Vikind Traders Pty Ltd is a family-owned company that packs lubricants for some of Australia’s major petroleum companies.
MD Ted Mehta says it’s the Brisbane company’s policy to keep abreast of the latest technology.
“This goes right across the company,” says Mehta, who established Vikind in 1983 with wife Mala Mehta OAM.
Late last year, the company was looking for a more reliable solution and robust printer to replace its existing models; the search ended by installing 5 Linx 4900 printers from Matthews Intelligent dentification.
“Regarding our policy to remain at the forefront, we have a high-speed cartridge filling machine — the only unit of its type in Australia for grease packing.
To remain at the forefront of what we do, we need to keep abreast of the latest technology. Acquiring the Linx printers from Matthews was part of that strategy.”
Mehta says after a customer recommendation, Tim Bagby, Matthews’ Queensland sales rep, organised a demonstration.
“Compared to what we had, it was simpler to use. It also looked more solid and robust, and then, when we started using it, those impressions were confirmed.”
Vikind had 5 “must haves” on its shopping list regarding both the supplier and printer.
It had to:
- be easy for operators to use
- have low maintenance needs
- be a robust solution
- have good quality print maintained at all times
- offer good support from supplier
“All of these have been met absolutely.”
Vikind wanted the printer for traceability coding. The printers are installed on a conveyor system that feeds high-density polyethylene containers through various processes.
“It’s a self-designed, out-of-the-ordinary conveyor, and the machines have fitted very well into that. They easily handle all sizes we do, from 125ml to 5 litres.”
And it’s easy to use.
Mehta says, “Simplicity is what we were looking for, and got.”
The print environment is clean, with no dust, but as a heavy industrial factory, all plant must be robust.
“Because we code for traceability, it’s imperative that no matter when in a shift an item is marked, that the print remains legible and is permanent. So it’s important that the head remains clean and useable right through the day; again, it does do that."
Ed Langshaw, Vikind’s general manager, only cleans the print heads once a week. “On top of that, the maintenance required is less than the average.”
Last on Vikind’s list was good supplier support.
Mehta says Vikind has a high-level focus on quality, health and safety issues, and assimilates into its customers’ supply chains, so it only makes sense to expect the same from their suppliers.
“Matthews’ back up is very good. We are very happy with it. “In value-for-money terms, these Linx printers are the best printers Vikind has had.”
Add a comment