly increase productivity,” confirms Al Zahid.
The new printing press was installed by Heidelberg Saudi Arabia during the pandemic. The demand for packaging for home deliveries rose again during this time, enabling the company to expand this market and develop an effective and profitable business. The next step is to establish an MIS system with Prinect for even greater efficiency and a high level of transparency.
General Manager Khalifa Al Zahid (left) and Ramzi Naserddin, Branch Manager Heidelberg Eastern Region.
