Other: Lebanese printer goes for new binding line
Bekdache Et Fils SAL (SKB) has invested in a fully automated B1 thermal lamination system and a multiplex collator from Col-Tec.
The laminator from Proteus works at speeds of up to 30 metres per minute.
Tony Hajj, said, "We tested the machines before opting to buy them. What we liked was the quality of the finish and the price tag of the equipment. Besides that, the distributors Printtec offered good service and though the machine has been installed it is not fully operating yet, but that is because we are moving to new premises 30 kms away from Beirut and all the machines, including the laminator and collator will be shifted there."
Societe Kamel Bekdache Et Fils is one of the oldest companies in Lebanon and was established in 1800 as a paper trading company by the Bekdache family.
Jamal Bekdache is the current CEO of the company, and is the fourth generation owner.
The company was a paper trading company until 2003, and became a converter in 2004.
"We have entered into a joint venture in Syria and have business partners in Algeria and Morocco," says Hajj.
"While we are doing the ruling of pages, inside and cover page printing is outsourced."
Talking about the recession, Hajj said they were not much affected, though the paper price instability in the beginning of the year did affect sales with customers opting to withhold orders for stocking paper.
