Flexor installs the very first BOBST NOVA M1 flexo label press in Ecuador

Following the installation, the business is now able to enter new and more sophisticated label segments. David Carrasco, General Manager at Flexor, explains: "We used to predominantly operate in the mid-low labels segment, like white labels, and simpler three or four colors applications. Now, with the addition of a BOBST NOVA M1 to our lineup, we have already been able to access larger markets for the first time.” 

The BOBST NOVA M1 flexo label press has 370 mm width and is equipped with 8 colors and inline delam-relam functionality, as well as lamination, cold foil, and die-cutting units. The versatility of the machine has enabled the company to gain share in value-added labels segments, as well as convert shorter runs at lower costs. Explaining why this is essential for a profitable operation, David says: “All the pre-press and setup costs are lower, which helps us to keep a tighter control of operating costs. In turn, this allows us to perform well in shorter runs. The flexibility and performance of the BOBST NOVA M1 makes it ideal for handling these shorter, speedier runs, and that was an important factor that influenced our choice to go with this machine", states David. 

Flexor is expanding its market operations and has recently moved to a new industrial facility. The premises provide the business with a 2000m2 production area prepared and certified to serve high quality labels to high-end customers in important industries, such as healthcare and food industries. The business understands these markets well but had been missing opportunities in customers Sigmaplast serves through other divisions. The investment in a BOBST NOVA M1 flexo label press has opened a new range of possibilities for the company. 

Notably, the investment signals the first BOBST inline flexo label press installed in Ecuador.  Making a fantastic first impression, the General Manager of Flexor is impressed by the performance of the machine that, after only 3 weeks of installation, already presents substantial gains in productivity. "We have had an outstanding experience with the jobs we have done using our new equipment so far. Jobs that used to take more than 2 hours, we now convert in less than half that time.” David also adds “We can now work with premium applications, like laminates and cold foil and beyond, to serve healthcare, home care, food and beverages, and even refrigerated food and seafood segments.” 

With new demands for sustainable materials emerging in the label market, David also sees in the investment on BOBST NOVA M1 the perfect opportunity to add this important pillar to its portfolio, since the machine, with its modular design, increases the savings of inks and substrates in addition to offering the ability to work with more sustainable materials. He explains: "When we asked our BOBST representative if we could print this type of substrates, like compostable films and papers, he confirmed it was possible. For us, that was yet another positive point for BOBST." 

David also praises the quality of BOBST technical services during the fast installation process, as well as the training provided to using the new equipment. He believes these services were essential for helping operators get the best from the new equipment. He continues: "The BOBST technician was here for the week of the machine installation, training our operators on how to use the machine, calibrate it well, and everything else they’d need to know. The comprehensive training process was essential to ensure we get the best performance from our machine. In few days, our operators were able to manage it with high degree of confidence." 

Summarizing, the General Manager of Flexor concludes that at the moment, there is no other machine in consideration that can match the performance of the BOBST technology. "We are doing very well with this machine, and as we look ahead, the BOBST NOVA M1 does everything we need it to. Our business is doing well with our new investment, my team knows how to operate it effectively, so the future looks bright. Looking further ahead, we may even be investing in a second!" 

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