Assta Label House has installed its first digital printing press, the HP Indigo WS4500

Managing Director Graeme Staas says the motivation for the installation was two-fold. "We wanted to not only increase our capacity, but also our capability. Responding to market demands we have chosen the HP Indigo WS4500 and the ABG Digicon as a starting point for our digital print platform".

Mr. Staas says the company has been watching the evolution of the HP Indigo technology for some time. "We have been following the progress of the Indigo presses over the past decade. Last year we decided it was the right time for us to enter into the digital market. In the past we have always been one of the first to enter into new technology, but in this case we chose to wait and catch the crest of the digital printing wave".

Established in 1947, this family owned company employs 60 people across three sites with head office in Peakhurst, a southern suburb of Sydney.  The company services a broad range of industries from wine and beverages through to therapeutic products and FMCG.

The HP Indigo technology delivers multiple benefits as Mr. Staas explains. "In recent times we've seen a marked rise in the request for uncoated wine labels. Prior to the installation of the HP Indigo WS4500 we were unable us to meet this demand. The press also allows us to effectively run smaller, urgent jobs, and jobs with multiple changes".

The versatility of the press to print on a range of uncoated and coated synthetic materials, its fast make ready and change over times, and minimal waste are also advantages says Mr. Staas. And the offset-like quality of the HP Indigo is "comparable with conventional offset and far superior on certain jobs".

Mark Daws, Sales Manager Labels & Packaging, Currie Group says, "We are very excited to partner with Assta Label House. Graeme and his team's passion for the digital print platform is clearly demonstrated by the wide variety of fantastic work they have already produced on the HP Indigo WS4500 Digital Press. Alongside the HP Indigo press, Assta has one of the highest configured ABG Digicon's in the country, offering their customers a complete end-to-end solution suited to multiple SKUs and strategic print runs".

While the press has only been in for three months, Mr. Staas says he can already see opportunities for expansion particularly in regards to variable data. "We are already incorporating variable data elements into existing jobs and there is definitely growth in this area".

Mr. Staas says there is a clear trend towards digital printing in the label market, and the company is now well placed to meet market demands. "At the moment we plan to continue to use conventional and digital printing methods, but our success lies in our ability to identify market trends and to move with the times. Whatever our customers require in the future we will provide," he concludes.

For more information about Assta Label House please visit www.assta.com.au

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