Beatus Cartons invest in two Iberica Optima 106 die cutters from KBA

Packaging Solutions

Porth based Beatus Cartons has purchased two KBA Iberica Optima 106 die cutters. The second of the two devices will be delivered in March 2018 after a successful installation of the first one in November 2017.

The new die cutters are the latest stage in an exciting investment programme that has seen a new innovation centre constructed to house a new carton design studio and new pre-press and proofing equipment. The upgrades in pre-press were followed by the installation of the Rapida 106 7 colour plus double coating press in November 2017.

Beatus Cartons is a family owned business which was established in 1940. Based in Porth in the Rhondda Valley it specialises in providing folding printed cartons in solid board, litho laminated flute and plastic packaging for the food, pharmaceutical, confectionery, motor, glassware, health and beauty industries.

Managing director Clive Stinchcombe stated, ‘We may be 78 years old but we prefer to think of the business as 78 years young. We are a forward thinking company, proud of our longevity, but equally excited by the future that lies ahead. It was imperative that following the huge investment in the new KBA Rapida Press that we matched it up in terms of efficiency with complementary cutting and creasing machines. The company could not afford to have a disassociation between the print and cutting and creasing departments which would have hindered productivity and compromised on efficiencies. The Iberica Optimas would ensure that the transition would be largely seamless once both of the machines were in situ and running to their optimum capabilities.’

Prior to order sign off, extensive testing on the Optimas on a range of complex jobs supplied by Beatus Cartons finishing team took place at KBA Iberica headquarters in Barcelona, Spain in early November.

To match the large range of materials from different sectors of the packaging market produced at Beatus Cartons, the Optimas are specified with a whole host of items in addition to the standard supplied equipment.

Both devices are raised on a 400 mm plinth to match the new press which allows larger stacks to be handled and improves productivity. To produce on lighter stocks a paper kit for thinner materials has been specified as well as antistatic equipment to aid production of the plastic materials Beatus Cartons produce on a regular basis.