Ben Daniel, Editor of Packaging MEA, speaks with Gilbert Bernard, Managing Director of Proflex Repro Services LLC, about the company’s evolution, technological advancements, and impact on the flexible packaging industry.
In 2015, Gilbert Bernard set out with a clear vision to launch a prepress and design business. However, his deep expertise in flexo plates and invaluable support from a key supplier led him to pivot towards flexo plate production, ultimately giving birth to Proflex Repro Services LLC. Officially founded in 2016, Proflex began its journey in Jebel Ali, where it initially faced significant challenges competing against industry giants.
Today, Proflex Repro Services LLC is a premier prepress bureau, renowned for producing and supplying high-definition flexo plates to the GCC, African, and other allied regional markets. Combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled industry expertise, the company has become a trusted leader in delivering top-tier flexo solutions. Proflex offers a comprehensive range of services, from design to execution, ensuring the highest standards of quality and innovation for its clients across the globe.
With more than 40 years of combined experience in the prepress and printing industries, Proflex, under the leadership of Managing Director Gilbert Bernard, continues to redefine excellence in the flexo plate market. Catering to the Label, Corrugation, and Flexible Packaging industries across Africa, Asia, and the UAE, Proflex’s cutting-edge facility and customer-focused approach ensure its position as a leader in the flexible packaging sector.
Adapting to Market Realities
From 2016 to 2020, Proflex encountered numerous challenges as a startup, particularly due to the high operational costs in Dubai. In response, the company made the strategic decision to relocate to a smaller facility in Ajman. This shift marked a pivotal moment for Proflex, as they began investing heavily in state-of-the-art prepress technologies, including advanced systems, software, hardware, and allied technologies. Their bold move to secure a 9,000-square-foot facility, equipped with the latest innovations, firmly established them as a leader in the region’s prepress industry.
“We don’t just react to problems, we proactively prevent them. Our strong relationships with clients, coupled with 24/7 support, ensure smooth operations and flawless printing results.”
Gilbert Bernard,
Managing Director
Proflex Repro Services LLC.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Speed to Market
“Today, I can confidently say that no one in the Middle East has the level of technology we have implemented,” says Gilbert Bernard. Proflex’s investment in state-of-the-art technology, including Esko imagers and the advanced Esko CDI Crystal Quartz Edition V3+, enables the company to produce flexo plates with unmatched precision and speed. Flexo Plates are now ready in just 22 to 30 minutes, significantly improving efficiency in the production process.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Efficiency
With a focus on sustainability, Proflex has embraced water-washable plates, reducing ink consumption and wastage while speeding up make-ready times. As the flexo industry continues to close the gap with gravure in print quality, the introduction of Quartz technology takes the company a step further, offering finer details and higher ink densities than ever before.
Proflex’s End-to-End Solution for Flexible Packaging
Proflex not only produces high-quality flexo plates for narrow, mid, and wide web segments but also provides comprehensive solutions, from concept creation to final execution. The company assists customers with everything from design services to optimizing press conditions, ensuring that every project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Strategic Global Reach
With operations based in Ajman, Proflex serves not only the UAE and GCC but also several African countries. The company’s robust logistics system ensures smooth international shipments, focusing particularly on the growing African market. Through its close collaboration with customers, Proflex is able to provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of flexible packaging manufacturers, corrugators, and flexo printers.
Looking Ahead: Embracing the Future of Flexo
As Gilbert Bernard puts it, “We believe that over time, Narrow Web and Mid Web flexo will shift towards solvent-free plates. It’s not just about cost—technology is pushing sustainability to the forefront.” With ongoing investments in new technologies and a customer-centric approach, Proflex is poised for continued success in the prepress industry, leading the way in both innovation and quality.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Established Proflex Repro Services LLC in 2016, based in Dubai, now in a 9,000 SQFT facility in Ajman.
- Specializes in end-to-end flexo solutions, from concept to execution.
- Produces flexo plates up to 50×80 cm with advanced Esko Prepress technology.
- Offers high-end contract proofing and full Esko prepress workflow.
- Equipped with Esko CDI Crystal Quartz Edition V3+ for enhanced speed and precision.
- Global shipments to clients in Africa, GCC, and Pakistan with 24/7 support.