The Encore Group invests in UK first with Bobst Expertfold and Cartonpack 4

Packaging Solutions

The purchase of a new Bobst Expertfold 110 A2 will see print and packaging specialist, The Encore Group, become the first independent group in the UK to operate the folder-gluer in conjunction with automatic packer, Cartonpack 4.

Production line speed and efficiency will be further enhanced with the addition of the Easyfeeder 4 pre-feeder.

The Encore Group is a leading independent manufacturer of printed envelopes, with a rapidly growing packaging solutions business. The manufacturer offers a comprehensive range of products, including point of sale, corrugated, folding carton and direct mail to retailers, food and beverage manufacturers, financial institutions, local authorities and government bodies.

The Expertfold 110 A2 becomes the second Bobst folder-gluer investment for the group. In 2015, the business took delivery of a Visionfold 110 A2 and it also counts Novacut 106 ER and Novacut E die cutters and a Handypack GT collecting table among its asset portfolio.

David Cooper, managing director of The Encore Group, said: ‘We have seen a steady increase in business over the past 18 months to two years. As we focus on growing our packaging solutions division, investment in best in class machinery and technologies has become crucial. Our commitment to our customers is such that we don’t want to be limited by what we can and can’t achieve for them. We will invest in our assets to ensure we can support them, whatever their needs are, and deliver packaging of the highest standard.’

The Encore Group occupies three sites across the north of England, in Peterlee, County Durham, Washington, Tyne & Wear and Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, and employs more than 300 people.

The performance of Expertfold is improved further with peripherals Cartonpack 4 and Easyfeeder 4. The Easyfeeder inlet offers smooth and constant feeding to the folder-gluer at any given speed, reducing feed related stops and downtime. Meanwhile, all settings and movements are automated on the Cartonpack 4 to reduce workload and deliver high productivity, quality, and accuracy.

David added, ‘The purchase of the Expertfold 110 folding-gluing line will enable us to boost production flexibility when used alongside the Visionfold. It is a highly efficient machine and its high speed creates greater agility and responsiveness. Operating in conjunction with the Easyfeeder 4 and Cartonpack 4, the benefits of the folder-gluer are enhanced even further.’