Labelling Solutions Business context and challenges
with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Friedheim’s team handled the setup process professionally and ensured the machine was fully commissioned and optimised for AA Labels’ workfl ow. Training was delivered to a high standard, equipping the production team with the necessary skills and confi dence to run the laminator effi ciently from day one. According to the operations team, the transition to the new equipment was seamless, and support from Friedheim met all expectations.
B
ased in Peterborough, AA Labels is a specialist label manufacturer delivering high-quality, custom-printed label solutions across multiple sectors. Prior
to investing in the Komfi Sagitta Laminator, the business was operating a much older second user Komfi Amiga that had become unreliable and therefore insuffi cient for AA Labels production requirements. Inconsistent performance had caused disruptions in production and delays in customer deliveries - reliability had become a pressing issue. The team at AA Labels recognised that in order to maintain their service standards and scale their operations, they needed to furnish their fi nishing department with newer and more robust equipment.
PROJECT GOALS AND RATIONALE The primary motivation for purchasing new equipment was to solve the ongoing dependability issues and improve operational effi ciency. AA Labels follows a standard investment model aimed at achieving a return on investment (ROI) within fi ve years, while also factoring in a projected 50 per cent residual value
on the equipment at the end of that period. This practical fi nancial approach, combined with the clear need for more consistent performance, led the company to explore new solutions for print lamination. The search focused on machinery that could off er high uptime, low maintenance and strong service backing.
During the decision-making process, AA Labels identifi ed reliability and supplier support as the most critical factors in selecting both the machinery and the provider. Friedheim International had fi tting reputation and off ered strong service assurance giving AA the confi dence to proceed. The Komfi Sagitta’s reputation for durability and precision further supported the purchasing decision. With prior positive experience using Komfi systems, AA Labels was confi dent that a newer, upgraded model from the same manufacturer—backed by Friedheim’s technical support—would be the ideal solution for their needs.
INSTALLATION AND TRAINING EXPERIENCE The installation of the Komfi Sagitta at the Peterborough site was smooth and effi cient,
EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW Since the Komfi Sagitta was installed, AA Labels has seen a marked improvement in day-to-day production reliability. The machine’s consistent performance has signifi cantly reduced downtime, allowing the company to meet delivery deadlines more eff ectively. The team reports a noticeable improvement in productivity and turnaround times, even though no exact performance metrics were shared at this stage. Operators have responded positively to the machine, highlighting its ease of use and consistent output across a variety of lamination fi nishes—including matt, gloss and soft-touch. The Komfi Sagitta 76 is designed for high-speed, high-volume production. It supports sheet sizes up to 760 × 1,120 mm (extendable to 1,300 mm) and substrate weights from 115–600 gsm. The Sagitta also retains the ability to run sheets landscape or portrait adding to the fl exibility of the machine and its consumable counterparts.
The machine runs at speeds of up to 60 metres per minute, off ering throughput of over 5,000 B1 sheets per hour. With a footprint of approximately 4.25 × 1.55 × 1.33 metres (not including stacker options), it fi ts comfortably in most commercial print environments. Key features include precise sheet overlap accuracy (±1 mm), fast warm-up times, energy-effi cient zone heating, and modular options such as an antistatic bar, perforator, stacker and hot knife unit. These capabilities make it an ideal choice for dynamic label production settings like AA Labels.
CONCLUSION
The installation of the Komfi Sagitta Laminator at AA Labels has delivered exactly what the business needed: improved reliability, enhanced throughput and renewed confi dence in meeting customer deadlines. Friedheim International’s expertise and support ensured a smooth transition, and the quality of the Komfi brand continues to demonstrate its value. As the print and packaging industry shifts toward higher-value, time-sensitive production, investments like this one are proving essential for businesses looking to stay ahead.
32
October 2025
www.convertermag.com
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