Leading UK packaging manufacturer Benson Group has placed orders for two new Bobst Expertcut 106PER die-cutters, one for its Bardon, Leicestershire factory and one for its Gateshead, Tyne & Wear plant, following continued increase in demand for die-cut products. The Expertcut 106PER represents the very latest Bobst technology for high performance die-cutting and blank separation, with the machine featuring Bobst’s unique Power Register system for exceptional die-cut to print register accuracy.
Mark Kerridge, Managing Director of Benson Group says, “We have seen an increase in demand in recent years for die-cutting as our customers seek new and exciting ways to show off their products and attract shoppers. As part of our planned facilities review we have undertaken a co-ordinated examination of the die-cutting capabilities and capacities at our four production plants. This has led to both an order for two new Expertcut lines from Bobst and an upgrade plan for two existing die-cutters. This investment will provide additional cutting capability and release latent print capacity at a number of plants.”
The order comes hot on the heels of the installation at Benson Group Gateshead of a new Bobst Masterfold gluer, the first of two new Bobst Masterfold gluers for the Group which were ordered at IPEX2010. The second of the Masterfolds will be installed at Benson Group’s Newcastle plant in May, while the two Expertcut die-cutters will be delivered in June.
Craig Moran, Bobst Group’s Sheet-fed Sales Manager for the UK, Ireland & Scandinavia says, “Benson Group’s order of four new lines in under a year shows that forward looking companies in the packaging sector are investing now to make the most of the recovery. There is clear demand for innovative and high quality packaging made from folding carton, corrugated, and synthetic substrates, and many of our customers are investing right now to exploit this.”
The Bobst Expertcut 106PER is a 9,000 sheet per hour die-cutter delivering fully blanked and piled cartons, with an in-built option of full sheet delivery. The machine features Bobst’s unique Power Register system which ensures highly accurate dynamic registration between the actual print on the sheet and the die-cutting tools. Power Register has no need for the side or front lays that cause many stops in production and, in conjunction with the Expertcut’s Smart Feeder system, results in superbly consistent running. The Expertcut’s Power Register system can be set to read the print on the sheet from above or below, making it ideal for litho-laminates, carton board, corrugated, or synthetics.
