Van Genechten Packaging recently fired up a new medium-format Rapida 106 at its production plant in Poland. It is the third press in six years that KBA-Sheetfed Solutions has delivered to the printing plant in Che?mek, near Krakow. It joins a Rapida 145 and a Rapida 142 which have been in operation there for some time. They are used for the production of large-format board packaging. The new B1 press now permits the production of highly finished premium packaging with the use of UV ink, finishing with interesting coating combinations and the use of challenging substrates, such as non-absorbent substrates (foils).

With a total of eleven production plants Van Genechten Packaging is an international packaging group specialising in high-quality board packaging. It also owns an extrusion factory. The Polish printshop has belonged to Van Genechten Packaging since 1998 and employs 190 staff. The packaging products produced here predominantly for the food industry can be found all over the world. Robert Kaczmarek, director of VG Polska in Che?mek: “80 per cent of our customers are international firms. We produce packaging for food, but also for personal hygiene products and the cosmetic industry.”

Modern press room

Along with qualified staff, a well-equipped, cutting-edge press fleet is necessary in order to fully support the company’s customers worldwide. It is made up of many post-press and finishing machines, however, technology from KBA has long formed the basis of its printing activities. The first jumbo Rapida, a six-colour Rapida 142, went live in 2009. It was joined three years later by a Rapida 145 with seven inking units and a high-speed package. The printing company recently invested in a B1 press. The firm chose KBA technology once again. “It is said the first press is bought by the management board, but the second and third press depends more on the solid cooperation and service received. This was the case with us,” Robert Kaczmarek remembers.

Although decisions to invest were coordinated by the Belgian headquarters of Van Genechten Packaging, in-depth discussions took place in advance with local subsidiaries who use the equipment for production. This was no different for the Polish plant. “We also had a say with regard to the presses selected and their configuration. Along with maximum automation, for past investments we also placed great importance on options that enable us to produce those products that we were not able to produce before technologically. Furthermore, the press had to be easy and intuitive to operate. The technical solutions found in the Rapida 106 make it possible for us to expand our service portfolio and handle more challenging jobs from customers who expect a larger variety of production capabilities,” says Robert Kaczmarek.

High-end technology for maximum production diversity

After comparing several offers, the company chose a KBA Rapida 106 with seven printing units and twin coaters. It features numerous measuring systems for quality control as well as extensive automation kit, just like the two existing large-format presses. “We thus have a high-end press equipped with a raft of innovative technical solutions which are also easy and comfortable to operate,” explains the director of the printing plant in Chelmek. “What is more, the press is energy efficient which has a positive effect on our production costs. A further important factor is service. We are convinced that KBA looks after us better than other suppliers. According to the experience collected throughout our entire packaging group, KBA is a reliable business partner among our strategic suppliers.”

Jan Korenc, managing director of KBA CEE adds: “We are proud that such a renowned packaging producer as Van Genechten Packaging trusted once again in the solutions delivered by KBA. Van Genechten Packaging operates 20 presses worldwide that were manufactured in our facility in Radebeul. We are pleased that the plant in Chelmek is able to significantly enhance production capabilities with the new Rapida 106, especially with UV printing and finishing. Just like the two existing large-format presses, the latest investment also contributes to the further expansion and development of VG Polska.”

Multiple awards

“As one of the printing companies with the highest growth rate in Poland we have been listed in the “Forbes Diamonds List” several times and have received the Business Gazelle, a renowned prize awarded by the Polish economic newspaper “Puls Biznesu”. Longstanding business partnerships, such as that with KBA, increase our development even more,” says Robert Kaczmarek. In addition, VG Polska is a producer and co-producer of a raft of award-winning packaging. Packaging produced in Che?mek for McDonalds won a Worldstar award from the World Packaging Organisation.

VG Polska’s experience is based on the solidity of its parent company which was founded in 1834. The success of Van Genechten Packaging’s brands and their differentiation is driven by a high level of customer orientation and high-performance innovations. Supply chain management including optimum logistical efficiency is a part of the packaging approach. Projects are processed in close proximity to the customers as the firm’s production plants are scattered throughout Europe. Furthermore, group-wide networking delivers benefits when it comes to handling international projects. The company’s sustainable philosophy based on the principles of corporate social responsibility comprises topics, such as conserving resources and energy-efficient production.