The packaging proof is in the pudding.
Ron Gardiner, lecturer at CAFRE, Loughry Campus, assists Food Technology student Linda Elder prepare sample packaging for an investigative project
Close to historic Cookstown in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, the innovative Food Technology and Packaging Centre of the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE’s) Loughry Campus is facilitating a unique learning experience for its students with the assistance of its newly acquired Mimaki CF2 flatbed cutter and JV300-160 solvent printer.
Loughry plays host to students studying qualifications up to degree level that incorporate modules in food production, product development, food testing and packaging performance. CAFRE lecturer of 15 years, Ron Gardiner reflects on the reasoning for the Mimaki investment;
“All the qualifications we provide have a strong industry element, preparing our students for working in the food industry and developing skills through projects that give them direct work and life experience. The recent purchase of a wide-format solvent printer and flatbed cutter is enabling the students who study within our Packaging Centre to experience the complete workflow, from design through to creation of a prototype, and assisted in partnership by local businesses they are often working to a live brief, making their projects all the more valid.”
The investment was made through Belfast-based authorised Mimaki reseller Dennis D Evans, and sales manager Frank Wilson discusses the positive impact of the Mimaki acquisition;
“It is always rewarding to be involved in a project that assists young people and installing the Mimaki CF2 and JV300 into an environment that is so supportive of learning has been a pleasure. The Mimaki hardware is giving the Loughry Campus the scope to expand its offering, so that students can learn about the structural design of packaging as well as performance.”
Mimaki JV300 high quality, production outdoor durable inkjet printerMimaki’s JV300-160 is a high-performance, roll-fed solvent printer providing both high speed and stunning quality.
“The Mimaki JV300 delivers on every level: price, performance, quality and reliability,” continues Wilson. “Blending this with Mimaki’s cutting heritage in the trusty Mimaki CF2-1218RC flatbed cutting table and the potential to produce live packaging proofs is vast. I’ve no doubt the investment that CAFRE has made in Mimaki hardware will facilitate its already innovative learning environment to produce even more highly qualified and uniquely experienced candidates for the food industry.”
Further information about the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise can be found by visiting www.cafre.ac.uk or telephoning 028 9442 6601. Details of Mimaki’s full product range is available via UK & Ireland distributor Hybrid Services at www.hybridservices.co.uk or telephone 0044 (0) 1270 501900. Dennis D Evans’ complete sign and graphics offering can be found at www.devans.co.uk or telephone 0044 (0) 28 9065 2220.
Feature by UV Creative on behalf of Hybrid Services Ltd
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