Herbert Walkers invests in BOBST to support business growth strategy
Innovative BOBST inline solution optimizes operations at specialist packaging manufacturer
Specialist print and packaging manufacturer, Herbert Walkers, has invested in a new state-of-the-art die-cutter from BOBST that delivers inline blank separation to streamline carton processing and enhance capacity at its West Yorkshire site.
The NOVACUT 106 ER Autoplaten® die-cutter removes the need to manually strip the waste from die-cut work thanks to its innovative inline separation capabilities that allow piles of blanks to be delivered straight to the folder-gluers. The die-cutter drives efficiency along the entire production line by improving the performance of downstream processes, reducing costs and enhancing end-product quality.
It’s the fifth BOBST machine installation at Shipley-based Herbert Walkers. The company delivers packaging and printing expertise to a wide range of markets including confectionery, food and beverage, personal care and greetings cards. As specialists in varnish applications, print over foil, hot foil stamping and embossing techniques, with in-house die-making facilities, Herbert Walkers is able to deliver novel and bespoke solutions to brands and retailers operating in both the luxury and value market spaces.
Andy Christie, Sales Director at Herbert Walkers, said: “This new die-cutter represents a six-figure investment that has had an immediate impact on productivity and efficiency at Herbert Walkers. Its installation is part of an ambitious company growth strategy to enable us to handle higher volume packaging runs and increase our capacity even further for more complex jobs.
“It has optimized our carton folding process and will enable us to be more competitive in an increasingly demanding market. Brands and retailers require packaging that engages and responds to consumers’ wants and desires at any moment in time and as a result there is a tremendous need for speed. By optimizing the process and productivity, the NOVACUT 106 ER delivers both in terms of speed-to-market and product quality.”
Capable of processing 7,000 sheets per hour, the die-cutter has automatic in-press blank separation capabilities that deliver the correct combination of force and finesse required to blank sheets precisely.
When blanking is not a prerequisite the NOVACUT 106 ER can be set up to operate as a full sheet delivery machine in minutes, therefore having dual capabilities of traditional waste stripping when required, along with blanking, without limiting the machine to one process or the other.
Functions such as continuous pile lowering, constant batch compression, and automatic tie-sheet insertion to ensure perfectly stacked piles, while the modular non-stop grid allows the highest productivity levels. Digital centering means that small variations in the tools can be quickly and easily adjusted on-press.
Lee Alton, Area Sales Manager, Business Unit Sheet Fed, Bobst UK & Ireland Ltd, said: “The NOVACUT 106 ER brings together BOBST’s expertise in machine technology and innovation to create a solution that not only improves performance at that particular point in the process but downstream too, for example at the point of gluing. This one machine can have a significant impact across a whole business by reducing costs, improving quality and productivity.
“BOBST makes inline blank separation cost-effective and simple to incorporate into any processing line through a range of tooling solutions and an extensive support network. We work closely with our customers to ensure they have the right machines for their business and see a return on their investment.”
Family-run Herbert Walkers has been established for almost 70 years and has its foundations in the greetings cards sector. Its ongoing commitment to investment in new technologies and unique abilities in print special effects and techniques has enabled the company to expand into new print and packaging markets, servicing brands including Hotel Chocolat, Ferrero, Taylors of Harrogate, Diageo, L'Oreal, M&S and Iceland.
