Independent UK label and flexible packaging producer Bakers is boosting its manufacturing capabilities with the addition of two Galaxy Packtech ‘pouchmaker’ machines.
This upgrade increases the company’s pouch conversion lineup to five, highlighting its dedication to flexible packaging solutions.
This installation comes after a substantial factory expansion that was finalised in early last year.
The development is part of Bakers’ ongoing £5m ($6.68m) investment in technology to address the growing demand for digitally printed, eco-friendly flexible packaging options.
The newly acquired pouchmakers are equipped with advanced sealing technology aimed at optimising performance with monomaterials.
These materials are being increasingly favoured by brands for their recyclability, reflecting current sustainability priorities in the packaging sector.
Featuring nonstop production capabilities and smart web handling, the new machines allow for quicker changeovers and improved consistency across both short and long production runs.
This technological enhancement is set to streamline operations within the company’s flexible packaging division, BakPac.
Moreover, the investment aligns with BakPac’s current digital printing technology, which includes two HP Indigo 200K digital presses.
This setup reportedly makes BakPac the only facility in the UK to utilise such digital printing technology.
The installation of the two Galaxy Packtech machines is occurring at BakPac’s expanded Brentwood site throughout this month.
The new equipment is expected to be operational by early June 2025, further increasing the company’s production capacity.
Baker managing director Steve Baker said: “Flexible packaging is a very interesting market but it was in need of a shake up, similar to labels 20 years ago when digital technology was first introduced.
“We have had a sharp learning curve but quickly realised this is not an area that you can stay small and grow slowly if you want to be successful – our customers are fast-moving, fast-developing and volumes can increase rapidly, they need a supplier that can match this and that’s exactly what BakPac can do.
“We have an amazing, knowledgeable, hardworking team that realise they are involved in something special and happily go the extra mile to help our customers grow. The future is very exciting… (guess I’m going to delay retirement again!)”
