Why then is Merpak still investing in technology for the production
of envelopes?
According to managing director Deon Joubert, it is because envelopes still offer a
number of advantages which no other means of delivery can. ‘It has that pleasing
tactile affect, it offers protection – more so that plastic – and it offers a sense of
security and confidentiality that plastic, being transparent, cannot.’
Not only has Merpak weathered the numerous storms which have come its way
since it produced its first envelope in 1969, but it has also found ways to keep
moving forward. This is evident by the recent installation and commissioning of a
digital press specifically capable of handling envelopes. Traditionally, envelopes
are printed as flat sheets and then put through an enveloping machine to be
formed and converted into envelopes. This new machine does things differently
but it offers Merpak a number of advantages.
Merpak moved away from handling its own printing many years ago, deciding
rather to stick to the process of making envelopes and out-sourcing the printing
aspects. This decision to specialise was taken before digital printing and the
benefits its can offer were known about. However, even with the arrival of digital
printing, the ability to handle envelopes was not offered by most digital printers.
The paper path and the feeding of the envelopes posed a problem. Then in 2013,
Ferrostaal demonstrated the Meteor DP8700 digital press at a local trade show.
This machine can be configured with an envelope feeding capability.
The Meteor DP8700 is manufactured by French company MGi Digital Graphic
Technology and offers full-colour electrophotographic printing onto a range
of substrates. The press is capable of a wide range of operator-selectable
resolutions and features up to 20 linescreens. It also features full variability.
Robbie de Jong, machine operator
Printed on 128 gsm Hi-Q Titan Gloss supplied by
I
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