EPAC CONNECTS PLANTS IN GLOBAL NETWORK

Digitally printed packaging producer ePac has connected its production in its burgeoning number of plants around the world together, with a new cloud-based system, ePacOne.

It means that ePac will be able to print 2.4 million metres of packaging a day for a single customer if required at its 26 plants around the world, and 5 million metres a day when all its planned 50 new presses and 11 new plants come on line.

The name ePacOne means one network everywhere, with ePac creating what it claims is the first and largest integrated network of packaging plants across the globe.

The new ePacOne was developed to serve all brands, large and small, regardless of run-length. The company says that with ePacOne it is committed to continue to innovate in the flexible packaging space, by extending its value proposition to all brands.

It says customers of any size will now benefit from ePac’s industry leading just-In-time manufacturing capabilities across the globe, short lead time (5-15 business days once artwork is approved) and other engagement solutions (such as ePacConnect) at competitive prices, whatever the order size.

According to ePac its ePacOne is a one of a kind proprietary cloud-based manufacturing platform, which enables all ePac locations to be connected and managed as a single manufacturing plant. Jobs are automatically produced at the optimum locations, based on proximity to customer, size, plant capabilities, and capacity. It also enables ePac to split jobs, and produce them simultaneously in multiple locations.

Parag Patel, ePac’s CIO said, “With ePacOne, we are again revolutionising the packaging industry, through a one-of-a-kind proprietary platform which allows us to extend our value to brands beyond the SMB space. As one virtual flexible packaging manufacturing plant, we unlock ePac’s ability to print up to eight million linear feet per day, increasing to 17 million linear feet per day with our ongoing expansion.

"The ePacOne is a natural evolution of our technology infrastructure, as we continue to lead the flexible packaging technological revolution, and scale our solutions."

The launch of ePacOne means the ANZ operation, which opened in Melbourne a year ago, is now connected to ePac plants across the world. ANZ is likley to see a second ePac plant open as part of the global expansion.