UK-based Encase has taken delivery of a new Visioncut 1.6 die-cutter and a Chase loader from Bobst at its Banbury site to increase capacity, improve accuracy and keep pace with its developing market sectors.
This new die-cutter is the group’s third Bobst flatbed machine and was fully up and running at the beginning of November, installed alongside an existing machine. Built to be robust, Visioncut 1.6 delivers maximum machine uptime, while its clever workflow design minimises unproductive time and delivers job changeover in less than 10 minutes.
The new machine will provide much-needed capacity for the company’s flatbed die-cutting area, which has become increasingly busy since the installation of a five-colour HQPP machine late last year.
Along with die-cutter, Encase also took delivery of a Chase loader for both the new machine and its existing Visioncut. The Chase loader offers the ability to set up jobs outside of the machine safely and ergonomically, reducing set up times to enable the company to keep pace with reducing run lengths.
David Hainsworth, Encase Group Sales & Marketing Director, said, “Our customers truly appreciate the accuracy provided by flatbed die-cutters and they are transitioning our business into higher value markets; this has made the Bobst flatbed die-cutter the ideal choice. Following an in-depth review of the market, we opted for the performance we know and can count on. We love the reliability of Bobst and consider them a trusted name and partner.”
He continued, “The market is becoming ever more demanding in terms of lead times, service and quality, so our ability to be flexible and reliable is paying greater dividends with our customers and the market place in general. This latest investment allows us to keep up with the ever-increasing amount of workload coming in and ensures we can continue supplying genuine, independent choice to the market.”
The investment is the latest in a round of strategic investments across the business, following a new box making machine in East Kilbride, a gluer in Leeds and HQPP capability in Banbury. Pre-print capability has already been installed on the Leeds corrugator and the company plans to invest in another flatbed die-cutter at the Leeds site in 2019. The investment is also part of a larger strategy complementing Encase’s rebranding programme, which is currently in progress. The company is developing a fresh, contemporary approach to its market with an increased social media presence, a new look and brand image.
Stuart Alvey-Taylor, Sales Manager, BU Sheet Fed, Bobst UK & Ireland, commented, “We are really pleased Encase has once again chosen Bobst to support its increasing growth. We work extremely closely with our customers to deliver machines which are most suited to their needs and in this case, Encase knew exactly what they needed to keep up with the market demand. The company has made a significant investment in both Visioncut 1.6 and the Chase loader, which will ensure its entire production line is optimised for efficiency and accuracy as it seeks to optimise its ever-increasing work mix.”
