Packaging Gateway

Daily Newsletter

08 August 2023

Daily Newsletter

Swanline purchases two BOBST machines to boost production

The addition of the new machines is expected to help meet demand for corrugated packaging solutions.

Swanline Group, a supplier of specialist printed packaging and point-of-sale displays, has acquired two new machines from Switzerland-based machinery and services company BOBST.

This investment in extra machinery will help Swanline to offer flexible, trade-only print and conversion services in the UK.

The two new BOBST machines include a BOBST EXPERTFOLD 165 A2 folder-gluer and a VISIONCUT 1.6 PR die-cutter. Both have been installed at Swanline’s centrally located site in Staffordshire, UK.

Swanline, which is owned by packaging distribution company Zeus Packaging, has purchased BOBST machines before, including a BOBST FOLIOSTAR 165 MATIC sheet-to-sheet laminator and a BOBST VISIONCUT 1.6, complete with Bobst’s POWER REGISTER system.

Swanline intends to help meet the demand for its corrugated packaging solutions with the addition of these new machines.

Swanline managing director Richard Towers said: “We have worked with BOBST for over a decade and the acquisition of this new machinery is the latest chapter in a long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership.”

The EXPERTFOLD 165 machine is suitable for the latest high-speed, high-output packing lines.

The VISIONCUT 1.6 machine meanwhile, can accommodate most substrates and long and short runs.

Swanline production manager Dave Salt said: “In order to offer Swanline customers the very best solutions, we know it’s important to continually invest into the very best processing, printing and conversion technology.

“BOBST gives us access to this calibre of equipment along with a robust service network, which is an equally important consideration in our purchasing decisions.”

Generative AI remains an untapped potential across the consumer industry

GlobalData estimates the total AI market will be worth $909 billion in 2030, growing at a CAGR of 35.2% between 2022 and 2030. The consumer goods, foodservice, and packaging sectors are undergoing digital transformation, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and changing consumer preferences. AI can help companies operating in these sectors by significantly reducing costs and production times. In Nestlé's 2022 full-year results, the company announced a renewed focus on digitalization to drive growth. Financial and reputational pressures associated with supply chain disruptions and sustainability concerns are also driving interest in the digitalization of supply chains. Data science and ML are strong investments across all areas. However, the sectors cannot stop at AI-powered data analytics applications. They must also explore computer vision (CV), smart robots, AI sensors that automate manufacturing and distribution logistics, and generative AI tools that increase efficiency across corporate departments and customer service operations and enable innovation in product design. For the most part, the consumer goods, foodservice, and packaging sectors will not play a significant role in creating and developing AI hardware or platforms. Instead, these sectors will help scale up the adoption of AI technologies, such as CV, conversational platforms, and smart robots. This adoption will be driven by the financial benefits and potential cost savings AI automation delivers across global supply chains.