Gharb Papier et Carton (GPC), one of the leading forces in North Africa’s paper and corrugated packaging sector, continues to expand its production capabilities in close partnership with Koenig & Bauer Celmacch. Founded in 1992 in Kénitra, GPC has dedicated itself to manufacturing diverse corrugated packaging solutions. Over the past three decades, GPC has successfully transformed from a local pioneer into an established market leader across the region. Today, GPC operates three modern production facilities in key Moroccan industrial hubs, supplying essential packaging solutions to the agricultural, automotive, textile, and FMCG sectors.
Strategic Partnership Built on Reliability and TCO
To keep pace with rapidly accelerating demand across North Africa and international export routes to Southern Europe, GPC is modernising its converting capacity with state-of-the-art technology. The successful integration of its first Koenig & Bauer Celmacch line in 2024 – a 6-colour Chroma High Tech 1700 – marked a major milestone in establishing a strategic partnership between Koenig & Bauer Celmacch and GPC. The first machine line quickly proved its worth, delivering exceptional output during daily production runs due to its high reliability, easy technology and automation features.
Satisfied with the performance achieved by this initial investment, GPC decided to reinforce its competitive edge by signing a comprehensive package order for two additional Chroma lines.
“Investing in our machinery fleet is a direct investment in our promise of quality to our customers across North Africa and international export markets,” stated Mounir El Bari, General Manager, GPC. “Our experience with the first machine installed in 2024 proved that Koenig & Bauer Celmacch provides us with an optimal total cost of ownership. We are very satisfied with how this partnership continues to flourish.”
Luca Celotti, CEO, Koenig & Bauer Celmacch, added, “We are grateful to the entire GPC team for their continued trust, excellent partnership, and shared dedication to quality. Seeing our technology drive productivity and long-term value for a regional market leader is deeply rewarding for our entire company.”
A vital contributor to this ongoing success is Koenig & Bauer Celmacch’s strong local sales and service network. Thanks to the outstanding commitment, technical expertise, and local presence of the agency Propco SAS, the entire project was executed seamlessly. Propco SAS maintains a strong, trust-based relationship with GPC, acting as a crucial link on the ground. This close connection ensured transparent communication, perfect project coordination, and swift execution at every stage of delivery and commissioning.
Deployment and Cutting-Edge Technology
The deployment of the package deal of two new machine lines was executed in two distinct phases. The 6-colour Chroma High Tech 1700 flexo press made its way across the Mediterranean Sea in early summer 2026. Thanks to seamless coordination between the engineering teams, installation and integration went smoothly, with full production underway by late August 2026. Highlighted by Koenig & Bauer Celmacch’s known flexibility, the line is already prepared for future retrofits of additional printing units.
Building on this success and based on the good experiences and strong mutual trust, discussions are already underway regarding a further machine line for another GPC location.
Both 6-colour machines are engineered for maximum throughput, quick setup, and premium printing and converting quality. The sheet cleaner right after the feeding unit eliminates dust and impurities prior to printing, ensuring low defect rates even on challenging paper substrates during high-speed runs. Job changeovers are streamlined on both machines by an automatic anilox roll change system, allowing operators to prepare upcoming jobs while production is running. Additionally, an automated register control system delivers precise alignment to minimise setup waste and speed up overall makeready times. The line also incorporates a drying system that is developed by Koenig & Bauer Celmacch and combines IR and Hot Air for maximum drying efficiency and print alignment.
Driving Long-Term Value
With the completion of this latest investment phase, GPC Papier et Carton continues to strengthen its position as one of the most technologically advanced converting fleets in the region. The initial 6-colour Chroma High Tech 1700 installed in 2024, combined with the newly added 6-colour Chroma High Tech line in 2026, equips GPC with high-performance capabilities for future growth.
Repeat orders from an industry leader like GPC serve as impressive proof that combining solid technology, new innovations, reliable sales representatives, and dedicated on-site technical support leads to great, long-term partnerships and – above all, the top priority – truly satisfied customers.
