GPL processes drive success

Gravure Packaging, GPL, says its adoption of new packaging processes has enabled it to deliver images of ‘ultra-high definition, far exceeding industry standard resolutions.’ The Petone-based printer took out the Gravure Process Award, and a gold medal in the industry development category, at this year’s Pride In Print Awards its Healtheries Real Food Bar Ginger and Lemon. Grant Amelung, technical manager at GPL, says, “We have spent the past two years developing cylinders to deliver extremely-high print resolution. “By partnering with our ink supplier and cylinder engraver, and investing in new printing press equipment, GPL is now able to deliver images of ultra-high definition — far exceeding industry standard resolutions. The distinctive 3D shape of our cylinders’ engraved cells, and the use of ultra-modern electrostatic printing assist, means we can achieve a vignette down to nearly zero per cent, unprecedented for the gravure process, with nearly invisible dot structure. “We have now doubled the level of print resolution we are able to achieve and as a result can produce a much sharper and more realistic image for our clients.†He adds that the smaller cells used in GPL’s innovative technique means less ink laydown, which has the added environmental benefit of delivering significant power and other savings. Established in the 1980s, GPL has undergone a busy period, which included the acquisition of Sydney-based flexographic printing specialist Australian Packaging (APL), in June last year. Andrew Young, commercial manager at GPL, says the acquisition has provided an opportunity to cross-sell on both sides of the Tasman and offers clients a “significantly-expanded product portfolio. APL predominantly produces for the food and FMCG markets, with one of its strongest portfolios being pie wrapping — including for the well-recognised Mrs Macs brand. “It also produces high-quality laminates for ‘rewind packaging’ in the snack food sector. A notable recent innovation of APL’s is the Micro-Crisp film, which is specially-designed to crisp-up pastry-based foods such as pies, sausage rolls, pasties, quiche and pizza in the microwave — in an all-in-one packaging solution.†Mr Young says the combined entity services a growing number of significant FMCG players in the Australian market. He says, “We are growing our customer base on the back of superior quality and lead timesâ€. To keep pace with this growth, GPL has recently increased its workforce to 40 people, including the appointment of Jai Chand as production manager. Young adds, “We are taking on staff at the moment and are committed to ongoing investment in our growth as a business across Australasia. GPL Australian sales now account for nearly 35 per cent of turnover, up 20 per cent on a year ago. “We are planning further capital investment and pursuing an acquisition strategy to boost capacity and our product portfolio, whilst remaining committed to being both a quality and customer-responsive business.†“Our managing director Greg Chapman is currently in Europe visiting suppliers and attending the Drupa trade show where he is looking at new technologies to both enhance and grow product offering and quality.†GPL’s awards at this year’s Pride In Print Awards: • Process Award, Gravure — Healtheries Real Food Bar Ginger and Lemon • Gold Medal, Industry Development — Healtheries Real Food Bar Ginger and Lemon • Gold Medal, Business Print — Chobani Lemon Yoghurt • Highly Commended — Healtheries Real Food Bar LSA and Cranberry To date GPL has been a supreme award finalist/category/process winner five times as well as earning 30 Gold Medals and 20 Highly Commended citations at the prestigious Pride In Print Awards.