Stanford meets Acucote challenge

21 July 2003



Meeting the needs of its customer gives 60 years' old Stanford the blueprint for its latest slitter


USA manufacturer of pressure sensitive labelstock Acucote continues to grow with the opening of its distribution centre in Dallas, Texas. Aided by slitter manufacturer Stanford Products, start-up of this facility was achieved in around 60 days – a move necessitated by Acucote's growing customer base in the Dallas area and its commitment to provide next day turnaround on its range of pressure sensitive products.

With headquarters in Graham, North Carolina, the company serves customers through five satellite slitting and distribution centres strategically located throughout the United States. A skilled workforce, high quality products, a strong focus on customer service – and the acquisition of the Adhesive Technology division of 3M – have ensured that Acucote is poised for continued success. The flexibility it maintains in all aspects of its business enables the company to service a large range of customers, from single-press operations to international corporations.

Discussing the opening of the Dallas facility, Acucote's vp of manufacturing Paul Sanborn speaks of the critical role played by Stanford in facilitating the quick start-up. "Our customers in this area required faster deliveries than we could meet given the distance from our other distribution centres, and fast action was required to address their needs." He continued: "Without Stanford's willingness to work with us by providing an expedited delivery, and creative financing, we would not have been able to pull this off."

Outgrown

He concluded: "When you buy a Stanford, you buy quality service, a robust unit, and years of experience."

"Within four weeks of placing the order for a new machine with Stanford, the Model 638 slitter rewinder was installed and operational," says Gary Phillips, Acucote's operations manager at the Texas facility. This first machine provided the capability for 30in web width, 32in unwind diameters and 26in rewind diameters. However, within a few months of installation, Acucote's business had already outgrown this machine and the company approached Stanford again for help. In Sanborn's words: "When we went shopping, we went one place and one place only."

Value

This time the converter needed a solution for its customers' requirements for 10,000ft rolls with rewind diameters up to 32in and unwind diameters to 40in. A machine was designed, built and delivered last February that incorporated Acucote's specific requirements as well as top-of-the-line drive and control technologies. It was a machine design that would subsequently form the basis for Stanford's latest slitter rewinder – the Model 738 HC – which debuted at the CMM show, Chicago, in April this year.

Gary Phillips speaks highly of Stanford equipment and its value to his operation. "Stanford builds rock-solid equipment that is easy to operate and lasts forever," he says. "Their after-sales service is impeccable and I have enjoyed working with them on this project. In fact, they have just completed a field modification on our Model 638 in which we increased the unwind capacity to accept 40in diameter rolls."

The launch of the Model 738 HC coincides with Stanford's celebration of its 60th year of operation from its base in Salem, Illinois. This machine is part of a complete line of new generation slitter rewinders being brought to market in recognition of this milestone. Last year saw the launch of the Model 3038 wide web slitter while later this year the Model 1038 will hit the market. Recognized as a world leader in the manufacture of converting equipment, Stanford is best known for having pioneered the first Doctor Machine in the early 1950s.

Speaking about the company's 60th anni-versary this year, Stanford president, Séamus Lafferty states: "The company has returned to its engineering roots and prides itself in meeting customer requests for new innovative ideas.

Backlog

"The close working relationship we have established with Acucote is typical of how we do business and we work hard to ensure our customers' complete satisfaction with our products."

Enthusing over the company's revitalized engineering and sales efforts, Lafferty boasts of having the largest backlog the company has seen in three years. "We are greatly encouraged by the market's reaction to our latest engineering efforts and we look forward to continuing to serve our global customer base for many years to come," he concluded.



Contact

Stanford Products Tel: +1 618 548 2600




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Stanford Products

Acucote operator Juan Toledo finishing a set on Stanford's 738 ... Acucote operator Juan Toledo finishing a set on Stanford's 738 ...
Acucote's Tommie Smith operates the 638 slitter rewinder Acucote's Tommie Smith operates the 638 slitter rewinder
Preparing to off-load a set of finished rolls Preparing to off-load a set of finished rolls
Stanford's model 738 HC with roll handling system Stanford's model 738 HC with roll handling system
Larry Boyles, Stanford's vp (left) and Acucote's Gary Phillips inspect ... Larry Boyles, Stanford's vp (left) and Acucote's Gary Phillips inspect ...


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