Model Holding, one of the leading manufacturers of packaging in Europe, employs Rapida technology at its Czech production plants. The most recent addition, the third Rapida 105 (formerly Rapida 105 universal) in succession, came on stream last October in Hostinné.

The graphic arts industry has a long tradition in Hostinné. The history of Model Obaly’s factory there dates back to 1887, when it started producing hand-glued paper bags. The printing company operated under the name Krpaco until 1998, when it was taken over by Cofinec. This was acquired in 2003 by Swiss-based Model Holding, which proceeded to invest heavily in new kit. Today the Hostinné facility produces a broad spectrum of exclusive packaging for food and luxury goods, for which it was extensively refurbished. Within four years the company pressed the button on three Rapidas. It also invested in new technology for the finishing department, including a die-cutting machine from Bobst.

The first B1 (41in) Rapida, which shipped to Hostinné in 2004, was a six-colour coater version with extended delivery. With sales steadily climbing, it soon became evident that production capacity had reached its limits. After conducting a rigorous selection procedure management opted for a six-colour Rapida once again, this time with two coaters and two interdeck dryers. With this press it is possible to print conventional inks followed by a UV coating or two aqueous coatings, and this capability has been exploited to the full.

“With this press we can respond to a broad diversity of customer demands. We have not yet decided whether to embrace all-UV production, because some of our customers still prefer conventional inks and aqueous coatings,” explains Petr Etrich, production manager of Model Obaly’s Hostinné plant. “When the second Rapida 105 went into operation two years ago, it was not long before we noticed that our production capacity was still too small. In 2007 the volume of incoming orders swelled by 25%. And the first few months of last year saw a further 15% increase. Management therefore decided to add a third press along with a new production line for folding cartons.”

A contract was signed at the beginning of May and in October 2008 a Rapida 105 of the new generation exhibited at Drupa launched into action. Once again this was a six-colour coater version with extended delivery. “Our three Rapidas not only deliver a superior print quality but have also furnished the capacity to respond quickly to customer demands,” says a delighted Petr Etrich. “All three press lines feature nonstop systems at the feeder and delivery to support on-the-fly pile change.” The most recent Rapida was embedded in the existing LogoTronic network and linked to a DensiTronic Professional densitometry and spectrophotometry system.

Petr Etrich continues: “Soon after we switched to KBA it became evident that installing the Rapidas had been the right move. All three presses function flawlessly, deliver a superb print quality and are highly productive. Not for nothing does KBA enjoy an outstanding reputation among packaging printers. And the Rapidas are ideal for our product lines.”

Today Model Obaly in Hostinné is one of the best production plants in the entire Model group. At present around 8,000 tonnes (8,800 US tons) of board are processed into folding cartons every year, but over the next two to three years there are plans to increase the volume to 10,000 tonnes (11,000 US tons). The plant in Hostinné specialises in the production of high-grade blister packaging and primary packaging for the food industry, and was the first packaging manufacturer in the Czech Republic to achieve BRC/IoP accreditation for its production workflow.