Friedheim International has become the UK agent for Young Shin, South Korean producer of flatbed platens.
However, rather than take on the whole of the product range, which covers carton formats from 740x1040mm sheet sizes upwards and includes a 2.5×1.7 metre platen for digital display graphics, Friedheim will concentrate on the models that serve the corrugated sector. This is the company’s Giant range of machines.
Young Shin machines have been available in the UK for more than 20 years, establishing a reputation for build quality and low cost of ownership across 50 installations. However, the advent of Chinese made platens in the carton sector as well as the ability of Heidelberg and Koenig & Bauer to supply machines to match their presses, the carton sector has become super competitive, says Friedheim.
Consequently, it has decided to work with the manufacturer on the Giant machines. These cover formats from 300x150mm to 2.5×1.7 metres at up to 4,200sph. The most popular model is the Giant 170S, designed for E, B, A and AB fluted corrugated from 1.5mm to 11mm, on a sheet of 1700x1200mm.
The machine features a centre line positioning system for rapid set up of the die board. The EZ feeder automates set up of feeing and conveying systems, and handles large thin sheets without difficulty.
The business was founded in 1980 and remains in the same hands 40 years later. Outside its home land, Young Shin has enjoyed a string of success in North America. The supplier and UK distributor have collaborated on a recent key installation, so understand each other.
Young Shin will become the responsibility of Friedheim’s converting division, led by John Harrison. The two are projecting growth as the corrugated sector comes under the same pressures for short runs and fast turnarounds that have affected other parts of the printing sector.
Corrugated has been experiencing strong growth through the growth of inkjet printing in displays and through ecommerce in particular. This has been attracting new entrants to the sector as well as opportunities for companies already in corrugated production.
The development means that Friedheim has a portfolio that includes Kama at the half sheet format for die cutting as well as the Giant for VLF die cutting.
The South Korean company Young Shin has built a strong reputation for quality and reliable die cutting platens and has more than 50 UK installations to show for it. Now Friedheim International is to handle sales for the corrugated sector.
