The manufacturer claims that this latest version of the Expertcut will be faster to make-ready and quicker to get back into production after a stop, while also reducing process waste. The order covers two units of the machine: one unit to be installed at Benson’s Bardon site and the second for its Benson Gateshead plant. These are scheduled for delivery in August 2013 and December 2013 respectively. The two new units will join two existing Expertcut machines, installed at Bardon and Gateshead in 2011, and replace two existing Bobst models.

Both factories are focused on the production of cardboard packaging for food products, as typically found on the shelves of all of major UK supermarkets. This latest investment in state-of-the-art post-press equipment will further enable the business to meet the exacting demands of its customers, with the units having a critical role in the conversion of high quality printed board into the finished pack, accurately cutting the final shape of the carton, including window apertures where appropriate.

Mark Kerridge, Managing Director of Benson Group, commenting on the order, said: “Our existing Expertcut units have been performing extremely well. They are robust pieces of equipment that have proven very reliable and highly productive. These latest additions, with the system enhancements that have been added by Bobst, will help to provide further post-press efficiencies for both Bardon and Gateshead.”

Commenting on the latest order from Benson Group, Craig Moran, Bobst Zone Business Director, said: “At the turn of the year, when the first of these new generation Expertcut 106 PER’s began to be delivered to customers worldwide, we announced that we had several UK carton makers looking seriously at buying the new model. Benson Group is the first of these to put pen to paper, recognising the way that substantial new features have been built in to the proven technology of the Expertcut 106 PER. This particular model in the Expertcut range is the workhorse of the world’s medium to high volume carton makers, and the new features provide users with access to increased net production, lower costs, easier maintenance and less waste. The modifications run throughout the machine, including new feeder technology, changes to the sheet transport system, faster make-ready in the stripping and delivery sections and developments that reduce the wear, and consequently increase the life, of die-cutting tools.”

Lee Appleby, Operations Manager North for Benson Group, added: “Our existing Expertcut has provided us with a significant improvement on throughput. Even boards that are traditionally challenging to use, it still delivers 9,000 sheets per hour. We are looking forward to the installation of the new machine and how it will support the drive from the site to push us to new improved production levels. It is Benson Group policy to invest in only the best quality machinery as we firmly believe that this, combined with our highly trained workforce, produces the very best in cartons for both the food and healthcare industries.”