A history of innovation in printing

Hapa's History

Founded 1933, Hapa are leaders in on-demand and late-stage customization of pharmaceutical packaging with one revolutionary innovation followed by another.

Our history is a record of technological innovation and industry advances made in partnership with the best companies worldwide.

2020 ♦ 2018

2020

Core technology developments are underway that will bring exciting new products and features in the coming years.

2019

Market launch of the BFS-JET which prints onto blow fill seal vials. The system prints spot colors onto the products. Specially formulated ink that meets the leachable and extractable requirements is an essential part of the launch.

2018

Market launch of 6 color Web 4.0 blister foil printing system that includes a host of new features for platform, including OptiMate – Hapa HMI.

2017 ♦ 2015

2017
The Web 4.0, 2-color digital printing system for roll-fed blister foils is premiered. The new system introduces top performance, ease of use, clean lines, and readiness for the smart factory environment.

2016
Hapa introduces full color late-stage customization for blisters: The BlisterJet CMYK prints text and graphics in 4 spot colors or in the CMYK process on neutral blisters.

2015
A new digital innovation: The "redcube plus" 6 color digital printing module capable of going from single to 6 spot colors, or CMYK plus white and lacquer.

2014 ♦ 2011

2014
Continuing our long tradition of innovation, Hapa launches the Universal Label Printer. The modular system prints with outstanding precision and speed, as well as reliably exact insetting.

2013
Hapa takes over a longstanding supplier and development partner to create its own ink business: Hapa Ink.
Under the banner, “Swiss Ink Performance,” Hapa Ink develops, produces and delivers inks designed to the exact specifications of Hapa end-customers and brand inks to OEM’s.

Hapa celebrates 80 years of success.

2012
Hapa implements Lean Management to improve production and process flows.

2011
Hapa delivers the worlds first in line CMYK DOD label printer on a Pharmaceutical vial labeling machine.

2010 ♦ 2000

2010
Hapa continues with innovative solutions, CartonJet, BrailleJet, and two off-the-shelf systems, the UV flexo EasyFlex and UV DOD DigiMATIC. The compact digital print module, the redcube is in development.

2008
Yet another pioneering concept is available first at Hapa: the Hybrid, offering customers the flexibility to combine two technologies into one printing system. In the meantime, the DOD system family continues to grow.

2007
Hapa introduces another industry first: the Hapa 800 series, fully-digital drop on demand (DOD) inkjet systems for the customization of foils, cartons, leaflets, labels and web materials. This exciting series is still expanding.

2000
In the early 2000's, Hapa is actively researching reliable and efficient drop on demand (DOD) print solutions.

1999 ♦ 1980

1998
Hapa enters the IV bag printing business with the Hapa 251 IV.

1996
In partnership with Eli Lilly and Company, Hapa develops the pioneering WhiteLines system. Labels, cartons and leaflets are printed on line.

1990
In the 1990’s, Hapa developed two more industry firsts: the UV flexo Hapa 200 series for foils, leaflets, carton and lidding materials and the Hapa 500 Print Mat Engraving system. Today 3,000 are in operation inline, and Hapa continues to deliver these beneficial, cost-saving solutions.

The mid-1990’s saw the introduction of the Hapa 700 Digiprint, based on UV Risographic technology. By offering customers both UV flexo and UV digital technologies Hapa takes to the industry forefront in print system solutions.

1980
More than 250 Hapa 400 printing and labeling systems have been delivered since the 1980’s. Dozens of those first produced are still in operation today.

1979 ♦ 1933

1970
Hapa introduces the HAPAMATIC, the first on line aluminum foil printer for blister machines. Of the 2,500 sold worldwide, hundreds are still in operation.

1960
From the early 1950’s to the late 1990’s, more than 6,000 Druma overprinting machines are produced.

1953
The owner of the company takes the opportunity to start production of a machine patent purchased, and the Druma carton coding machine is born.

1933
HAndel mit PAtente 'Hapa' founded in 1933, trading patents.