Vanguard Packaging, an independently owned and operated manufacturer of point-of-purchase displays, signage, retail packaging and corrugated boxes, has invested in a 42-inch Latitude flexo folder-gluer. The vacuum transfer press advances productivity rates and allows the U.S. company to print four colors and diecut singlewall to doublewall at speeds up to 300 sheets per minute.
“Vanguard has become one of the largest production facilities for displays in North America, which presents unique challenges,” Mark Mathes, Vanguard Chief Executive Officer, said. “Our need to address the cyclical nature of displays is answered by going back to our packaging roots. After an extensive search, the Latitude fit our needs better than any other flexo we analyzed.”
Contributing to the Latitude’s performance are the print stations, which allow order change while the machine is running. This has helped Vanguard cut its setup times by more than half. Jim Beard, Vanguard Chief Operating Officer, said, “I felt the Latitude high speed/quick set flexo folder-gluer gave us the greatest overall value for our investment. It is a quick set machine that allows setups to take place during run time but also allows the machine to open end-of-shift for easy cleanup and preventative maintenance. We have a good range of minimum to maximum sheet size capabilities and the machine’s design is focused on making consistently square boxes.”
The new machine is installed in Vanguard’s 700,000-sq-ft underground facility in Kansas City, Missouri.
