Folder-Gluer Enhances Carton Finishing Services

Alpha Media Solutions, the Bradford (UK) print and carton finisher has installed a Bobst Mistral folder-gluer to complement its carton die cutting trade service.

Alpha Media Solutions, the Bradford (UK) print and carton finisher has installed a Bobst Mistral folder-gluer to complement its carton die cutting trade service.

Production director at Alpha Media Solutions, Gary Fagan, said: "We looked long and hard in the marketplace for a versatile machine that would enable us to offer a comprehensive trade carton gluing service.

We liked the performance and modularity of the Mistral which we could see would give us flexibility for the future." Alpha's work mix is varied, as Fagan explained: "Having installed the Mistral, we have found that its versatility is not just geared to carton work.

It's also ideal for specialised gluing work, such as one-piece mailers and pick and place." The Mistral at Alpha Media Solutions is a 110cm wide, A2 variant, which is said to be capable of running at speeds of up to 400 metres per minute.

That equates to 25,000 units an hour for more-complex four-corner boxes.

Alpha has also bought the UK's first Bobst Handypack GT semi-automatic packer.

The unit is claimed to enable products to be delivered without marking, as well as offering comfortable working conditions for the packing assistants because the unit can be height adjusted to suit them.

Fagan added, "Having dealt with Bobst for a number of years because of our diecutting machinery, specifically our Bobst SP102-EII, we felt that a Mistral was the logical choice.

The service levels and the reliability of Bobst are of vital importance to our business.

We like the fact that the company has 20 or so engineers and three process specialists based in the UK and that we can get technical support at the drop of a hat." Carton manufacture is seen as a key growth market for Alpha, says Mr.Fagan.

"The machinery is just one part of the jigsaw.

The success of a trade carton business is its ability to convert the most complex of products to the desired quality and to the agreed deadline.

We have a dedicated team of experienced personnel who have many years of experience in the carton industry." Amongst the management team at Alpha is Clive Shedlow, the company's business development manager, who has over 30 years' experience in the carton industry, including many years at Nampak, formerly MY Cartons.

Shedlow's remit includes the implementation of ISO9001 and BRC hygiene certification, both of which Alpha expects to achieve very soon.

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