VAN DYKE SIGNS FOR OMET

The Van Dyke Press has backed up for a successor to its Omet flexo press after a successful 14 years development of the aluminium foil sector, signing for new machine with Currie Group here at drupa.

Will Tompson, general manager, arrived in Düsseldorf following factory inspections with the Italian flexo press manufacturer in Lake Como. Although he has nothing but praise for the original Omet machine that has been operating at the company’s Brookvale premises since 2010, he did confess to performing in-depth research on alternatives before he signed on for new press.

“My printers, who have worked for some of the biggest flexo companies, couldn’t understand why I was even looking elsewhere. They love the Omet.” he said.

In the 14 years since The Van Dyke Press entered the aluminium foiling print sector with its Omet, it has become a solid segment of the company’s success. The steep learning curve has taught Tompson what is needed, and importantly, what is redundant in the process. This time around he is focused on productivity, with a wider web going from 400mm to 520mm, and without many of the bells and whistles on the original press.

With a higher speed of 150 metres a minute, along with the extra width, the new press will deliver a significant productivity bonus. Tompson says the company is on a 10 per cent per annum growth path, of which the aluminium foiling sector is an important part.

He is full of praise not only for the Omet personnel he met on his European trip, but also for the Currie Group’s service and backup. It was an important part of his decision to stick with Omet.

He tells how just recently the machine went down on a Tuesday morning. The Currie engineer was on site within hours and the part was delivered from Italy and installed by Friday. “You can’t ask for better service than that,” he said.

The new press has both UV and LED drying capabilities and is expected to be installed, up and running before Christmas.