CP Supply brings first of its kind printing machine to North America

There’s a new first of its kind in North America, and it resides in the Quad Cities at Bettendorf-based CP Supply - a manufacturer of custom-printed corrugated cardboard and corrugated plastic packaging used by brands nationally to package their products. Recently, CP Supply installed its new Kento Digital Printing hybrid printing machine, an innovative apparatus that greatly expedites the company’s manufacturing of printing products.

The new Kento printing machine combines the advantages of inkjet digital printing and flexographic ink on the same high-speed printing press line, enabling high-quality printing capabilities in massive quantities. The Kento machine's hybrid approach reduces the cost of manufacturing corrugated packaging through its use of less expensive flexographic ink. For clients ordering custom packaging covered in brand colors, the flexographic ink allows the cost of production to be significantly reduced. 

The impressive machine is so large that it was shipped from Spain in nine 53-foot containers. According to Hartman, it’s only the second machine of its kind.

“The very first machine is in a facility just 20 minutes from the Kento Digital Printing factory in Spain that built the machine. We have the second machine here in Bettendorf,” said CP Supply Owner Jeff Hartman.

Hartman said that the opportunity to bring the innovative machine to the facility was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up. 

“A few years ago I learned about this new machine that was being built in Spain, and I had the opportunity to go visit. They were building a hybrid printing machine that was the first of its kind in the world. It had never been done before, so I jumped on this opportunity when it was presented.” said Hartman.

All items produced by CP Supply are printed on the Kento printing machine and then delivered to companies across the country. In the future, CP Supply plans to host clients from all over the world to demonstrate its unique manufacturing process. 

In addition to the printing machine, the project has seen CP Supply add 4,000 square feet to its facility to meet its expanded production abilities. The expansion has produced a significant economic impact on the Quad Cities region. With a capital investment of $3,450,000, the project is expected to generate a total annual economic impact of $2.5 million and 10 new jobs. 

Hartman said that the location of the Quad Cities and the economic opportunities available here make the region a great place to invest in his business. 

“We’re right in the heart of America. The Quad Cities is a great location to do business because nationally, we can reach every region. Economically, it’s much more cost-effective to do business here than other areas,” said Hartman.

The Chamber is proud to have supported CP Supply during its expansion project and is excited to watch the company continue to grow in the Quad Cities.