WITH 2021 coming to an end, ROTOCON reflects on this year’s highlights and how the company has continued to provide world-class service and gone above and beyond for its labelling and narrow-web industry customers, despite the ongoing challenges created by the pandemic.
The year kicked off with a bang as ROTOCON was appointed by DuPont as its South African distributor for CYREL flexo plates, the EASY technology platform, FAST thermal workflow, and associated equipment towards the end of 2020. ROTOCON’s main warehouse for the flexographic plates is in its Johannesburg branch.
Also reported in PPM’s New Year issue was that Durban-based label converter GTV Label Master had invested in South Africa’s second ECOLINE RFP 340 flexo press, complemented by the ECOLINE Pro Mount platemounter. The company stated that these machines are user-friendly and ensure the company commits to its high standards.
In the March Cracking News, PPM reported on the installation of a pre-owned MPS press, the EF 410, to increase capacity and operational flexibility at Zippy Labels. According to the team, this press operating with the original MPS helps improve service levels when multiple customers require job deliveries on the same day.
Durban-based CE Stewart also invested in an ECOLINE RFP 340 flexo press, complemented by the ECOLINE Pro Mount platemounter and Pro Clean anilox roller cleaner. It invested in the flexo press primarily for self-adhesive labels and converting unsupported films. After running successful trials, the company was further impressed with the machine’s quality and capabilities. The Pro Mount platemounter and Pro Clean anilox roller were introduced in 2020 to round out the ECOLINE range.
As a proudly South African company and a proud supporter of the labelling and narrow-web community, ROTOCON launched its ‘I LOVE ROTOCON’ competition in May, which places the focus on customers’ operators. To date, eight have been recognised with a series of monthly prizes.
In June, PPM reported on Cape Town-based Sullwald Printing Solutions’ (formerly known as Coastal Labels) investments from ROTOCON that have enabled the company to provide high-quality products, explore new markets, and expand its offerings at faster turnaround times. Investments include a SCREEN Truepress L350UV+, two ECOLINE RDF 330 digital label converting and finishing systems, and four Wink SmartGap systems, the most installed at a packaging converter in the country.
In PPM’s August issue, ROTOCON reported on successful installations of three ECOLINE machines in Namibia. Windhoek-based Uni-Nam Labels invested in the ECOLINE RFP 340 LED flexo press so that it could pursue opportunities in the wrap-around label and flexible packaging markets. Complementing the press were investments in the ECOLINE RSI 340 slitting, inspection and rewinding system and ECOLINE Pro Mount platemounter.
Also reported in the August issue was Cape Town-based Proprint Screening & Labels Solutions, formerly known as Proprint Screen Printers, investment in ROTOCON’s ECOLINE RFP 340 eight-colour flexographic press to meet customers’ needs and enhance its portfolio with expanded colour gamut printing to include self-adhesive, wrap-around, commercial and blank labels, shrink sleeves, and flexible packaging.
Innovation Shrink and Wrap invested in the ECOLINE RFP 340 über LED flexo press, which features accurate registration at high speeds, eight servo motors and one die-cutting station.
Win-Pak invested in ROTOCON’s ECOLINE flatbed silkscreen press to help improve capacity in its value-addition label finishing department and ensure customers’ demands are met timeously. The press ensures reduced lead times and prevents bottlenecks in the value-added department.
Pinetown-based label converter, Blue Print Labelling, invested in the ECOLINE RFP 340 flexo press and a complementary ECOLINE RSI 340 slitting, inspection and rewinding system.
Another exciting aspect for the ROTOCON team this year was the appointment of John Lomberg as market and business development director. Based in Cape Town, John’s main focus is to contribute towards revenue growth, increase brand value, and identify printing solution opportunities in southern Africa.
ROTOCON also assisted companies with training for tooling purchase or sales staff, press operators, and assistants. The training module addresses the ordering, manufacturing, shipping, and delivery of flexible and rotary dies plus magnetic cylinders; the role of cutting angles and materials; as well as care instructions and fault analysis.
Taking stock of this year’s achievements
ROTOCON’s board of directors, Michael, Pascal and Patrick Aengenvoort and John Lomberg would like to convey their thanks to customers, suppliers, employees and logistics partners for their unwavering support during these tough times.
‘We would like to first express our gratitude to our customers. We are honoured that they choose to support ROTOCON, and we’re committed to going above and beyond to provide customers with the best service and support.
‘We would also like to thank our talented group of employees for the hard work they’ve put in this year. In this past year, we have enjoyed many successes built on their efforts.
‘To our suppliers, we would like to thank them and their teams for the service and support received throughout the year. Without their commitment, some of our projects wouldn’t have been as successful.
‘We’ve come through a year filled with both challenges and victories. We wish everyone good health and a wonderful time with family and friends during the holiday season.’
PDF of article»» as featured in PPM
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