Tetra Pak packs more punch with new printer

Processing and packaging solutions giant Tetra Pak's new offset printer is expected to up production in Singapore as part of the company's wider plans to meet the region's growing packaging demands.

Tetra Pak's S$32million investment is the company' first electron beam offset printer in Asia, and is sited at the company's Jurong packaging materials plant.

"This technology allows for high resolution printing on paper and metalised premium packages, a step forward in widening our printing innovation offerings to our customers," said South and South East Asia supply chain director Alberto Tureikis.

In an interview with Procurement magazine, Tureikis said the new printer is equipped to print photographic images on packages, giving drink manufacturers more packaging choice as well as making it more attractive to the end consumer.

"While offset printing technology has been available within Tetra Pak's global operations, this new printer at our Jurong plant brings the latest offset printing technology closer to the ASEAN market. This will give a wider choice to our customers, primarily the beverage manufacturers, who will be able to deliver more package design options to consumers," he said.

He added that the printer will boost Tetra Pak's annual production capacity of 10 billion currently to 12 billion by 2008.

"In the 25 years in Singapore, this facility has grown to become one of the largest Tetra Pak packaging materials factories in the world and the plant has proven its ability to continue its success, through innovation, new product development and continuous improvement," said Tetra Laval Group board member Finn Rausing. "We believe this new production capability in Jurong will be a key contributor to our future success in Singapore and the region."

At present, the facility in Singapore produces for 29 markets and serves over 500 customers.