• Opening new doors to even more high-end packaging opportunities
• Seeing a minimum 25% reduction in make-ready time for increased productivity
• Meeting its environmental and sustainable goals with the addition of energy saving LED-UV lamps

During the past year, consumer brand packaging designers have worked harder than ever to design packaging that is immediately recognizable, impossible to ignore, and engages with their customers. These designers have tapped into the expert knowledge and productivity at the Carlson Print Group, a pioneer of specialty print products, packaging solutions, and finishing technologies headquartered at its 74,000 sq ft facility in Eden Prairie, south of Minneapolis. It is utilizing its new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 105 PRO press as its centerpiece work-horse machine, providing its exceptional customers with the definitive advantage of high quality, color consistency, embellishments, speed and quick changeovers.

“For decades, we’ve cemented our reputation as an elite printer for the most recognizable brands,” says Carlson Print Group chief executive officer Darren Carlson. “Now we are taking that experience and moving quickly into the premium packaging market. Equipped with our new Rapida 105 PRO, we’re partnering with the finest brands around the world that have the highest expectations. The press, which is exceeding our requirements and displaying its many unique capabilities, is being specifically used for its efficiency and productivity, allowing our customers to get their high-end packaging jobs completed quickly to market.”

Internally, Carlson is quite pleased with its press data that quantifies the benefits its customers have received. “We’ve gained 35% more capacity with our Rapida 105 PRO,” says Guinter, “and 30% productivity gains. We’re also seeing a minimum 25% reduction in make-ready time as compared to our prior press.”

The Rapida 105 PRO press is playing a key role in producing these attention-grabbing and inventive packages. Carlson Print Group is a trusted advisor to these well-known brands, ensuring that their package printing is delivered quickly to market with more customized messaging and solving their unique packaging challenges with expert solutions. “We’re finding that the Rapida 105 PRO is opening doors to even more high-end packaging opportunities and expanding our high value print products for all of our customers’ brand marketing,” says Earl Guinter, Carlson’s sales manager. 

Vosges Haute-Chocolat, a worldwide luxury brand of chocolate with limited edition collections all packaged in its signature purple boxes, has partnered with Carlson to produce its eye-catching labels and packaging. ​Vosges, like other chocolatiers, premium confectioners, and boutique snack purveyors, needs to stand out in the market using high-quality packaging, unique designs, vibrant colors and specialty print techniques. While its package keeps the premium chocolate bar safe and delicious for its consumers, the box and label serve as the most important advertisement for the firm itself.