Fascia Graphics, the Chippenham-based specialist print firm, has become the first UK manufacturer to invest in a new state-of-the-art press made by Japanese firm Sakurai.
The Sakurai MS80-SD will boost Fascia’s performance, energy efficiency and lower its carbon emissions.
Fascia, the market leader for the production of membrane keypads and graphic overlays in the printed graphics industry, worked closely with Sakurai and its suppliers who took into account Fascia’s need to continually improve its lean manufacturing processes.
As a result the servo-driven cylinder press has been built with unique anti-scratch substrate paths, which reduce waste.
A bespoke system has also been designed with a heat exchange unit that cleans and recycles the waste air out of the drying line; significantly reducing energy consumption and running costs. Long-life LED lamps that function on demand also result in lower energy costs and safer operation.
Fascia engineering manager Michael Hole said: “This investment in the latest cutting-edge technology will give us a competitive advantage in the industry and at the same time cut our carbon emissions, improve our efficiency and support the environmental improvements we are continually making to the business.
“While this new line drastically increases our production capabilities, it also enables us to continue supplying product at a competitive price.
“In a marketplace where raw material and energy costs are continually rising, this addition will enable us to swallow some of these cost increases and maintain unit costs through leaner manufacturing.”
The press has also reduced the amount of dust and debris entering the atmosphere because it has been installed within a positive pressure environment, with temperature and humidity closely controlled. This consequently reduces any downtime of the press during production and further waste.
