BOBST has expanded its global footprint with the inauguration of a new Labels & Flexible Packaging Competence Center in Florence, Italy. This facility builds on the company’s existing efforts to advance packaging production through connectivity, digitalization, automation, and sustainability.
With 350 employees focused on narrow-to-mid web printing and converting, the new 1,200-square-meter center aims to support customers with local expertise and collaborative solutions. It houses six production lines, including inline flexo, digital, and All-in-One technologies, providing demonstrations of BOBST’s packaging and label printing capabilities.
The Florence facility joins the company’s network of competence centers, following the successful launch of a similar center in Atlanta, USA. “Our investment in the Narrow-Mid Web Printing & Converting Product Line reflects our commitment to the segment,” said Matteo Cardinotti, Head of Narrow Mid-Web Printing & Converting. “In addition to expanding production, we are reinforcing service operations across Europe to meet market demands.”
The center was officially launched during an event from October 8 to 10, which drew more than 200 customers. Demonstrations featured technologies such as the DIGITAL MASTER 340, showcasing pressure-sensitive labels, and the MASTER M5 press, which highlighted multi-layer label production using extended color gamut (oneECG) and DigiFlexo automation.
Guests also explored solutions for flexible packaging production, with the MASTER M6 press integrated with the NOVALAM MV laminator. These technologies address the growing demand for short-to-medium-run packaging applications, including shrink sleeves, where flexo printing remains a competitive alternative to digital processes.
BOBST emphasized its connected workflow strategy with live demonstrations of the BOBST Connect platform, which integrates pre-press, printing, and converting processes. “Our goal is to offer complete workflows that address key industry challenges, allowing faster production with minimal waste,” Cardinotti explained.
The event also showcased BOBST’s partnerships with industry leaders such as Esko, Avery Dennison, Sun Chemical, and Kongsberg PCS. This collaborative approach aims to optimize production and enhance color consistency across printing technologies, supporting converters in delivering high-quality results efficiently.