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Global accessories firm Hamahas become Europe’s first customer of Konica Minolta’s newly-launched AccurioJet KM-1e production press. The installation completed during lockdown enables the specialist in mobile, PC and photo extras to print on almost any substrate in high quality to meet increasing demands from brands and retailers for a better ‘product experience’, achieved through high value-added packaging.
Konica Minolta’s partnership approach backed by its own experienced service organisation were crucial factors in Hama’s decision. Replacing two digital machines, the AccurioJet KM-1e digital inkjet B2+ sheetfed UV colour production press has been installed at its headquarters in Monheim, Bavaria, Germany.
Another important factor was the business case put forward by Konica Minolta to substantially increase volumes by identifying additional applications such as folding carton box production. An example includes the consumer-focused packaging used for memory sticks and phone covers, some costing between €30-50 each when personalised. Previously outsourced, folding carton box production has now been brought back in-house at Hama.
The investment opens up new creative opportunities in blister and light packaging for short-run, specialty products for Hama, a €550 million turnover company that employs 2,500 people in 20 locations and has 18,000 product lines. High volume blister packaging production will be an important application for the AccurioJet KM-1e.
Major advantages of the AccurioJet KM-1e for Hama include consistent quality and scratch resistance printing. Substrates can range from thin 70gm paper used for catalogues and brochures right up to up to 0,6 mm in thickness used in folding carton box production. It has no downtime and runs in a two-shift operation.
The AccurioJet KM-1e, which follows the legacy of a machine acclaimed as the first choice for B2+ digital production press, was launched in June this year. It is often referred to as the “Swiss Army knife” of the printing industry because it has so many uses. Users also benefit from Konica Minolta’s unique Dot Freeze Technology™. Known as DFT, the patented process has overcome one of the fundamental challenges of inkjet printing – uncontrolled ink dot movement that reduces print quality and workable materials. The technology uniquely self-freezes ink drops upon contact with materials, resulting in superior color stability and excellent results which are ready for final finishing immediately.
As a leader in print transformation and production printing, we provide expertise and work closely in partnership with customers who are looking for new ways to reduce costs, yet still look to develop new opportunities. The AccurioJet KM-1 will help Colours Factory to rethink possibilities and will provide real business expansion possibilities through high quality, reliable production and extensive media capabilities.
Hidetoshi Omo
Head of Center of Competence KM-1 at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe
As one of the world’s leading distributors of accessories, we work at maximum speed to ensure fast deliveries and optimal stock provisioning. Packaging is becoming ever-more important for consumers’ ‘product experience’. That’s one of the many reasons why the AccurioJet KM-1e represents a significant step forward for our business. Digital production is now also highly reliable. We also have plans to implement new applications in partnership with Konica Minolta, such as flood varnish and spot varnish. Konica Minolta’s consultative and professional approach has been highly valued, as well as their service support. Identifing with us on how to increase the volume on the machine justified the investment case even more. This is the start of a partnership we know will have many benefits for both sides.
Manuel Eder
Deputy Head of Packaging at Hama
Boilerplate
About Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe
Konica Minolta’s journey started 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. We innovate for the good of society and the world. The same purpose that kept us moving then, keeps us moving now.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH, based in Langenhagen, Germany, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Inc., Tokyo, Japan. With its unique expertise in imaging, data processing and data-based decision making, Konica Minolta creates relevant solutions for its customers - small and medium-sized businesses, large enterprises and public sector - and solves issues faced by society.
As a digital workplace solution provider, Konica Minolta helps its clients to identify and unlock the potential digitalisation holds and reach the next level in the digital maturity of their organisation by rethinking the workplace. In support of an ‘Intelligent connected workplace’, Konica Minolta offers cloud, IT, managed print and video solution services for remote working, collaboration, workflow management and automation and security. The company’s success in driving transformation is also confirmed by IDC, since the ‘IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Print Transformation 2020 Vendor Assessment’ stated that Konica Minolta is ‘recognised globally as a leader in print transformation’. Konica Minolta has been a Microsoft Global Managed Partner since 2021.
Konica Minolta's Igniting Print Possibilities offering helps printers, converters and brand owners maximise workflow automation to increase efficiency. The company delivers consultancy in all communication matters as well as top-of-the-line production, packaging as well as label printers. Its finishing devices create print products that stand out and create added value. Konica Minolta has established itself as the production printing market leader for more than a decade in Europe (InfoSource).
For an increasing number of organisations, success today is more than the narrow definition of financial prosperity – it also includes protecting the environment and having a positive impact on their workforce as well as the societies they are embedded in. With its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Konica Minolta has pledged to consistently pursue its sustainability and social responsibility goals.
The company has been repeatedly recognised for its rich history of social contribution as well as for working towards achieving the SDGs throughout its business and supply chain. Konica Minolta is listed among “2023 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World” and received a GOLD Level Recognition Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability ratings for 2023.
For its remote services, Konica Minolta was awarded the prestigious ‘Buyers Lab (BLI) 2023-2024 Pacesetter Award in Remote Service for the Western European market’ from Keypoint Intelligence.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe is represented by subsidiaries and distributors in more than 80 countries in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. With approximately 8,700 employees (as of April 2022), Konica Minolta Europe earned net sales of over EUR 1.9 billion in financial year 2021/2022.
Worldwide, the company has over 39,000 employees and is operating in over 150 countries.
For more information, please visit https://www.konicaminolta.eu/eu-en/news and follow Konica Minolta on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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