Packaging Solutions
Carton finishing specialist Marpak has boosted productivity and expanded its capability with the addition of a Bobst Alpina 110 A3 folder-gluer at its Leicester facility.
‘We had been looking at making the investment for some time, with plans to do so as part of our capital expenditure programme for 2019,’ said Chris Goodayle, director of operations at Marpak. ‘We had a good look around at other OEMs, visited the various innovation centres and carried out all our due diligence. Then, based on our previous experience with the company and the ease of standardisation with our workflows, we went with Bobst.’
From its BRC and PS9000 accredited facilities in the heart of the East Midlands, Marpak offers the full spectrum of board converting and trade finishing services, from die cutting and folding-gluing to nested trays and pick and place. While the investment marks the third time partnering with Bobst on machinery, crucially this is the first time the company has opted for a pre-owned machine, albeit one expertly refurbished.
‘Complications in the wake of Covid meant that if we were to order a new build machine, the lead time was significantly longer,’ said Chris.’“We knew we wanted it in situ as quickly as possible, and we could order the refurbished model in March and have the installation completed by September, so it was an easy decision to make.
‘We already have two other Bobst machines at our Craven Street facility, where we undertake all our folding and gluing, window patching and tray forming,’ said Chris. ‘The Alpina is a legendary machine, known for its robustness as well as its performance. It is now central to our workflow, sitting adjacent to our existing Media II and Domino 110 carton folder-gluers.’
The latest machine is running with three operators across 12 hour shifts, and Chris said it was already helping Marpak to meet demand. ‘As a trade house, working in the food and drink and pharma market, there has very much been a concertina effect in terms of demand and production requirements, and recently there has been a significant upswell in orders,’ he said. ‘The machine is fully in the fight now, delivering both increased production capacity as well as opening up additional capabilities.’
Chris said the investment was a key part of Marpak’s ongoing plan for growth. ‘It is very much a statement of intent of the direction Marpak is taking,’ he said. ‘This is part of our planned upgrading of our capability, and it is also part of our efficiency programme. We have actually gone from having five folder-gluers to now having three. Doing more with less is part of our wider investment strategy.’
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