Why Economic Conditions and Substrate Shortages are Moving Jobs to Landa Presses

Inflation, labor costs, supply shortages and specific problems with paper supply have made printing a more costly and time-intensive process. As a result, increasing manufacturing efficiencies – especially cutting paper waste and reducing makeready – has been essential for many. 

As a result, we’re now hearing about more and more jobs — including longer runs — moving to Landa presses. To better understand this trend, we spoke to Landa’s Regional Sales Manager, Rob Engelman.

Q: So, Rob, during uncertain times, with logistical issues, inflation and paper shortages, why are jobs moving to Landa presses? 

A: For many reasons, not least of all our economics. But you’re right, it’s tough out there. There are now shifts in demand, issues with stock management and with paper supply. The need for production flexibility while keeping overall efficiency has become critical. Case in point; even some pharmaceutical brands, renowned for having strict substrate specifications, have had to be flexible and change substrate choices to get product on the shelf. 

In many print scenarios, substrate is the biggest cost, so moving jobs to a Landa press doesn’t just eliminate plates and ink costs, but because of its ability to print on any substrate without pre-treatment, it’s also provided many customers with greater substrate flexibility and additional savings.

Q: What about longer runs, I thought that medium runs were Landa’s sweet spot? 

You’re right, short to medium runs have always been the traditional market for a Landa press. However, because of inflation as well as labour and substrate costs, customers who are looking at overall plant utilisation are sometimes producing jobs in the tens of thousands of sheets on our presses. And that’s simply because their Landa presses are reducing costs, increasing efficiencies, and minimising waste – for the first time, making them an attractive alternative for longer runs. 

Q: But in such challenging economic conditions, how can print service providers justify a Landa investment?

While concerns about macroeconomic changes may cause some printers to think more cautiously about capital expenditure, with a Landa press, invariably, we can identify where customers can be more productive by making better use of entire plant capacity, machines, and labour. What’s more, they can also diversify into new markets representing additional revenue and business growth.

 Q: Can you elaborate on how a Landa press drives diversification?

The combination of production flexibility, B1 print format (750 mm X 1020 mm ), and unlimited colour reach on any paper, enables them to facilitate almost any request that comes to a general commercial printer. Add to that the digital capabilities of variable data and you have the perfect tool, for applications ranging from direct mail, artistic calendars printed in RGB, high colour auction books for the world’s leading houses, to full-size point of purchase posters delivered to global retail chains. 

In fact, the S10P platform is so versatile, that it’s even enabling commercial print customers to explore folding carton packaging – ideal for homegrown and start-up businesses looking for cost effective short run personalised packaging.