Sandon Global, a UK-based manufacturer of new and refurbished anilox rolls, anilox sleeves and gravure cylinders, got its start in 2004 after its founders noticed a gap in the market for high quality anilox supplies. Based in Runcorn, Cheshire, Sandon Global’s staff have a wealth of knowledge in anilox manufacture accumulating in over 250 years of industry experience. The company has seen significant growth year-over-year since its launch is now taking on developing its worldwide export markets, including the US, where it has formed a partnership with The Flexo Factor, a North Carolina-based supplier of a wide range of flexographic converting equipment. 

Both The Flexo Factor and Sandon Global were on hand at the 2018 FTA Forum and INFOFLEX exhibition, where they discussed their new partnership, and the benefits that Sandon Global technology brings to the US market.

In 2010, Sandon Global moved to a new 20,000 square feet site within which it could continue to expand production. “The site includes an isolated Engineering Department and Laser Engraving facility, with six state-of-the-art high definition Thermal Optic Lasers. These lasers are housed in a clean room condition environment which is climate controlled, plus includes anti-vibratory foundation flooring to ensure quality and consistent engravings are produced,” explains Stuart Mitchell, Sandon Global’s business development and export sales manager. 

Mitchell stresses consistency as being of paramount importance when it comes to anilox technology. He says, It is crucial throughout our manufacturing process that we maintain the consistency of the anilox – from the basic functionality of the engineered base and ceramic to the constancy of a quality engraving. We recognize how important it is to be able to reproduce the same engraving specification time and time again, and understand that our customers depend on this consistency so that they can replicate their print jobs.”

Asked why did The Flexo Factor selected a European-based anilox partner, Steve Wilkinson, president of The Flexo Factor, explains, “As with all of the products that we offer, the decision to promote a product from Europe was based on a number of critical factors. For example, we look for products that surpass other competing products presently available in the marketplace in terms quality, repeatability and innovation. As Sandon Global met or exceeded all of these factors and many more, the selection process was very simple.”

Wilkinson adds, “Sandon Global’s entrance into the North American market place will immediately enable individual printers the ability to differentiate themselves from their competitors with products, coatings and engraving technology that quite simply cannot be provided by other suppliers.”

The Flexo Factor serves all flexograpic markets, including narrow web labels and tags, wide web, corrugated, as well as the tissue segment throughout North and South America.

Wilkinson brings to The Flexo Factor a wide range of knowledge and experience, and a deep understanding of anilox technology in particular. Wilkinson not only managed Sandon in its early days, but he also had his own film extrusion and printing business. In addition, he served as both Technical Director and Chairman of the European Flexographic Association. In a quest for more career challenges, Wilkinson moved his wife and two young children to Charlotte, NC as a consultant in 1999, and in 2010 formed The Flexo Factor after having identified a need for a technically-based “One-stop-shop” that could help customers better understand and discover products and solutions to meet their needs.