CPC Packaging places four-machine order with Bobst

The investment includes three flatbed die-cutters, a Novacut 106 ER, Expertcut 145 PER and Mastercut 145 PER for its cartons business unit, and an RS 6003C HS high speed gravure printing press.

CPC Packaging CEO Jonathan Schor said: ‘I knew from the beginning it would make sense to buy the three die-cutters from one company, especially in terms of training, maintenance and servicing of the machines, but also in terms of the back-up between our plants.

‘Following extensive market research and technical assessments of the various machines, it became clear that Bobst was the only supplier offering a reliable high-speed 145cm die-cutter for our big runners – Mastercut 145 PER running at 9,500 sheets per hour – and there were only limited alternatives to Expertcut 145 PER for our large sheet average-sized runners. Whilst there were several competitors for the smaller-sized Novacut 106 ER well suited for our short runs, it made no sense to buy this format from a competitor. It was clear that Bobst had the most comprehensive range addressing our needs, as well as a proven track record in die-cutters compared to later market entrants. Throughout our decision-making process, I relied heavily on our technical and operational team and there was unanimous agreement between us all to choose Bobst.’

The three flatbed die-cutting machines are equipped with latest Bobst die-cutting technology, such as state-of-the-art register systems, intelligent feeders and quick-change tooling.

The RS 6003C HS gravure press features Bobst’s unique total automatic pre-register setting (TAPS) system, which completes the pre-register procedure of all print units in just a few minutes at the touch of a button, whether it is a new or repeat job. During printing the machine has superior register performance, achieving register correction several times faster than conventional systems, it is claimed, especially at the critical phase of machine speed variations. Meanwhile the press enables fast make-ready operations and quick changeovers and automatic splice operations can be performed at maximum production speed.

Schor said: “I am impressed by the rapid growth of Bobst web-fed technology, which I can only applaud as web-fed products now account for 50 percent of our sales, up from zero in 1995. We had bought a Rotomec press in 2009 just after Bobst had acquired the company. After extensive vetting of various rotogravure press manufacturers, we concluded the best deal would be to buy the new Bobst RS 6003C HS along with a retrofit of the existing machine, which I thought was a very relevant and attractive offer made by the Bobst Italia’s team in San Giorgio Monferrato, Italy.’

The machines will all be installed in different CPC Packaging plants during the second half of 2018.

Bobst Group CEO Jean-Pascal Bobst commented: ‘’We are delighted to extend our partnership with CPC, and we are confident that the addition of these four machines will have an almost immediate benefit for the company. Both companies share similar values in that we both place a heavy emphasis on quality and putting our customers first. We look forward to a long and exciting partnership.’

CPC Packaging was founded in 1986 and has 650 employees across nine factories in France and Germany. It produces cartons, flexible packaging and labels. Its product portfolio includes self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves, wraparound labels, in-mold labels, cut and stack labels, flexible packaging, cartons, and leaflets, booklets and inserts.

Schor explained: ‘We help our customers to anticipate key trends and changes in the industry – whether those are consumer-driven or key technology developments – and help them to adapt accordingly, by upgrading or evolving their packaging specifications from one product to the other. For example, if they want to move from folding carton to flexible packaging, or from cut labels to self-adhesive labels, we can help them to achieve this by ensuring a seamless transition in terms of design and supply chain management.’