News
MPS marks entry into the UAE Hexxa Flexible Packaging has installed an MPS 430mm EF multi-substrate press at its Ras Al Khaimah premises
Raja Gandhi
MPS, the manufacturer of flexo and offset presses for the narrow web industry, has marked its entry into the UAE by installing its first flexo press at Hexxa Flexible Packaging, a printing company in Ras Al Khaimah, which specializes in printing and converting of flexible packaging, mainly using rotogravure printing technology. The 10-colour, 430mm EF multisubstrate press is equipped with an advanced automated print control (APC) package for full automation, UV dryers and four hot air units. Hexxa offers PVC and PET shrink sleeves, OPP labels, solventless laminates up to 3 layers, and a range of film required for the food, beverage and cosmetic industries. Customers of Hexxa include brands such as PepsiCo, Danone Morocco, Nestlé, Kraft, Heinz Africa & Middle East and Coca Cola Kuwait. With their new MPS flexo press, Hexxa aims to achieve higher productivity in shorter print runs. Raja Gandhi, managing director
and owner of Hexxa Flexible Packaging said, “We needed a narrow web flexo press to offer more competitive prices on shorter print runs. MPS offered the highest European quality machine, proven in an impressive demonstration at their headquarters in the Netherlands. Throughout the sales consultation, the MPS representatives were very open and honest with us. This is why we chose MPS as our flexo partner.” Initial introductions to MPS were
made by Anoop Plastics, the local MPS representative for the Middle East, at Labelexpo Europe 2015. Matthijs Stevens, MPS area sales manager, said: “This sale is an exciting milestone for MPS, with entry into a new Middle East market. With Anoop as our local agent, MPS offers this emerging region a well-connected and extensive local service network. This is just the beginning of more growth for MPS in the Middle East.”
Unilever’s new Dubai plant to produce ‘Made in UAE’ labelled brands for export The 100,000 sqm facility in Dubai Industrial Park will produce 100,000 tons annually and zero waste to landfill
Unilever’s Dubai Personal Care (DPC) manufacturing facility located in Dubai Industrial Park, UAE, features state-of-the-art technology, modular design, and faster production lines 12
to cut lead time to market by 80%. Set up with an AED1billion investment, the 100,000 square meter facility is the MENA’s largest personal care liquids manufacturing unit in investment, output and size. The plant will manufacture Unilever’s key beauty and personal care brands such as Dove, Fair & Lovely, Lifebuoy, Vaseline, Clear, TRESemmé, and Sunsilk and label them ‘Made in UAE’. DPC is one of the first factories in the region to have both Solar Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal systems for one manufacturing plant. This makes it the UAE’s largest private solar park. Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever, said,
“Choosing the UAE was a strategic decision. It is a trade corridor that connects the East and West, with important growth potential and world class infrastructure. Our new factory is testament to that – as the UAE’s largest private solar park, it reflects a shared vision of driving resilient, sustainable growth, underpinned by innovation.” Sanjiv Kakkar, executive vice president MENA, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, added, “This facility will produce 100,000 tons annually and all products will carry a ‘Made in UAE’ label. 80% of these will be exported globally to Europe, Africa and MENA countries.”