The Rapida 145, the litho press with the largest sheet format at Drupa, will ship to Schur Pack Denmark in Horsens after the show. The plinth-mounted six-colour press with SFC coater (sleeves and simultaneous coating-forme change), pile logistics and a raft of automation modules has redefined the global benchmarks in sheetfed technology and will substantially cut production costs at this internationally active packaging group. In the words of factory manager Allan Laursen, a peak performance and “the best of the best” are essential criteria for Schur Pack.

Prior to signing the contract Schur Pack's technical experts carried out exhaustive tests on all the large-format presses on the market. Three print jobs were produced on presses built by the three shortlisted manufacturers. The results of the evaluation process were unequivocal: KBA, the market leader in this format, offered the best and most cost-effective package for Schur Pack's needs.

Alongside the Rapida 145, which also features simultaneous plate changing, flying job changes plus inline measurement and control technology, the company will take delivery of a seven-colour Rapida 106 with two coaters, a UV capability and the same high level of automation. The two Rapidas will replace four older presses from another German vendor, and Schur Pack is confident that this will shorten makereadies and deliver a major boost to output. The number of personnel in the press room will be reduced to two operators per press and shift plus one man for logistics. Flying job changes will be used for switching the languages on packaging for an international clientele.