Encore Packaging Solutions has added a second Bobst folder gluer to provide resilience and to cope with growth at the company’s Peterlee factory.
The latest machine in an Expertfold 110 with an Easyfeeder 4 at one end of the line and a CartonPack 4 at the delivery end to automatically pack the folded and glued carton blanks.
The new machine has joined a Visionfold 110 which has a Handypack semi-automatic collecting table, so will deliver a big jump in capacity. It will also enable Encore to offer a greater range of carton styles.
The company also operates two Bobst Novacut B1 die cutting platens, so the latest investment continues a relationship with the Swiss manufacturer that dates back over the nine years Encore Packaging since Encore Envelopes started the packaging business.
Envelopes remains the dominant part of the business accounting for £32.7 million of the group’s £38.96 million turnover in 2021 with packaging accounting for £6.28 million. However, packaging is growing faster. Both sides increased sales by around £2 million in 2021, envelops from £30.6 million and packaging from £4.29 million.
The packaging arm serves customers in ecommerce, where there is a clear cross over to envelopes, food, and retail businesses.
Encore Packaging sales director Craig Allen says: “As a business, our focus is on growth and a strong desire to be ahead of our core markets so that we have the capacity in place to support increasing volumes from new and existing customers. We were delighted that once again, Bobst could deliver a stand out machine that strengthens and streamlines our production processes. This has enabled us to operate more efficiently while continuing to offer the quality that our customers have come to expect from us.”
the chosen line with automation at both ends is the first of this specification at an independent packaging house in the UK. It enables the line to run at a full 450 metres/minute with automation helping to keep makeready and set up times to a minimum. Further production enhancing peripherals can be added at a later date to boost throughput should Encore reach capacity or need to adapt to new customer requirements.
The investment in the technology led folder gluer is helping Encore attract and retain a new generation of apprentices while the impact of the investment is already being felt.
“CartonPack 4 is already proving a game changer for us. Throughput is faster and more efficient. It’s an impressive piece of kit for a business like ours.“
