Bakers installs two Galaxy Packtechs as part of £5m revamp

Label and flexible packaging printer, Bakers, has expanded its production capabilities within its flexible packaging division, BakPac, with the installation of two new Galaxy Packtech pouch making machines.

The installation, which brings the independent UK printers’ total pouch conversion line-up to five, follows a factory extension completed in early 2024 as part of a £5m, two-year investment in new technology to meet growing demand for digitally printed, sustainable flexible packaging.

The new pouch makers offer enhanced sealing technology designed to improve performance with mono-materials, which are increasingly sought after by brands for their recyclability. The Packtech solution includes ‘non-stop’ production features and intelligent web handling, developed to enable faster changeovers and improved consistency across short and long runs.

The two new Packtech machines, which are being installed at BakPac’s Brentwood facility throughout May, are expected to be operational by early June.

Once fully operational, the pouch makers will work in tandem with BakPac’s existing digital print equipment, including two HP Indigo 200K digital presses, reportedly making it the only UK site to operate this configuration.

Phil Smith, operations manager of Bakers, adds: “We’re committed to short lead times and high quality, and never want to be in a position where capacity holds us back. Going from three to five pouch makers allows us to stay ahead of demand and continue delivering the service our customers rely on.

“We’re seeing brands demand faster turnarounds, lower MOQs (minimum order quantities), and greater flexibility. This expansion allows us to meet that demand while maintaining premium quality – from the very first pouch to the hundred-thousandth.”

Steve Baker, managing director at Bakers, comments: “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.”

Discussing the future, Baker adds: “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!)”