AMES, IA—Kiliper Corp, a manufacturer specializing in flexible packaging (rollstock, pouches) and labels (stretch sleeves, roll-fed) has placed an order for its second flexographic press from Windmoeller & Hoelscher—a 52-in, 10-color MIRAFLEX II. Scheduled for production later this year, this investment marks Kiliper’s commitment to expanding its flexographic printing capabilities.
“We’re excited to add this second MIRAFLEX II to our line-up. Our first press from W&H, also a MIRAFELX II, has a printing width of 41-in and 8-colors and has taken our company to a new level. The extra width and additional color decks on this new machine will provide us with additional capacity and additional capabilities, both of which will allow continued growth. We will have a lot of flexibility in what we can print, and we will be able to take on more flexible packaging projects” said Tom Kiliper, owner.
Two years ago, the company announced it had achieved 27 job changeovers in just one 10-hour shift on its first MIRAFLEX II. Since then, it has had days that have as many as 38 job changes. Kiliper highlighted their approach: “We have become so strategic and so good at preparing and executing these short runs that we’ve really carved out a niche for ourselves. It’s allowed us to take on jobs other printers might turn away.”
The company has high expectations for both long- and short-term growth. “Historically, we’ve seen our pipeline turn into solid customers, so now is the right time for us to secure the press so we’ll be prepared for next winter’s production,” said Kiliper.
The 30-year-old family company in its second generation is run by Kiliper and his sister, Lindsay Kiliper-Maysent, who is the head of the company’s operations.
The 52-in 10c MIRAFLEX II press is equipped with W&H’s fully integrated VISION web inspection system with Defect Check, Barcode Check, PDF Check, to provide the machine operator with real-time oversight and control of the job on press. For quick changeovers, the press will have EASY SET HD for fully automatic impression setting and EASY REG M for automatic registration setting as well as the TURBOCLEAN inking and wash-up system.