AA Labels Installs Komfi Sagitta Laminator to Improve Reliability and Efficiency
Komfi Sagitta 76
Label specialist AA Labels has installed a new Komfi Sagitta 76 laminator supplied by Friedheim International. The machine replaces an ageing Komfi Amiga machine that had become unreliable and was causing production delays.
(L-R) Howard Cherry, national sales manager of Friedheim's finishing division, and Umer Anwar, Friedheim's operations manager
The Peterborough-based company cited consistent performance and after-sales support as key factors in the investment decision. The older machine, acquired second-hand, was no longer meeting AA Labels’ production demands and had begun to impact delivery timelines. The company, which supplies custom-printed label solutions across a range of sectors, operates an investment model designed to achieve ROI within five years, with a projected 50% residual value at the end of that period.
Operations director Paul Honeywell explained that reliability and service support were prioritised in the procurement process. "We needed a solution that would allow us to meet our deadlines without the disruptions we were experiencing," he said. "Having had good experience with Komfi equipment previously, the Sagitta – backed by Friedheim – was a logical next step."
Installation and training were handled by Friedheim, with the transition described as "seamless" by the production team. Operators were fully trained during commissioning, and the machine was brought into live production with minimal disruption.
The Sagitta 76 supports high-speed, high-volume lamination, and is capable of processing sheet sizes up to 760 x 1120mm (extendable to 1300mm) and weights from 115 to 600gsm. It can run up to 60m/min, producing over 5000 B1 sheets per hour. The system is also equipped with energy-efficient zone heating and can be configured with optional modules including a perforator, stacker and hot knife unit.
Since installation, AA Labels has reported improved turnaround times and reduced downtime, though no specific metrics have been released. The team has responded positively to the machine's ease of use and consistent performance across a range of lamination finishes.
Looking ahead, the company plans to continue investing in automation, with a new label converting line under consideration. In a growing market for high-quality, fast-turnaround label production, the move marks a strategic step to ensure capacity keeps pace with demand.