Global accessories firm Hama has become Europe’s first customer of Konica Minolta’s newly-launched AccurioJet KM-1e production press. The installation completed during lockdown enables the specialist in mobile, PC and photo extras to print on almost any substrate in high quality to meet increasing demands from brands and retailers for a better ‘product experience’, achieved through high value-added packaging.
Konica Minolta’s partnership approach backed by its own experienced service organisation were crucial factors in Hama’s decision. Replacing two digital machines, the AccurioJet KM-1e digital inkjet B2+ sheetfed UV colour production press has been installed at its headquarters in Monheim, Bavaria, Germany.
Another important factor was the business case put forward by Konica Minolta to substantially increase volumes by identifying additional applications such as folding carton box production. An example includes the consumer-focused packaging used for memory sticks and phone covers, some costing between €30-50 each when personalised. Previously outsourced, folding carton box production has now been brought back in-house at Hama.
The investment opens up new creative opportunities in blister and light packaging for short-run, specialty products for Hama, a €550 million turnover company that employs 2,500 people in 20 locations and has 18,000 product lines. High volume blister packaging production will be an important application for the AccurioJet KM-1e.
Major advantages of the AccurioJet KM-1e for Hama include consistent quality and scratch resistance printing. Substrates can range from thin 70gm paper used for catalogues and brochures right up to up to 0,6 mm in thickness used in folding carton box production. It has no downtime and runs in a two-shift operation.
As one of the world’s leading distributors of accessories, we work at maximum speed to ensure fast deliveries and optimal stock provisioning. Packaging is becoming ever-more important for consumers’ ‘product experience’. That’s one of the many reasons why the AccurioJet KM-1e represents a significant step forward for our business. Digital production is now also highly reliable. We also have plans to implement new applications in partnership with Konica Minolta, such as flood varnish and spot varnish. Konica Minolta’s consultative and professional approach has been highly valued, as well as their service support. Identifing with us on how to increase the volume on the machine justified the investment case even more. This is the start of a partnership we know will have many benefits for both sides.
The AccurioJet KM-1e will provide infinite business expansion possibilities for Hama to pursue high value-added products. This is crucial where high quality and reliable production, extensive media capability in areas such as premium product packaging. Developing high value-added products for everyday retail goods such as phone covers is an interesting approach to the market. The successful installation by experienced teams was completed during the coronavirus lockdown. It is another example of how we provide expertise and work closely in partnership with customers.
The AccurioJet KM-1e, which follows the legacy of a machine acclaimed as the first choice for B2+ digital production press, was launched in June this year. It is often referred to as the “Swiss Army knife” of the printing industry because it has so many uses. Users also benefit from Konica Minolta’s unique Dot Freeze Technology™. Known as DFT, the patented process has overcome one of the fundamental challenges of inkjet printing – uncontrolled ink dot movement that reduces print quality and workable materials. The technology uniquely self-freezes ink drops upon contact with materials, resulting in superior color stability and excellent results which are ready for final finishing immediately.
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About Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH, based in Langenhagen, Germany, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Inc., Tokyo, Japan. Konica Minolta enables its clients to champion the digital era: with its unique imaging expertise and data processing capabilities, Konica Minolta creates relevant solutions for its customers and solves issues faced by society. As a provider of comprehensive IT services, Konica Minolta delivers consultancy and services to optimise business processes with workflow automation. The company further offers its customers solutions and managed services in the field of IT infrastructure and IT security as well as cloud environments. With regard to its office printing solutions, ‘IDC MarketScape: Western Europe Smart Multifunctional Peripheral 2018 Vendor Assessment’ stated that Konica Minolta is ‘recognised globally as a leading smart MFP provider of note’. As a strong partner for the professional printing market, Konica Minolta offers business consulting, state-of-the-art technology and software and has established itself as the production printing market leader for more than a decade in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa (InfoSource). In the healthcare sector, Konica Minolta drives digitalisation of clinical workflows and offers a broad range of next-level diagnostic solutions. Its Business Innovation Centre in London and four R & D laboratories in Europe enable Konica Minolta to bring innovation forward by collaborating with its customers as well as academic, industrial and entrepreneurial partners. For its solutions that combine ‘smart service with smart technology’, Konica Minolta was awarded the prestigious ‘Buyers Lab PaceSetter Award for Outstanding Serviceability 2018/2019’ from Keypoint Intelligence. Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe is represented by subsidiaries and distributors in more than 80 countries in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. With approximitaley 10,000 employees (as of April 2020), Konica Minolta Europe earned net sales of over 2.34 billion in financial year 2019/2020.
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SOURCE Konica Minolta
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