A second Galaxy Packtech pouching line for the flexible packaging division of Baker Labels has been installed.
Located at BakPac’s new production facility in Brentwood, the first Galaxy arrived in September 2023 to expand and increase pouch conversion options for customers.
The first full customer job was completed two weeks after installation with ‘fantastic’ results using multi-webbed recyclable material and a Velcro zipper.
The new press is said to be particularly well equipped for BakPac’s mono ranges of recyclable materials. Baker Labels explained that the Galaxy pouching lines ‘excel’ at maintaining the heat and pressure consistency required for mono materials and longer runs.
The installation is a part of on-going investment for BakPac of approximately £5 million in the last few years. This includes two HP Indigo 200Ks and two more Galaxy pouch makers later this year. The firm said the demand for digitally printed, high quality flexible packaging is growing quickly.
The additional Galaxy pouching lines have meant BakPac has had to expand its production floor space. Since January, the company has been refurbishing an additional factory unit adjacent to Bakers’ current 50,000sq/ft premises, in preparation for the new arrivals. By the end of the year the new unit will hold all four Galaxy pouch makers, as well as valve and spout inserters.
The Galaxy GS-24 Plus-200 will have the ability to run two stand-up pouches with zippers on the same web – doubling production and reducing set-up time and waste. New sealing capability will further improve the company’s mono polymer pouch production, while advancements in the gusset assembly are designed to allow a greater size range in folded gussets.
Phil Smith, Bakers operations manager, said, “Our first Galaxy machine made buying the second machine a very easy decision. Their innovation, service and machine efficiency were all points of success which have accelerated our growth into this market.
“By using Galaxy technology we are building on a solid platform, with two further machines on order we will soon be able to offer new formats of digital flat bottom and side gusset pouches with zippers whilst also increasing our capacity. Our new unit will soon be humming with the sound of amazing pouches being made.”
