Currie Group forges key partnerships to advance flexible packaging in Australia

AUSTRALIA – Australian packaging solutions provider Currie Group has expanded its capabilities in the flexible packaging sector by securing exclusive distribution rights for advanced equipment from Italian manufacturers Uteco and Bimec. 

These agreements cover Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, bringing flexographic and rotogravure printing presses, digital systems, laminators, coaters, and high-precision slitter-rewinders to local converters.

The deals mark a shift for the region, where Uteco’s technologies previously reached markets through Flexo Australia, and Bimec’s via Web Dynamics. 

Currie Group collaborated with both agents over recent months to facilitate a smooth handover, ensuring uninterrupted support for existing users. 

Reno Lauriola, formerly of Flexo Australia, has transitioned to the Currie Group team, contributing his deep industry knowledge. 

Meanwhile, Jade Gillard from Web Dynamics is stepping away from the Bimec role to explore new ventures.

Mark Daws, director of Labels & Packaging for Currie Group in the ANZ region, highlighted the timing of these moves. 

He noted that flexible packaging demand has surged, driven by needs for efficient, high-volume production.

“These agreements add the specialized capabilities of Uteco, Bimec, and their Flex-Converting Alliance partners to our lineup,” Daws stated.

Uteco and Bimec form part of the European Flex-Converting Alliance, a group that includes CMG, ENCA, Smartjet, and Vision. 

This network provides end-to-end solutions for packaging lines, from printing to finishing.

Through Currie Group, regional customers gain streamlined access to these integrated tools, supported by on-site service teams and training programs. 

The setup enables converters to adopt automation features that enhance output speeds and material handling for films, papers, and laminates.

Daws added that the partnerships open doors for demonstrations and installations in the coming months. 

He expressed enthusiasm about hosting the European teams locally to connect with producers. “We aim to showcase how this equipment meets the demands of modern converting operations,” he said.

In parallel, a recent initiative in the Middle East has seen similar European technologies deployed to cut waste in flexible film production, according to industry updates. 

There, converters reported up to 20% efficiency gains using rotogravure systems comparable to Uteco’s, processing over US$50 million worth of materials annually without excess downtime.

Currie Group’s expanded portfolio now equips local firms to handle larger runs with precision, meeting rising orders for consumer goods and food wraps. 

The company plans to roll out pilot projects early next year, targeting mid-sized operations seeking upgrades. 

With this network in place, the region stands ready for sustained growth in flexible formats that prioritize performance and reliability.

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