Operating alongside ROTOCON’s versatile CHROME RDF 340 digital finishing system, the RHINO E introduces a new era of sophistication to SA Litho’s operations, particularly for the wine and spirits label market.
This bold acquisition, finalised at Labelexpo Europe 2023 and unveiled during Propak Cape later that year, underscores SA Litho’s commitment to the label market in terms of innovation, quality and local excellence. The new system positions SA Litho to compete directly with global players and challenge perceptions about South African label production.
For general manager Dawrian Salies the decision to invest in the Pantec RHINO E was strategic. ‘This was about differentiation,’ Dawrian explains. ‘We wanted to elevate our capabilities and quality, especially in the wine and spirits labelling space, which demands intricate designs and impeccable finishing. Competing against multinational label producers requires us to match, if not surpass, their quality. With the RHINO E, we now have the tools to do just that.’
The RHINO E is not merely a technical upgrade – it’s a statement of intent. According to Dawrian, the challenge in the local market has been the printer’s inability to accurately reproduce the design intentions of designers or brand owners, particularly when it comes to the complexity of foil stamping and embossing. The RHINO E bridges this gap, producing results that rival and, in some cases, exceed those of European manufacturers.
This capability is transformative for a market that increasingly values high-quality embellishments. From single-foil to complex multi-foil designs, the RHINO E enables SA Litho to replicate and even enhance the intricate visions of label designers. ‘We now have the ability to take a designer’s idea and bring it to life with unmatched precision,’ he says.
Technical excellence, operational efficiency
The Pantec RHINO E is celebrated for its advanced technology and efficiency. Capable of achieving up to 18 000 strokes/hour, the system minimises bottlenecks and maximises throughput. Its ability to handle multiple foil applications in a single pass ensures perfect registration and eliminates the need for repeated handling, which can lead to errors in traditional sheet-fed systems.
Roger Meierhofer, senior area sales manager at Pantec Schweiz AG, elaborates on the machine’s standout features: ‘The RHINO E combines speed with precision. Its multi-zone heating system and electronically controlled adjustments allow for a seamless combination of large areas and intricate lines. This versatility opens a world of design possibilities, from embossing foil to creating holographic effects – all with significant foil savings.’
According to Roger, the RHINO E’s tooling cassette is optimised for frequent changes, a key requirement for short-run production. ‘Notably, switching tools – whether for simple flat hot foiling or intricate embossing – don’t require cutting the foil or substrate, ensuring seamless transitions,’ he adds. Additionally, the RHINO E offers the ability to foil across the web, enabling complex multi-foil designs often demanded by short runs and high-value products. To further enhance cost efficiency, it can be equipped with two foil levels, allowing independent advancement of each foil for significant material savings.
For a market as dynamic as South Africa’s wine and spirits industry, the RHINO E offers more than just aesthetic appeal. It addresses practical concerns, such as sustainability and anti-counterfeiting. ‘Proper foil finishing isn’t just about beauty,’ Dawrian notes. ‘It’s a powerful tool against counterfeiting, a growing concern in the premium wine and spirits sector.’
Wayne Cedras, SA Litho’s machine operator, describes the Pantec RHINO as a ‘game-changer’, highlighting its unmatched capabilities. ‘Being able to perform silk screening, embossing and foiling in a single pass makes a massive difference. The quality it produces is far superior to anything I’ve seen before. It combines speed, precision and a user-friendly operating system,’ Wayne states. He also praises the machine’s capability to make pre-registration easy, even for more complex jobs.
Seamless partnership
The installation of the Pantec RHINO E wouldn’t have been possible without ROTOCON’s expertise. As the exclusive distributor of Pantec in South Africa, the team played a pivotal role in integrating the new system into SA Litho’s operations.
‘Introducing a machine of this calibre is always a challenge,’ comments Michael Aengenvoort, ROTOCON’s group CEO. ‘From technical integration to operator training, every aspect had to align perfectly with SA Litho’s standards. Our role was to ensure that the RHINO E not only met but exceeded their expectations.’
ROTOCON’s CHROME RDF 340 complements the RHINO E, creating a seamless workflow that enhances efficiency and output quality. ‘The timing was perfect,’ adds Pascal Aengenvoort, ROTOCON’s sales director. ‘The RHINO E and the CHROME RDF are both high-end systems, and their synergy is undeniable. Together, they represent the future of label finishing.’
With the RHINO E, SA Litho is equipped to produce labels with intricate embossing and dazzling foil effects, allowing for unparalleled creativity and precision.”
Elevating labels
South Africa’s wine industry, renowned for its quality and heritage, is increasingly reliant on labels to distinguish itself in a crowded global market. As Dawrian points out, many purchasing decisions are made based on first impressions. ‘A label is the face of the brand,’ he notes. ‘For tourists unfamiliar with local wines or for bottles competing on international shelves, the label must capture attention instantly.’
With the RHINO E, SA Litho is equipped to produce labels that do just that. From intricate embossing to dazzling foil effects, the machine allows for unparalleled creativity and precision. This capability is particularly critical for premium wine brands that seek to convey luxury and exclusivity through their packaging.
National sales manager Glen Witbooi highlights the strategic importance of this investment: ‘We’re positioning ourselves as leaders in the value-driven segment of the market. It’s not about chasing volume – it’s about creating value. Our customers, particularly in the wine and spirits industry, understand that their quality product matched with a superior label can justify a premium price point and enhance the brand’s overall appeal.’
Changing quality perceptions
One of the most compelling aspects of this story is SA Litho’s commitment to changing narratives around South African manufacturing. ‘There’s a misconception that local quality can’t match international standards in the premium label space,’ Dawrian remarks. ‘South African label quality has always been on par with global standards, and now with our RHINO E, we’re setting a new benchmark for world-class labels.’
This sentiment is echoed by ROTOCON’s team, who frequently encounter doubts about the country’s capabilities on the global stage. ‘South Africa has everything it needs to succeed – talent, technology and determination,’ says Pascal. ‘Facilities like SA Litho demonstrate that we’re not just keeping up; we’re setting new benchmarks.’
Beyond quality, producing high-end labels locally offers tangible benefits, such as reduced shipping costs, lower carbon footprints and faster turnaround times. It’s a win-win scenario for both producers and consumers, reinforcing the value of investing in local talent and technology.
Future vision
At its core, SA Litho’s acquisition of the Pantec RHINO E is about more than machinery – it’s about people. ‘Our business is nothing without our team,’ Dawrian emphasises. ‘We invest heavily in training and development because we believe in building for the future. This machine is a tool, but it’s our people who will drive its success.’
This commitment to growth and innovation is shared by ROTOCON, whose dedication to service and support has been instrumental in SA Litho’s journey. Together, the two companies are transforming the label industry and setting a precedent for what’s possible in manufacturing on the African continent.
As SA Litho embarks on this new chapter, the message is clear: South African quality is second to none, and the future of label production is brighter than ever. With the Pantec RHINO E leading the way, the company is poised to make a lasting impact on the global stage, one label at a time.
