KBA’s new Rapida 145 is not only the fastest sheetfed offset press at Drupa 2012 and boasts the biggest format, it has also proven to be one of the stars of the show, appealing to a growing band of packag-ing printers.

Management of Van Genechten Packaging inked a contract for a second press from this new series. The firm claims to be the biggest independent folding-carton manufacturer in Europe. The first Rapida 145 passed the acid at VG Nicolaus in Kempten with flying colours and the new machine, a seven-colour coater version mounted on a 630mm (24.8in) plinth, will go to VG Polska in Chelmek. Along with a speed-enhancement package for raising the output to 17,000sph it will incorporate DriveTronic SIS sidelay-free infeed – a feature that is unique to this press type in large format – and a new-generation ErgoTronic Professional console with integrated ErgoTronic colour control.

Van Genechten’s Polish factory already operates a Rapida 142. Since business in Poland is growing fast, the group decided to install new equipment there. It chose a Rapida because it has a higher pro-duction output and can be made ready even faster than the 142.

Van Genechten Packaging dates back to 1934 and has more than ten production locations in Europe. It processes over 200,000 tonnes (220,000 US tons) of board a year and employs 1,600 people. It regu-larly carries off quality awards such as the Pro Carton ECMA Award in diverse categories. Van Genechten’s playing card division repre-sents a second line of business under the brand name Cartamundi.