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An investment in all-inclusive digital printing and finishing systems, as well as business consultancy assistance from Konica Minolta, is a catalyst for access to new growth markets in labels after the merger of two print companies with complementary expertise in the Nordics – Haugesund Bok & Offset (HBO) and Nova Print Stavanger AS.
Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel 230 roll-to-roll toner digital production press will be going into newly-named HBO Nova AS’s production plant in Haugesund, Norway, in July. The labels will be finalised on Grafisk Maskinfabrik’s DC 330 finishing equipment, a specially developed converter for digitally printed labels, which will be installed at the same time.
The complete converting and finishing unit from Konica Minolta will enable HBO Nova to offer its customers digitally-printed self-adhesive labels for every imaginable purpose, in small and medium-sized editions, in the highest possible quality. One niche market already being actively explored is labeling for beers following a sharp rise in the number of micro-breweries, but also national and international breweries which are already customers may use HBO Nova’s offerings for self-adhesive labels printed on the new Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 for niche markets. Food sectors – including meat and tomato – are also ripe for digital label production where HBO Nova sees opportunities locally as well as in Western Europe and in the Middle East.
The machinery investment agreement was originally planned for completion in March until Covid-19 resulted in lockdown and a delay. However, when label volumes continued to rise, HBO Nova decided to press ahead two months later.
Orjan Risanger, new Managing Director of HBO Nova, said: “I want to put on record our sincere appreciation to Konica Minolta for its due diligence and expertise in helping us to get where we are now. The staff has listened, advised on digital processes and commercial aspects to create a platform to build significant new revenue streams. It has been exciting and educational for all parties and we look forward to an ongoing successful partnership. The service model is also extremely important. And it’s been very good from Konica Minolta. There can be real problems if service is unreliable.”
Ragnar Brynildsen, Nova Group International AS Group CEO, said: “The packaging industry is a growth market across the world. But customers are now demanding shorter runs and personalisation for their products, particularly as smaller and smaller brands come on to the market. And they demand more and more local products and services.
“Before choosing this solution from Konica Minolta, we checked out its competitors. But there was nothing to compare on the market in terms of the quality of the product through to the service provided and the expertise. Konica Minolta’s solutions are the correct one for us. It’s a win-win situation for all parties concerned. We can’t go into full details but we have a real plan to grow in the market. It’s not only a dream.”
Edoardo Cotichini, Team Manager Industrial Printing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, said: “We know from customer feedback that our dedicated market and consultative approach is working. Around the world, around the clock – we help shape ideas for our customers.
“HBO Nova’s growth in label volumes orders during the coronavirus-related lockdown reflects our own industry research where customers are reporting a surge in digital production. And while many companies reduced their on-site workforce during lockdowns, the AccurioLabel presses were machines of choice thanks to their ease of use, extremely high quality, and reliability.”
For more information, please contact:
Keith Hau
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd
Phone: +44 (0)7714221751
Email: press@konicaminolta.co.uk
Graham Thatcher
Chief PR Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 7933 673 240
Email: graham.thatcher@prbychief.com