Up2Speed Printing Invests in Komori GL640 advance
Jorge L. Carmenate, Clara Hernandez, Victor Flores, and Jorge A. Carmenate
Up2Speed Printing, a rapidly growing packaging and commercial printing company, has taken a significant step forward with the acquisition of a Komori GL640 advance LED-UV six-color press. This move allows Up2Speed to better service their commercial print customers while accelerating the transition to the growing packaging print market. The configuration of the new 6 color press with coater, loaded with automation, further positions the company to meet increasing demands in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical packaging sectors.
Founded over a decade ago by Jorge Carmenate and his wife, Clara Hernandez, Up2Speed Printing began as a small operation out of their home garage. Since then, the company has expanded to a 20,000 square foot facility, employing 27 staff members. The new press, which arrives in October, is a key part of the company’s growth strategy.
“We’ve been focusing heavily on packaging in the past two years, which now makes up about 70-75% of our business,” says Carmenate, a former pressman who has a deep knowledge of the printing industry.
“The Komori GL640 advance is the perfect choice to support this shift, offering the advanced capabilities we need to produce high-quality packaging with precision.”
The fully loaded Komori press features include PQA, a PDF comparator, and UV interdeck lamp positions, offering unprecedented flexibility and quality control. Carmenate and his team are particularly excited about the efficiency improvements the press will bring.
“Our current make-ready times with our existing press takes about 1:00 to 1:20 hours. With the new Komori press, we expect that to drop to 20-30 minutes,” he adds. “We see the gains in production speed but also in reduced make-ready, in the pressroom. This will be a game-changer for us in terms of production capacity.”
New Opportunities in Packaging
Up2Speed Printing has built a diverse client base across multiple industries. The company works with major brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Trader Joe’s, Goya, Bacardi, and Publix, producing a variety of packaging solutions, including folding cartons for food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and beverages.
“Customers are already buzzing about the new press and the increased capabilities it will bring,” says Carmenate. “We’re also excited to break into new markets like pharmaceuticals, where precision and quality are paramount.”
A Hands-on Approach
Carmenate’s extensive experience as a pressman gives Up2Speed a unique advantage. His hands-on approach ensures that the team is well-prepared to handle the advanced technology that comes with the new Komori press.
“Training the operators will be key, especially with the new LED-UV technology and extensive automation. However, I’m confident in their abilities. The press is very user-friendly, and I even plan on getting involved in the training myself,” he adds.
The Komori GL640 advance will help Up2Speed Printing continue to deliver top-quality products while meeting growing demand. The company also plans to capture the press installation process through a time-lapse video, showcasing the efficiency and excitement around this major investment.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.
