MI-based Mar-Co Harbor Group expands capabilities with new BOBST VISION CI-flexographic printing press

Based in Benton Harbor, MI, Mar-Co Harbor Group is a significant presence in the North American packaging-converting industry. From its 80,000-sq-ft, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, the business specializes in flexible packaging, supplying coffee, medical, shrink-wrap, industrial, institutional, candy, produce, bakery and dairy packaging.

Founded in 1985, the business has seen a strong period of growth, and is reinvesting in its food-packaging equipment to meet the heightened demands of the market. A key focus of the business is expanding its capabilities and reaching new markets, while remaining true to the Mar-Co Harbor Group mission statement: Quality Products Delivered On-Time at a Reasonable Price.

To accelerate growth in f/f/s packaging, Mar-Co Harbor Group has now invested in a BOBST VISION CI-flexo press (above), the company’s first BOBST machine. The technology has proved an ideal fit for the business, taking its press speeds from 400 fpm to 1,400 fpm, and job setup times from 1 hour per color to minutes.

Tom Eversole, President and CEO of Mar-Co Harbor Group, explains the decision to invest in the BOBST press, “After careful consideration and analysis of the market, we believe that the VISION offers us the best possible combination of cutting-edge technology, reliability and efficiency.

“In selecting a flexo press to expand our capabilities, speed was a No. 1 priority. We focus on short lead times while retaining the high quality we are known for, and VISION CI brings exactly that. It ticks every technology box for us, providing the ability to compete in form fill seal packaging, and offers a more comprehensive service to our customers. We have invested in an 8-color press with SmartGPS, which gives us greater flexibility for small runs, combined with a compact press footprint. Although it’s our first BOBST machine, we know of their reputation for quality and efficiency through leading-edge technology. As a result, following installation, we anticipate large gains to our productivity.”

Designed to deliver superior performance on a wide range of substrates, the BOBST Vision is said to be ideal for converters looking to add a powerful new production tool to their operations. VISION comes with a wide range of options, including 8-color and 10-color formats. Designed to be highly modular, the machine enables very fast installation startup, ideally within four weeks, helping printers to maximize their productivity and volume.