In the heart of Veneto, in Italy, Scatolificio Ondulkart S.p.A. has been shaping corrugated board into much more than packaging for over sixty years. Founded in 1969 in Cessalto, the family-run company has grown from serving local businesses into a structured group with four plants and over 50,000 sqm dedicated to production, logistics, and offices.
Over the decades, Ondulkart has expanded its offering, keeping a customer-centric mindset that allowed the company to serve a wide range of industries, from food and wine to furniture and mechanics.
When Ondulkart decided to invest in a new folder gluer, the objective was clear: strengthen and expand their presence in folding carton, a sector demanding precision, flexibility, and cost-competitiveness.
“The main issue we faced was the complexity and lack of competitiveness in managing folding carton articles, we needed a line that was versatile and high-performing, capable of handling both simple and highly complex jobs,” said Stefano Vendrame, Technical Manager, Ondulkart.
Among the folder gluer solutions evaluated, Vega’s Bellatrix emerged as the right fit. Known for its Italian engineering, reliability, and modular design, Bellatrix convinced Ondulkart with its performance and flexibility.
“Vega stood out for its availability and competence in tailoring solutions to our needs, as well as for its long-standing presence in the sector and the reliability of Italian manufacturing,” Vendrame added. “We chose Bellatrix because of its production versatility. Its avant-garde technology and the guarantee of ‘Made in Italy’ gave us confidence from the start.”
Vendrame said that Bellatrix distinguished itself in terms of performance, quick set-up, and the ability to manage a wide range of special gluing configurations. The installation and training phase proved decisive. Vega’s technical team ensured a seamless process, combining efficient set-up with comprehensive operator training.
“The experience was positive thanks to skilled trainers who guided even our less experienced operators,” Vendrame continued. “With Vega’s support we immediately introduced a preventive maintenance plan and organised our spare parts stock.”
Operators quickly overcame their initial hesitation. “After the training, they realised the advantages and potential of the machine in terms of ease of use and productivity,” Vendrame confirmed.
Since adopting Bellatrix, Ondulkart has recorded measurable improvements. Productivity has risen sharply, particularly in small-format folding carton, while the quality of special materials, such as laminated board, has also improved.
“In certain product types we achieved up to 30% gains in productivity and a 20% reduction in set-up time,” said Vendrame. “Flexibility between hot and cold glue systems has also minimised wash cycles, increasing line efficiency.”
One of the unexpected bonuses has been the codification and memory of set-ups, allowing operators to return to complex jobs with ease and reliability.
The impact on Ondulkart’s market position has been significant. “Reduced set-up times and faster production speeds have made us more competitive,” added Vendrame.
Vega Bellatrix has also unlocked new opportunities. Ondulkart has expanded its folding carton business, producing even very small formats and complicated multi-point gluing configurations, up to nine glue points, thanks to the machine’s tailored modules. This has attracted new customers while simultaneously enhancing service to existing ones.
Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “With the Bellatrix, we’ve been able to satisfy requests that were previously beyond our capabilities,” Vendrame said. “Inline controls guarantee consistently high quality.”
Beyond technology, Ondulkart values the human side of its relationship with Vega. “Vega proved to be a competent partner, especially in recommending the optimal configuration for our needs. We particularly appreciate the quick responses, especially when testing the feasibility of special gluing jobs.” stressed Vendrame. “Vega is a long-term partner in growth. We are confident they will continue to support us in our future development. When it comes to folder gluers, Vega will definitely be involved again.”
Ondulkart is preparing for the future with a new facility for its folding carton operations, designed to support further growth. With the Bellatrix already driving higher efficiency, faster changeovers, and superior product quality, the company is well-positioned to face evolving market challenges. The investment in the new Bellatrix has enhanced Ondulkart’s efficiency and opened the way to new applications, underlining how innovation and reliable partnerships can strengthen competitiveness in packaging.
