Italian packaging printer LIC Packaging SpA in Verolanuova (Brescia) has invested heavily in future growth. Founded by Giovanni Bertoldo as a commercial printshop in 1952, the company is celebrating its 60th jubilee this year with the addition of two new KBA Rapida 162a large-format presses to enhance production efficiency still further.

Quality on wide range of substrates
The two six-colour Rapidas have a coater, automated pile logistics, automatic plate changers, CleanTronic Synchro washing systems and DensiTronic Professional colour-density control, enabling them to handling a wide range of substrates including F- and E-flute corrugated. They will help slash turnaround times and enhance quality, particularly where jobs entail inline aqueous and UV coatings.

Innovative products for major brands
LIC's customer base encompasses prominent players in the food-processing, chemicals, soap and detergent, electrical goods and glass industries, among them Barilla, Ferrero, Nestlé, Henkel, Procter & Gamble and other brand names. It prints a broad spectrum of quality products spanning simple food trays, master boxes, quick easy tops (QET), displays and many other optically appealing packaging forms.

In total, LIC's production lines process some 55,000 tonnes (60,500 US tons) of different substrates per year. Its 204 employees generate annual sales of around €55m ($72m), and rising.

Rapid growth
True to its slogan “The future demands new solutions” this family enterprise has evolved rapidly to keep pace with shifting demands. Print production is in offset and flexo, and most of the substrates it prints are manufactured in-house. The conversion department, with its folding, die-stamping, cutting, laminating and palletising lines, allows a high degree of product customisation.

In 1961 an offset printing company, Fraber , was set up to produce folding cartons for the shoemaking industry. In 1982 the production of corrugated packaging began under the name L.I.C. Lavorazione Imballi Cartone Srl. In 1991 a corrugator was installed and LIC started manufacturing the substrates in-house. In 1998 Fraber and LIC merged to form LIC Packaging SpA.

Activities in European markets
Over the past eleven years LIC has expanded its activities in European markets, entering an alliance with the SAICA group, a family Spanish company based in Zaragoza. The purpose of an extensive investment schedule drawn up in 2005 was to become one of the leading packaging enterprises in Europe. A lot of progress has already been made towards this goal. Following the establishment of LIC and its relocation to its present premises two second-hand Planeta presses were installed. The size 7 (64in) and 8a (73in) five-colour coater presses were in service for many years.

Arrival of advanced technology
KBA technology arrived at LIC Packaging SpA in 2008 in the form of a six-colour Rapida 162 coater press. Satisfaction with its performance led in spring 2011 to an order for two new-generation Rapida 162a presses, also six-colour coater versions. The first was delivered at the end of the year, the second will come on stream early this summer. Sadly, Mr. Giovanni Bertoldopassed away last December and so will not witness the company's jubilee and the start-up of the two new KBA presses. His children, Cristina (head of finances and administration) and Piero (managing director of LIC Packaging) will continue managing his company in accordance with his wishes.

Piero Bertoldo says: “Run lengths have shortened in packaging printing as well, while at the same time deadline pressure has increased and quality expectations become more demanding. Soon, when the two new Rapidas go into action, we can split our production according to substrate and job specs, enabling us to deliver the quality and quantity demanded much faster than before. Mixed production will also be possible at any time.”

Progress and efficiency
He continues: “KBA's new-generation large-format presses are much more advanced in terms of automation, speed and flexibility in production, makeready and quality monitoring. For many years now our proximity to KBA-Italia has ensured that we can depend on quick, efficient service and trouble-free production.”

Website: www.lic.it