Oasthouse Engineering - a step change to a greener, digital world

Having 20+ years in the industry, Oasthouse Engineering, a familyrun and independently-owned business, is taking a leap into a greener, digital world.

For years small producers (food, drink and so much more) have had to work around large MOQ’s for printed cans, instead utilising sleeves and labels to decorate their product Oasthouse Engineering has been a voice in can supply and decoration for 5 years, building a link between can producers and customers, supplying almost 60 million cans a year to industry. In 2022 the company made a £3,000,000 investment, purchasing a digital printing machine for direct-to-object can printing

The printer is a breakthrough for sustainability, removing the need for plastics from labels and sleeves; improving the recyclability of the can, while making digitally-printed cans available to all producers The machine allows for MOQ=1can, which is significantly less than can producers customers will have an opportunity to attend proof and print sessions to engage with the key part of the branding experience – taking a can home using digital traditional print methods and opening printed cans to producers of any size

The machine has 360 degree print up to 1200dpi and full can print including the neck / shoulder, including the ability to print most can sizes – 500ml, 440ml, 330ml standard, 330ml Sleek, 250ml and 150ml standard

The technology will not only reduce MOQ’s but improve marketing appeal, branding opportunity and yield while decreasing lead-times, line speed, waste and, in some cases, reducing costs for small producers who are the backbone of the industry Oasthouse will also be able to provide some ‘Just in Time’, on the fly print runs for special occasions and events

Every design will have a ‘can in the hand proof ’ Oasthouse’s central location is beneficial for transport and

Says Sam Morris of Oasthouse, “Post COVID, Brexit and entering a period of economic uncertainty, we made the decision to make an investment / finance The search for investment was, in itself, a tumultuous journey, with an inevitable amount of barriers and limited support With help from Praetura we secured the investment needed and our printer #27 is up and running and already printing cans ”

Oasthouse recently held a launch event providing current and potential customers with the opportunity to view the equipment and meet the Oasthouse ‘family’

Continues Sam Morris, “In addition to sharing this with our customers and suppliers we made this a media event, spreading a truly good news story to the nation We would love to discuss our story further, the ups, the downs, the risks, the rewards, the challenges and the victories ”

For further information: digican@oasthouseengineering.co.uk www.oasthouseengineering.co.uk