HP PageWide Digital Press to Expand WestRock Printing Capabilities

Rhea-AI Summary

WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK) has acquired an HP PageWide T1190 Press to enhance its corrugated printing capabilities, enabling a competitive advantage in the market. This 110-inch wide inkjet digital press runs at 1,000 ft/min and integrates into their existing production processes. It allows for reduced minimum order quantities, faster lead times, and supports various market launches. The advanced technology can produce high-quality graphics using water-based inks and offers flexibility for brand engagement programs. Installation at Lithia Springs, Georgia, is expected by September 2023.

Positive

• Acquisition of HP PageWide T1190 Press enhances printing capabilities.
• Increased operational efficiency with reduced minimum order quantities.
• Faster lead times for retail packaging and market launches.
• High-quality graphics supported by advanced water-based ink technology.

Negative

• None.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK), a leading provider of sustainable paper and packaging solutions, has acquired an HP PageWide T1190 Press to complement and expand its portfolio of unmatched corrugated printing capabilities, increase value and enable customers to win in the marketplace.

Vertically integrated from paper manufacturing to printing to converting, WestRock offers customers a single source solution for high impact graphics, retail cases and displays on demand. The 110-inch wide inkjet digital press is capable of running at 1,000 ft/min and will enhance existing offset litho, flexo preprint, flexo direct print and sheet-fed digital printing used within the Company’s global network of corrugated box plants and specialty facilities.

The optimized print solution provides immediate benefit to customers. Specifically, reduced minimum order quantities (MOQs) will contribute to total cost efficiencies while decreasing lead-time for retail packaging. Its inherent flexibility can easily support diversified, segmented and regionalized market launches and promotional programs while accommodating specific retailer requirements. Serialization to support brand/consumer engagement programs, reward programs, tracking, tracing, authentication, obsolescence and product aging is also possible.

The water based CMYKOV inks offer an extended color gamut that, when paired with proven inkjet technology, produce accurate and repeatable customer graphics at the highest quality. Integrated HP One Package software further enhances the digital production responsiveness and flexibility.

“At WestRock we believe in innovating to serve our customers,” said Nickie Parker, senior vice president, Merchandising Displays & Graphic Solutions. “Expanding our high-quality corrugated printing capabilities to include a state-of-the-art wide web digital press enables our teams to provide more options to our customers and engage consumers at a whole new level.”

“We are honored to have WestRock select HP’s digital print solutions to contribute to its innovative and sustainable packaging production,” said Ted Samotis, WW Director of Corrugated GTM, HP PageWide Industrial Packaging. “The HP PageWide T1190 Press will enable WestRock to disrupt the corrugated packaging supply chain and offer superior value to its customers.”

Installation of the T1190 Press at the specialty printing facility in Lithia Springs, Georgia, will begin in 2023, and is expected to be in operation by the end of September.

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) partners with our customers to provide sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock’s team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220919005493/en/

Media:

Robby Johnson, 470-328-6397

Manager, Corporate Communications

robby.b.johnson@westrock.com

Investors:

Rob Quartaro, 470-328-6327

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

rob.quartaro@westrock.com

James Armstrong, 470-328-6327

Vice President, Investor Relations

james.armstrong@westrock.com

Source: WestRock Company

FAQ

What is the significance of WestRock's acquisition of the HP PageWide T1190 Press?

The acquisition enhances WestRock's corrugated printing capabilities, allowing for faster production and higher-quality graphics for customers.

How will the HP PageWide T1190 Press affect WestRock's operations?

It will improve efficiency by reducing minimum order quantities and lead times, supporting diverse market needs.

What are the expected benefits of the HP PageWide T1190 Press's technology?

The technology allows for high-quality printing using water-based inks and provides flexibility for brand and consumer engagement.

When will the T1190 Press be operational at WestRock?

Installation will begin in 2023, with the press expected to be operational by the end of September.

What type of products can WestRock produce using the new press?

WestRock can produce high-impact retail cases, displays, and packaging solutions.