Bahrain’s Dar Akbhar Al Khaleej diversifies into packaging with high speed converting machines from
Afra Print Equipment Dubai, Samuel Paul GM of the company tells Benjamin Daniel, editor of Packaging
MEA
Bahrain’s first Arabic Daily Newspaper, Dar Akbhar Al Khaleej and English e daily Gulf Daily News has
diversified from newspaper printing to commercial printing and now to packaging with major
investments with Afra Print Equipment Dubai. These include the high speed Champion and Komfi
converting machines. Speaking to Packaging MEA editor Ben Daniel, Samuel Paul, general manager,
operations at Dar Al Akbar Alkaleej explained, “We have invested in these machines as we planned the
integration without huge investments and thus become a packaging converter. It made sense that we
make an entry into packaging printing as we had substantial printing capacity. Moreover our printing
machines are best suited for packaging printing.”
Mohammed Azam, AGM Afra Print Equipment is happy to serve yet another customer. “It is a very
prestigious order and we thank Dar Akhbar al Khaleej. An order from a high profile customer is always
very satisfying and goes a long way in showcasing our packaging solutions strengths and the added
marketing value it brings Afra”, he explains.
Speaking in detail about the installation Mohammed explained,” We have introduced an innovative
folding way to reduce make-ready times and work at absolute high speeds especially for the lock bottom
cartons. The ‘QCD' system changes and sets up the tray, forming dies easily and shortening the
makeready time remarkably that helps to effectively manage short run jobs ergonomically.
“In today's challenging market it is all about having a right mix, implementing the right balancing act and
adding value to the offering. We have always stressed importance of implementing cost effective
solution suiting the market. We strongly feel that commercial printers have to focus on short and
medium run packaging and also few niche segments that would complement their facilities.” He said.
Packaging, a new territory
It’s a new territory for Dar Al Akbar Alkhaleej, and it’s easier said than done. Paul, however, is confident.
“Being a diversified company in all forms of communications, we have not only our existing clients but
we have many other customers who need packaging. We plan to look at implementing ways to improve
operational performance which will have an impact on costs and profit. Investing in Afra’s equipment,
we believe will help us in that.”
Paul adds, “Bahrain is a relatively small market. Food and retail is expected to drive the packaging
industry in Bahrain. Market research and surveys compliment this trend. We have the capacity to cater
to the Bahrain market.
We also plan to cater to customers in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia,” he says.
