Production at the AB Graphic International factory in Bridlington, East Yorkshire was temporarily suspended to celebrate the arrival of the 10,000th UV curing system manufactured by UV supplier GEW (EC) Ltd.
The arrival of the 10,000th UV curing system in November marked a milestone in the business relationship between the two companies with 140 AB Graphic International employees gathered in attendance as GEW managing director, Malcolm Rae made the official announcement and handover.
Rae explains: “Over the years our two companies have worked together on many projects that required a UV solution. This delivery is especially significant for us. GEW started production in 1991 and AB Graphic International was our first customer. We supplied them with our first UV system for installation on a Kopack rotary letterpress printing machine and since that time we have sold them over 600 units for digital printing applications and in excess of 100 for the flexo, semi-rotary and rotary letterpress processes.”
Commenting on the reasons for the first purchase, Tony Bell, Sales Director at AB Graphic International explained, “We decided on the GEW UV system because we recognised the benefits of using an air-cooled design and GEW were pioneers in developing this type of technology. Most other companies at that time supplied only water-cooled systems which are high maintenance. The air-cooled system from GEW was unrivalled and not only minimised installation, but also lowered investment costs.”
GEW provided celebratory boxes of wine for all AB Graphic International personnel and in thanking them for their business, Rae commented, “What stands out is that both GEW and AB Graphic International have grown and developed products that have enabled our businesses and the label industry to expand. This could not have happened without good management and people. Without the right people and work ethic there would be no business, no suppliers and no industry.”
Mike Burton, Managing Director of AB Graphic International endorsed this ethos and took the opportunity to thank his employees for their efforts in bringing new products to market in time for launch at Labelexpo Europe. He also reflected on his first meeting with Rae, saying: “It has been a pleasure to work with GEW over the years. They have a fantastic product and are one of the nicest suppliers we have the pleasure of working with.”
Mike Burton (centre), Group Managing Director AB Graphic, was presented with a commemorative plaque by Malcolm Rae and GEW’s UK Sales Manager, Chris Nuttall (left). Dave Kirkham, Director, AB Graphic International confirmed the new UV system will be fitted on an Omega Digicon label converting line destined for its Brazilian customer, MACK COLOR.
You can learn more about GEW’s products here.