Self adhesive label manufacturer Shire Labels has looked east rather than west for its new printing equipment. The company claims its new six-colour label press from Chinese manufacturer, Zonten, is cheaper and of equal quality to any European machine.
The Super-320 printing machine, which includes a flexo varnish unit, was the first to be sold in Australia and within the first three months of commission, Shire says it has doubled its production capacity, as well as producing a better quality print.
As well as the Super-320, Shire Labels also purchased two die cutters, a label slitting and rewinding machine and prepress equipment from the Chinese manufacturer.
While admitting that being the first in the country to buy the Chinese machines was
a calculated risk, Shire Labels owner, Ivan McMillan, says it has so far enabled his factory to run more smoothly. He says, "While I can't tell you the longevity of the machine because I have only had it three months, it has made life easier so far and it's easy to use, which has shortened training times.
"We had to drag this company kicking and screaming into the twenty-first century, but when I saw the machines and the opportunity was there to upgrade at a reasonable cost I just had to take it."
The company's supplier, MB Graphics, claims the Super-320 machine is around half the price of an equivalent European machine. Max Buchler from MB Graphics says the machine also boasts reliable and well known components including Mitsubishi electronics, French made mechanical parts and a BST computer.
Buchler says, "When people think of Chinese products they think of a two dollar shop, but this company knows what international customers want", adding, "All the spare parts for the machine can be bought here in Australia."
