Packaging printer Barem Ambalaj has geared up for growth in its native Turkey and the Middle East with two KBA Rapida 142 large-format presses at its production plants in Tire and Gaziantep.

40 per cent leap in productivity

Production records show that management made the right decision in switching to a large-format Rapida. The six-colour coater press with extended delivery in Tire (near Izmir) has delivered a productivity boost of over 40 per cent, and the company is targeting a similar improvement with a five-colour Rapida currently being installed in Gaziantep. In the past Barem Ambalaj has repeatedly proven that in politically critical times the courage to invest in new kit pays off every time, moving the company one step ahead of its competitors.

The Barem group’s offset operation was created in 1999 from a corrugated production plant established in 1987 by Recep Tasya-nar. Initially 20 staff printed shoeboxes and saucepan packaging on mono and two-colour presses. Barem Ambalaj expanded after relocating to a new industrial park at Tire in 2003 and adding a multicolour B1 (40in) press. Today 80 per cent of the company’s output is destined for the food-processing industry and manufacturers of electrical household goods. Names such as Dr. Oetker, Altun Kaya Holding, Sinbo, Tespo Cash & Carry and Germany’s Aldi group are testimony to Barem Ambalaj’s high reputation both inside and outside the country. The Tire plant currently has 190 employees, Gaziantep 120.

New structures determine the cours

Junior head Sertac Tasyanar, who now makes strategic decisions jointly with his father Recep, describes 2008 as one of the most significant for the company: “We created new pre-press, press and post-press structures to power further growth. We also set up the Gaziantep plant to establish a presence in east Turkey and tap additional markets. These decisions were the product of lengthy preparations. If you want to succeed in the packaging printing business and maximise efficiency, sooner or later you have to go for large format.”

Confidence in KBA technology

The Tasyanars checked out KBA’s advanced large-format technology back in 2004/2005 at seminars held by Dereli Graphic. Sertac Tasyanar says: “At the same time we took a close look at the service structure, because that is a key factor in ensuring press reliability and safety. Soon after Drupa 2008 we decided to go for a Rapida 142. We were given excellent advice and are confident that our association with KBA will help drive success. KBA is a global market leader in large format and unbeatable on performance.”

He continues: “The Rapida 142 has surpassed all our expectations in terms of quality, performance, makeready and waste reduction. So we decided to install a five-colour Rapida 142 at our plant Gaziantep plant with no further delay, and have no doubts that it will be big success. The press in Tire prints 24/7. For over a year now we have been certain that we made the right decision and look forward to further projects with KBA.”