After doubling production volume from 2015, the latest investment for DS Smith at its site in Kruševac, Serbia, will support ongoing efforts to replace plastic for customers, increase capacity by 25% and significantly increase productivity. With a continued focus on innovation, the investment will further differentiate DS Smith in the market, supporting customers in meeting their sustainability goals.
The investment is part of DS Smith’s ambitious growth strategy in Eastern Europe and supports a leadership position in sustainable packaging solutions across the region, while creating value for customers and partners. It is expected that this investment will have a positive impact on the local community and that it will contribute to the economic growth and development of the region with its cutting-edge innovations.
Commenting on the investment, Reinier Schlatmann, Regional Managing Director, DS Smith East Europe, said, “The €16m strategic investment underlines DS Smith’s commitment to advancing innovative paper-based packaging solutions on the Serbian market, strengthening our focus on sustainability. Kruševac plays a significant role in our growth strategy in Eastern Europe, enabling us to deliver sustainable packaging solutions to our customers across the region to further accelerate the transition towards higher levels of the circular economy.”
With the investment, DS Smith Serbia becomes the first factory in the country to install the most modern Göpfert Impression HQPP flexo printing machine with six colours and varnish. This advanced equipment strengthens the possibilities in innovative packaging design for FMCG and supports automated packaging lines, not only in Serbia but also in the surrounding area. Equipped with the latest high-quality printing technology, DS Smith offers superior printing solutions for a wide range of product categories. This results in innovative, eye-catching packaging designed to meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s consumers.
The investment also includes upgrading the corrugator, ensuring continuous production and increasing productivity by at least 20%. The introduction of the new BOBST 924 flexo folder gluer and the MASTERCUT 2.1 flat bed die-cutter in the converting department further improves product quality, minimises waste and improves rotary cutting accuracy.
Zoran Trnavac, General Manager, DS Smith Serbia, said, “This significant investment not only empowers us to deliver top quality products to our customers, it also means a significant expansion of our production capacities in the country. Our commitment to superior quality printing sets the standard that will set us apart in the industry.”
The factory is also equipped with a new warehouse that optimises storage capacity. Overall, the improvements will not only provide customers with a high level of service, but also provide a safer and better working environment for everyone.
