In the competitive world of packaging, Wasatch Container has always looked for ways to stand apart. When Wasatch began exploring new opportunities to differentiate its packaging solutions, the leadership team knew it would take more than incremental improvement. “From day one, our goal has been to be the best packaging company in the Intermountain region,” said Jerry Frisch, President, Wasatch Container. “To do that, we’ve continually invested in better equipment and in our people — always intending to stay ahead of customer needs.”
That philosophy guided the company’s decision to invest in a Kolbus RD115S rotary die-cutter in 2023. The installation gave Wasatch something few others in the Intermountain region could offer: high-quality, two-sided printing in one pass. “E-commerce has elevated packaging to a branding tool, and customers increasingly want the inside of the box to tell a story,” Frisch explained. “This investment allows us to help our customers create a more compelling unboxing experience.”
For Wasatch, the decision wasn’t taken lightly. The team conducted extensive due diligence, including print trials, before committing to the five-color press. The Kolbus RD115S has opened doors to serve brands that demand brochure-like interiors, special ink colors, and shorter run lengths. “It’s a space many large integrators avoid,” Frisch said. “But it’s where we thrive.”
Overcoming the Challenges of Two-Sided Print
Two-sided printing, however, came with challenges. “Two-sided printing isn’t just about running a box through twice — it demands careful planning of graphics, ink, and board,” Frisch noted. Wasatch leaned on its production team, ink kitchen, and supplier partners to master the process. The payoff has been significant. “We’ve been able to consistently deliver two-sided print where many others struggle, and that consistency builds trust with our customers,” Frisch added.
A Partnership Beyond Equipment
For Operations Manager Martin Suhr, the Kolbus RD115S is only part of the story. Equally critical has been the partnership with SUN Automation Group, Kolbus’s North American partner. “The machinery is impressive, but what really sets the experience apart is SUN’s service,” Suhr (pictured left) said. “Their depth of experience and the caliber of their people give us confidence that no matter the challenge, we’ll have the support we need.”
That support has proven critical and hands-on, with SUN and Kolbus technicians working alongside Wasatch staff during commissioning and troubleshooting. “It was a true partnership in action,” Suhr recalled. “Everyone was responsive, engaged, and committed to finding a solution. That kind of service is what makes us successful long term.”
Positioning for the Future
Phil Eads, Technical Sales Manager at SUN Automation, said Wasatch’s early adoption of two-sided print is a case study in how independents can stay competitive.“Wasatch Container has embraced two-sided print in a way few companies have, and the results speak for themselves. They’re not just meeting demand—they’re shaping it.”
Looking ahead, Wasatch plans to continue its growth in specialized packaging while exploring fulfillment services for entrepreneurial brands.
“We don’t want to be the biggest,” Frisch emphasized. “We want to be the best. And that means continuing to invest, innovate, and partner with organizations like SUN and Kolbus that share our commitment to excellence.”
