Premium corrugated packaging converter Packrite has announced the purchase of a Koenig & Bauer Rapida 164 eight-color press, scheduled for installation in spring 2026 at its High Point, NC facility. The move is designed to combine the flexibility and responsiveness often associated with digital production with the superior image quality of offset. “When Koenig & Bauer presented the Rapida 164 with its ultra-short make-readies and a 7-color expanded gamut, we knew we had found the answer,” said CEO Michael Drummond, highlighting the press’s ability to compete for demanding short-run work while maintaining premium standards. With make-readies completed in as little as five minutes and automated grey-balance control continuously monitoring colour, the Rapida 164 delivers repeatable, consistent results from first sheet to last.

The investment also includes a 16,000-square-foot climate-controlled renovation within Packrite’s 200,000-square-foot facility, supporting a dedicated print operation aligned with its recent SQF certification. Seven-color expanded gamut printing enables a high volume of spot colours to be converted, reducing setup waste and improving turnaround times for brands seeking faster concept-to-shelf cycles. By integrating advanced automation that removes subjective colour control from the equation, Packrite strengthens its positioning as a one-stop premium packaging manufacturer capable of serving regulated and design-sensitive markets. For Packrite, the Rapida 164 is more than a press—it is a strategic platform to deliver consistency, agility and competitive advantage to brands and agencies alike.

Read more.