Berhalter and XOL further partnership in MENA

XOL Automation, a diversified engineering company serving the industrial and manufacturing sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Berhalter, a Swiss manufacturer of die-cutting technology, are continuing to advance their relationship in the region.

On the XOL Automation stand at Gulf Print & Pack 2015, a Berhalter B 500 is being demonstrated cutting aluminium lidding foil

Speaking at Gulf Print & Pack 2015, Dalibor Schuman, Berhalter managing director, said working with XOL Automation is an important part of its go-to-market strategy in the MENA region. ‘It shares the same values and has the same vision as we do, so is able to promote our products to the market in the best way.’

Marcel Hage, XOL Automation chairman, said: ‘We are an engineering firm, founded to bring Swiss and US technology to the MENA region. Berhalter die-cutting units are unmatched in their productivity and ability to handle different substrates, from in-mold labels to multi-layer plastics and aluminum.

‘The machine also offers pinhole inspection that is important when converting lids, as any defects will result in spoiled aluminum.’

On the XOL Automation stand at Gulf Print & Pack 2015, a Berhalter B 500 is being demonstrated cutting aluminum lidding foil. This is in a two-up, six-cavity configuration, so offering 12 punching positions, with an operating speed of 400 strokes per minute. Schuman said this means such models are 2.5x more productivity than other similar die-cutting systems. Converters also require fewer machines to reach the same output level, so requiring less energy and fewer staff dedicated to operating the machines.

‘The two largest packaging converters in the region are operating Berhalter technology, so they have a distinct advantage over their competitors in terms of productivity and functionality,’ added Hage.

‘The range of materials that can be converted, the operating speed and functionality, and pinhole inspection, equates to a product that gives them the best option for their converting needs.’

David Pittman

David Pittman

  • Former deputy editor