Page 35 - Prnt21 magazine Jan-Feb 2023

Mark Randles, group general manager, Immij
Randles says the demand for on-shoring is growing strongly,
he says, “We field calls almost every day from someone saying they’ve been let down by their overseas supplier and can we work with them. Part of our motivation behind investing in a full inhouse end-to-end packaging production solution was the difficulties that the market is now having in dealing with offshore providers.”
Along with its investment in
carton production Immij is also about to embark on a new step, with
a tray-forming machine for fibre- based trays. Randles says, “There
is a huge trend away from plastics
of all kinds, back to fibre-based packaging, as brands seek to reduce their environmental impact. The
new tray-forming machine will be used to supply the fresh produce and take-away food packaging market. Immij is determined to be at the forefront of the move away from plastic, and this machine will create new opportunities as customers move away from synthetic packaging.”
The evolution of the print industry is throwing up as many opportunities as threats. Companies like Immij are leading the way into the new era by recognising the opportunities, giving them careful consideration, and then taking decisive action to put themselves in a position to give the market what it wants. Immij will continue to look for opportunities and acquisitions within both the packaging and commercial print markets.
Packaging Print | Case Study|
reputation on high quality and shorter lead times than the current market can offer. We are determined that having a full inhouse operation will only benefit our clients even further. Being able to produce the entire job from start to finish with complete control over schedule and quality is where we want to be, and what we will now have.”
Immij has plants in both Melbourne and Sydney, which delivers strategic benefits for packaging clients, with about 70 staff in each location. Staffing is the number one issue in industry now. Randles says, “We look after our staff, we offer them upskilling, they know they are in a business with a clear direction for the future.”
The new die-cutter and folder gluer have gone into the company’s Mount Waverley plant, with the Sydney site taking in another carton gluer from Roden Print & Pack. Randles says, “Packaging is a growth opportunity, but it is not for everyone. You must have the appetite to invest, and you have to get it right. You need carton design capabilities, you need the full set-up, and you need the commitment. Immij has them all.”
One of the drivers of the growth in packaging is the
increasing trend to on- shoring. With the trade tension with China, and the shipping crisis, the
market is now looking to local suppliers to get the guarantees they can’t get
from offshore suppliers.
“This machine will create new opportunities as customers move away from synthetic packaging.”
Above
New opportunities for customers: Mark Randles (right) with Darren Sibbison, Immij partner, and the new folder gluer
Left
Full inhouse operation: Cartons printed at Immij
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