The Model Group is investing in a Rapida 145 with eleven printing/finishing units, as well as two CorruCUT flexo rotary die-cutters from Koenig & Bauer.
The Rapida is scheduled to enter production in Opava in the Czech Republic in spring 2022, while the first of the two CorruCUTs is to be installed at a second Czech plant in Nymburk towards the end of next year.
“Koenig & Bauer satisfied our high expectations in terms of quality, sustainability and performance in every respect. At the same time, we were looking for a single partner for the whole investment package. The broad product portfolio offered by Koenig & Bauer is therefore a perfect fit for our company,” says Roman Jamnický, COO, Model Obaly.
The second CorruCUT is scheduled for installation at the group’s Polish plant in Czosnów near Warsaw.
The two CorruCUT machines are the first ones to incorporate a pre-settable rotary die-cutting unit. It allows the die-cutting cylinder that is not in use to be set up for a subsequent job without affecting current production, also allowing fully automatic exchange once the present job is completed.
Christoph Müller, Executive Board Member, Koenig & Bauer, said, “With these two machines, Koenig & Bauer has finally made its entry into the market of direct corrugated printing. The aim is to achieve a market position that is customary for Koenig & Bauer in the medium term.”
In addition, the machines will be equipped with all the established features such as anilox roller changing systems and vacuum-belt feeders without feed rollers. Various software upgrades, which raise automation levels and simplify work with the machines for the operators, are likewise important and inherent elements of the machine package. “Our team is constantly developing new and innovative technical features for our machines. We listen to our customers and work together with them in partnership. This ensures that the performance of our machines are able to be enhanced further,” Müller adds.
Model Obaly has used a total of twelve sheetfed offset presses from Koenig & Bauer for its operations since 1976. The new Rapida 145 was purchased to increase print capacities in Opava. It will be placed on foundations raised by 420mm to accommodate production with heavy board and corrugated board, and has been configured with six printing units, followed by a coater and two intermediate drying units, ahead of a further printing unit, a second coater and a three-section extended delivery.
