Riyadh-based Raqam International has installed a Kodak Flexcel NX narrow system to eliminate delays from plate making and target ‘A-class’ markets
riyadh-based label printer and converter Raqam International has installed the Kodak Flexcel NX narrow system with hybrid option along with the DFE – Prinergy Tower on the digital front end and the Vianord EVO 2A Flexo Plate Processor.
Specialised in computer-cut vinyl stickers, signage, retail product labels, barcodes, and laser and computer labels, Raqam is now targeting “A-class markets” for labelling, primarily in food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals, said Khalid Aziz Shah, general manager of Raqam Labels and Ribbon Factory.
Raqam aims to cater through the installation to in-house requirements and to provide flexo plate services to other converters in the region.
“Looking at the market growth and demand for high-quality labelling we have invested in this new system to enhance our quality and production,” Shah told Packaging MEA.
The entire system was installed by Kodak’s regional distributor for package solutions Dubai-based Grapholine Trading.
Whilst Raqam initially planned to have this system installed in its UAE facility in Ajman, they later decided to install it at its main facility in Riyadh.
Shah told Packaging MEA that the decision to go for an in-house pre-press and digital plate making facility was prompted by “delay in plate making”.
“Now it is under control and we are able to promise our client on-time delivery.”
The choice of the Kodak system was based partly on quality, he added.
“No question Kodak is one of the best as far as my knowledge is concerned,” he said. “I have seen most of the famous prepress bureaus around the world are using Kodak system. This was one of the reason we selected NX system.
But he added that having a single supplier to deal with was anotherimportant factor in the purchase decision.
“The main reason we selected Kodak is that as they will be responsible from plate to press, all from Kodak,” he said. “If something is not good we need to call Kodak only. It is good for our setup. I know this is a bit expensive for us as well but we feel more safe this way.”
The company has replicated the investment with its Canadian label facility and will do so with its operations in Sharjah in the UAE and at a new project in Pakistan, he said.
“Having the NX system has opened new channels for us and our quality has improved a lot,” he said. “Most of the brand owners whom we are dealing with trust our high-quality print.”
He added that customers recognise prepress as a differentiator in the quality of the final printed substrate.
“If you remember last year we invested in new top of the line flexo presses but without high-quality plates you can’t get good result,” he said.
“After getting the NX system we found big difference in print quality.”
“Installation, training, and support has been handled through Grapholine Middle East. “They are a great and supportive team to work with: always on time and technically strong,” he said.