El Safa Press has invested in three new Rapida sheetfed offset presses from Koenig & Bauer as part of a production modernisation programme aimed at increasing manufacturing flexibility, reducing makeready times and strengthening packaging printing capacity for domestic and international customers.
The investment includes two medium-format Rapida 106 presses and one large-format Rapida 145 press, alongside postpress equipment comprising an Optima 106 flatbed die-cutter and OMEGA Allpro folder-gluers. The equipment is intended to create an integrated workflow from printing through finishing while replacing older machinery.
The Rapida 106 installation comprises a six-colour press with a coating unit and a seven-colour press with double-coating capability, both designed to operate at speeds of up to 18,000 sheets per hour. The Rapida 145 is a six-colour press with a coating unit for larger sheet formats. All three presses incorporate fully automatic plate changing, integrated logistics and quality management technologies, and inline coating systems for a range of finishing applications.
According to Koenig & Bauer, the investment is intended to help El Safa respond to increasing demand for shorter production lead times, greater production flexibility and more complex packaging requirements while reducing setup times and material waste through higher automation.
Based in Alexandria’s Merghem industrial zone, El Safa Press employs more than 700 people and operates from a production facility exceeding 16,500 square metres. The project also reflects the continuing partnership between El Safa Press, Koenig & Bauer and local sales and service partner Sidhom.
Koenig & Bauer stated that the order aligns with its regional strategy, describing Egypt as an important market and a gateway for packaging business across Africa. The company announced the investment on 22 July 2026.