Bolton-based Ideals UK Packaging Ltd specialise in producing quick turn around bespoke corrugated boxes, together with a range of standard sizes and other packaging materials. Like many other SME’s they were uncertain about the direction the company may need to go in the future. With this in mind Ideals UK were keen to invest in new equipment with the flexibility to customise and adapt as business demands change.
Three years ago, Ideals UK Packaging explored the possibility of expanding their packaging distribution business into manufacturing, principally corrugated boxes. They researched the market, visiting Kolbus Autobox Machinery at their Houghton Regis factory and decided to invest in a used corrugated box maker. The concept proved successful with demand for short to medium run bespoke boxes expanding significantly.
After a visit to the manufacturing plant, and a local customer to see a machine in production, they placed an order for a Kolbus Autobox AB300 Boxmaker. To streamline the workflow and increase flexibility they specified a semi-automatic feeder stand and catcher table.
Zulfiqar Ali, Ideals UK Managing Director, said, “We were looking at other options in the market: cheaper or more expensive; imported and domestic. We decided on the Kolbus Autobox machine for a number of reasons, but the regular communication we received during the difficult Covid lockdown period when Kolbus Autobox remained active re-assured us that we would receive long-term product support. There is a lot to be said for buying a UK manufactured product. Not only does it give us confidence in having a reliable, established machine on our doorstep but it shows our customers that we are committed to supplying them with the best service possible. Having the best machine means we can confidently offer the best prices and lead times available.”
The Kolbus Autobox AB300 is a modular line. Starting with a slotter creaser unit a single or two colour flexo printing unit, FL300, can be added along with a Multi-Cut MC300. This unit will work from stock board to produce multi out, 0401’s and hand holes, then an automatic feeder, AF300, and stacker, AS300, can be added for an operator-less system.
Since installation of the Kolbus Autobox AB300 Ideals UK Packaging have produced a range of styles in unlimited sizes. Key runners include 0201’s, five panel folders (0409 / 0411) and even 0401’s. Their daily workload can consist of batches ranges from one through to thousands from a sheet size of 500mm long x 300 wide up to 4000 long x 2000 wide. They have been running products at speeds over 1000 boxes per hour.
