Welcome to the 21st and final issue of Gallus In Touch in 2009. In this issue, we review Labelexpo 2009 and the launch of the Gallus ECS 340 at this event. We also explain some of the reasons for our decision to use granite for our label presses. In addition, you will find a further article in our series about offset printing and an overview of what we consider to be the latest market trends. Read on to find out more...   more

Labelexpo in Brussels was a resounding success. Visitors to our stand were thoroughly impressed by our range of new products and services on show. The market launch of the granite-based Gallus ECS 340 heralds a new era in productivity in manufacturing commodity labels.   more

Gallus ECS 340 heralds a new era in the manufacture of commodity labels. At Labelexpo Europe 2009 on 23 September, the Gallus Group was heralding a new era for the cost-effective manufacture of commodity product decoration solutions with the market launch of the Gallus ECS 340. The press is based on a robust core of technical granite. Never has printing been so easy, efficient and user-friendly, never have costs per label been so low – and all for low investment costs.   more

The Stratus Group, Inc., is known for its production of high-quality pressure-sensitive and folding cartons. And, the 17-year-old, Hamilton, OH-based company recently added to its capabilities with the installation of a nine-color, 13-in Gallus ECS 340 UV flexo press.   more

The value added chain in the product decoration industry is in a constant state of flux. The chain comprises six links starting with us – the consumers. In the chain, the consumers are followed by retailers and then their suppliers, i.e. the product manufacturers, also often referred to as brand owners. Brand owners have to sell their products via retailers, because they have the best access to consumers. Changes in the retail industry usually have a major impact on the subsequent links in the value added chain.   more

The RAKO GROUP is one of the largest and most modern adhesive label manufacturers in Europe. The group's workforce of 1,000 operate a total of 90 printing presses at a number of sites throughout Europe and Asia. For several years, RAKO has been using the Gallus RCS for flexographic printing, with great success. Now, the group's Ellerau site in Germany has commissioned RAKO's first Gallus RCS 430 with 8 offset printing units.   more

The demand for offset technology in narrow-web label printing remains high. And the Gallus RCS has offered users the option of fitting interchangeable offset printing units since 2005, with Gallus already supplying around half of its Gallus RCS presses in offset combination printing configurations. Once again, the theme of offset printing also proved extremely popular at this year's Labelexpo in Brussels. On the whole, the main unique selling points (USPs) associated with these solutions are excellent print quality and substrate flexibility. However, one of the most important questions is often left unanswered: How cost-effective are offset printing solutions?   more

Two years ago, a new generation of Screeny screen printing plates – the Screeny S-Line – was launched. Now, Gallus Rotascreen is adding two new types to the S-Line generation. The Screeny KMS and Screeny QMS are now in stock.   more

In mid-April 2009, Dr. Frank Michels took over as Managing Director of Gallus Druckmaschinen GmbH in the German town of Langgöns and also joined the Gallus Group management team. The 45-year-old German is married with two children.   more

The series entitled “Labelprinting – experience gained in practice” looks at everyday challenges encountered in labelprinting and how to overcome them. In this issue we take a look at “Ink spitting”.   more