In an industry where precision is paramount and innovation dictates competitiveness, Label & Litho has taken a bold leap forward with the installation of South Africa’s first Nilpeter FB-14 flexographic printing press.
While the machinery itself speaks volumes in specs and capability, it’s the story behind the acquisition – and the philosophy of the people running the press – that transforms this milestone into something far more compelling.
At the heart of this moment is Barend Smit, director of Label & Litho and the third generation in a family that has been quietly shaping South Africa’s label landscape for decades. He’s calm, candid and deeply technical – the kind of industry veteran who can sense whether a press is right for the business just by the sound of its set-up cycle.
‘We’ve been dealing with Nilpeter for close to 30 years,’ he says from his Pretoria-based facility. ‘They’re not just another brand on the floor – they’re part of the way we work. So, when we first saw the new FB-14, we knew it was the one and we signed the order at Propak Africa. The level of technology and refinement is just something else.’
The FB-14 is Nilpeter’s newest flexo press from its next-generation FB-Line – a compact, high-performance machine tailored for efficient, high-quality label production. With substrate capabilities ranging from 10 to 400μm, it’s built to print everything from pressure-sensitive labels and wrap-arounds to delicate tags and carton stock – all without missing a beat. It features both LED and UV curing, an ink chamber system, die units and automatic register control. But to reduce it to a checklist of features would be missing the point.
‘It fits us like a glove,’ Jaco says simply. ‘This press gives us the ability to expand into new label markets with the kind of agility and reliability we’ve been needing.’
Speed and stability matter in a flexo world. So does consistency. Ask any printer, and they’ll tell you that one of their biggest frustrations is matching colours and register exactly from one run to the next. Jaco nods knowingly when this comes up.
‘That’s where the FB-14 really makes a difference,’ he explains. ‘The auto-register system is incredibly responsive. It locks into position fast and holds that register at 150m/min without drifting. Plus, the job recall function eliminates variables. That means fewer headaches, less waste and exacting consistency – every single time.’
The machine’s ability to switch quickly between jobs also speaks to the shifting nature of label production. Short runs, sensitive materials, fast turnarounds – these are the new rules of engagement. With its streamlined set-up and fast changeovers, the FB-14 enables Label & Litho to adapt quickly and remain profitable while delivering premium quality.
‘Some of our older presses just couldn’t keep up with the demand for thinner materials and faster jobs,’ Barend adds. ‘This machine opens that door. From plastics to board, it’s giving us control over substrates we had to previously shy away from.’
The installation was facilitated by Nilpeter’s long-time South African partner, CSM Machine Sales. It’s a partnership that’s more personal than transactional, says Jaco.
‘With CSM, you get real support. No runaround. No disappearing acts when there’s an issue. They show up, they sort it out and they don’t make excuses. That’s why we’ve stuck with them – and Nilpeter – all these years.’
For Nilpeter, the installation also marks a strategic foothold in the African market. ‘We’ve worked with multiple generations of the Smit family,’ says Jesper Jørgensen, the company’s global sales manager. ‘Seeing this relationship evolve with the FB-14 installation is a moment of real pride.’
With this press, Label & Litho isn’t just adding capacity – it’s futureproofing its business, investing in speed, precision and flexibility at a time when standing still is not an option. And in the hum of the FB-14, you can hear the rhythm of a company poised to print the next chapter in its story.
Ed’s note: Nilpeter is represented and distributed in South Africa by CSM Machine Sales.
