SWPG expands production capacity with new BOBST die-cutting machines in Milwaukee

USA – SWPG, a leading packaging company, has recently installed two new BOBST VISIONCUT 106 LER Autoplaten flatbed machines for its Letterhead Press (LPI) division in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

As part of the company’s growth strategy, the two die-cutting machines have been installed to enhance efficiency in the production of folding cartons, rigid boxes, and other speciality packaging.

Since its acquisition in 2017, LPI has operated as a distinct division within the company. It has added Pulver Packaging to its operations, thereby increasing its combined manufacturing space to more than 300,000ft².

The VISIONCUT 106 LER machines are suitable for producing piles of fully die-cut and stripped sheets or separated individual cartons, ready for downstream processing.

Featuring contactless sheet registration systems, the machines can deliver up to 9,000 sheets per hour. It can be used for both short and long runs.

The LPI division mainly operates older converting machines from BOBST such as die-cutters, folder-gluers, and hot transfer stamping machines.

The group now has a total of three BOBST die-cutters, with Pulver having installed the same model a couple of years before joining SWPG.

SWPG president and CEO Kurt Koloseike said: “Our value proposition across SWPG is speed, quality, price, and service. We deliver that value both through our traditional sourcing network and through our high-end manufacturing presence in the Midwest [US].”

In addition to its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, SWPG prides itself on the long-standing partnerships it has with equipment manufacturers, a sentiment that filters down to the factory floor.

Like many of his colleagues, Plant Manager John Kelley has worked with BOBST equipment throughout his career. “When it comes to BOBST, we all share the same opinion,” added John.

“We know the efficiencies that BOBST machines offer in production, along with their longevity, reliability, and robustness – they rarely break down. And then of course, there’s the great quality of the training.”

Summing up his experience so far with the VISIONCUT 106 LERs, which feature state-of-the-art sheet feeding, cut-to-print register, and automatic inline blanking, he noted, “With the new BOBST machines, there are so many benefits.

“Our makereadies have nearly halved, run speeds have doubled, and the workflow has been fully optimized. For instance, the automated blanking means they can easily handle all jobs, where before we often had to spend time hand stripping the more complex ones.

“This has truly accelerated our converting department with increased productivity and high precision die-cutting.”

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