•    State-of-the-art machines print 27000 meters per hour

•    New 255,000 sq. ft. facility introduces advanced flexible packaging options

Dubai-UAE: 30 April, 2017 – Emirates Printing Press (EPP), a high-quality, multi-award-winning commercial printing press based in Dubai, announced the opening of its third 255,000 square feet printing and packaging facility in Dubai Industrial Park. 

The inauguration ceremony on March 22 was attended by Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer, Mohan Valrani, Senior Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Al Shirawi Group of Companies, Mohamed Al Shirawi, CEO at Emirates Printing Press, as well as senior representatives of Dubai Industrial Park and Emirates Printing Press.

Boasting the best European-made machinery in the industry, the facility is home to two 10-colour rotogravure printing machines (Windmoller & Holscher and Bobst Rotomec 4003 with a printing speed of 27,000 meter per hour) and one cutting-edge 10-colour Omet XFlex – the first in the GCC region – with combined offset, flexo and rotogravure capabilities designed specifically for specialty flexibles. A host of built-in features, such as the auto viscosity controller and BST inspection cameras, ensures consistent output.

In addition, the machines offer a choice of finishing options that enable EPP to produce tailor-made flexible packaging for a wide variety of foodstuffs and confectionery, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical products, and personal hygiene products, among others.

The new facility expands EPP’s capabilities into the rapidly growing packaging field. It allows the company to offer innovation and quality to its valued customers while maintaining a focus on environment-friendly processes through reducing the carbon footprint due to the inline LEL monitoring system. Furthermore, supreme printing efficiency, whether in small or large quantities, translates into shorter production lead times.

Certified to the BRC Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials, the plant follows the same international standards that EPP adheres to across its business lines, and applies meticulous attention to detail in quality control. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Abdulla Belhoul, said: “Dubai Industrial Park is delighted to be part of the innovation in high-quality printing and packaging solutions. The new printing and packaging facility pioneers a revolutionary approach in global printing techniques. Our collaboration with Emirates Printing Press aligns with our objective to forge valued partnerships that enable our clients to effectively address their customers’ needs and grow their businesses in sustainable ways.”

Belhoul added: “The printing and packaging industry has greatly benefited from the significant surge in demand for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). The food packaging market is now registering healthy profits and is expected to continue growing rapidly in the coming years. Given the anticipated growth, Dubai Industrial Park looks forward to attracting more stakeholders from this industry that promises high returns on investment.”

Mohamed Al Shirawi of EPP said: “Emirates Printing Press is a proud advocate of Dubai’s printing industry and the advances it has made in quality and innovative printing and packaging, especially under the auspices of Dubai Industrial Park.” 

“The international food packaging industry adheres to the highest standards of consumer safety, sustainability and environmental protection. These standards guide our investment in the most modern packaging and flexible packaging machinery and operator training so our customers can rest assured that their products, regardless of the complexity of their packaging, will reach consumers in perfect condition.”

Given Dubai’s strategic location as a commercial hub for major consumer markets regionally and internationally, it represents an important global destination for food production and food packaging solutions. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry's latest report reveals that the UAE's packaging sector is among the fastest growing in the Middle East and North Africa region, and is projected to be valued at AED52 billion by 2019.