The display and packaging strategists at DS Smith, a supplier of corrugated cardboard packaging, have just invested around 5 million euros in the Mannheim site.
With the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Flexo Folder Gluer Machine the company is adapting to the increasing demand in the e-commerce and FMCG markets and at the same time securing the future viability of the site. After a preparatory phase lasting just under six months, the machine will start regular production in the third quarter of 2019.
The e-commerce and FMCG markets are growing steadily and the requirements for packaging are changing. The call for more sustainable packaging is getting louder and companies need efficient packaging solutions that are tailored to their individual requirements.
With the investment in the new Flexo Folder Gluer machine, the Mannheim site is perfectly positioned to meet the increasing demand for sustainable corrugated board packaging and can also offer a broader product portfolio. With the expansion of production capacity, an additional shift has also been introduced and new jobs created.
Michael Lamprecht, Cluster Director Conventional South at DS Smith, emphasises: „With the purchase of the new machine, we are securing the future viability of the Mannheim site. We are delighted to be able to meet the increasing demand from our customers and the market. With the increased production capacity, we are preventing bottlenecks and have already been able to win our first orders, including major customers.“
The preparatory work in the production hall in Mannheim began in January 2019. In order to create a level, clean footprint, the planned footprint of the machine was provided with a new floor slab, the necessary machine foundations were poured and the area was given a new floor coating over a period of four months.
Installation work on the machine began in May 2019 and the first test packs were successfully produced in July 2019. The machine will go into regular production in the third quarter of 2019.
(Source: DS Smith)
