The centre is designed as a key part of the Nashik-based Apex Asia-Pacific plant inaugurated in late 2019. With the recent installation of a Bobst M5 narrow-web press, the DuPont fast plate-making system and a full Esko software suite, the demo centre is now set for a grand opening. However, the exact opening date in August is yet to be announced.

With the new Bobst press addition, the Nashik plant now comprises an integrated workflow of the latest equipment such as Anilox rolls from Apex International Flint Group’s inks, DuPont’s plates and Cyrel Fast thermal platemaking equipment, Esko’s pre-press kits, Tesa’s double-sided adhesive-tapes, Avery Dennison’s labelstock, Max’s BOPP films, Numex’s pre-press solutions, Swed/Cut doctor blades, and Eson’s flexible dies.

The new experience centre aims to facilitate the training, innovation, testing and optimisation requirements for its customers. “Employing the latest flexo technology and state-of-the-art equipment, FlexoKITE offers live training, support, and education from its impressive purpose-built production. Live-streamed webinars featuring real-time flexo operations and problem-solving workshops will be broadcasted from the FlexoKITE centre in Nashik,” said a press note shared with WhatPackaging?.

The webinars are set to demonstrate how anilox rollers are manufactured and engraved. Followed by analyzation of the physical results produced on-press. “Coupled with plate-screening, platemaking and a range of equipment and supplies required for flexo production, the experience centre offers unique opportunities to witness and participate in all aspects of an end-to-end flexo operation,” the note added.

The company claims that since its launch in November 2020, the FlexoKITE webinars have helped thousands of flexo printers to address problems such as ink foaming, press standardisation, and opaque white ink printing. “The upcoming FlexoKITE webinars will address the challenges of corrugated printing and other such topics.”