Welch Packaging, a U.S. corrugated packaging company, has set a new world record for the number of setups in a single shift. The Chicago branch of Welch managed 103 order changes in eight hours, each requiring its own setup of the machine, a Bobst FFG 8.20 Discovery. “We are very proud and very excited to have achieved this world record,” said Doug Poulston, General Manager at Welch Chicago.
“We believe it is indicative of our culture at Welch – we are committed to our local customers, we have a very ‘can do’ approach, and we pride ourselves on quick turnarounds. On this particular day we had large, urgent orders from two of our major customers and we were determined to make it happen for them. With the help of our exceptional flexo folder-gluer and production team, that’s exactly what we did.”
Welch Chicago purchased the folder-gluer in 2017. It was the latest in a line of packaging production machines the company had purchased from Bobst, the two companies having formed a close partnership.
Welch produces corrugated boxes for companies in a wide range of sectors, including food and drink, automotive, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It particularly focuses on supporting local businesses; as a result, short runs are common. A machine with quick setup time and high productivity therefore serves the company well. The company actually achieved four back-to-back setup world records, including the final run of 103.
From left: Hector Rios (Maintenance Manager), Phil Eads, (Regional Sales Manager, Bobst North America Inc.), Paul Sarna (Flexo Leadman), Matt Danczyk (Plant Superintendent), Didier Chevroton, (Area Sales Manager, Bobst Lyon), Dan Kunkes (Plant Manager), Ruben Jiminez (Operator), Kendale Cooper (Operator), Raymundo Hernandez (Assistant), Tom Phillips, Director, Product Line FFG-DRO, Bobst North America Inc.), Steve Alvarado (Shift Supervisor), Dave Hense (Assistant)
