Sheard Packaging has developed a Mobile Innovation Centre (MiC) using a 40 ft expandable trailer equipped with a Zünd S3 Cutter.
Roger Whittaker, CEO, Sheard Packaging, said, “We are proud to be one of the only remaining independently owned box plants in the country. Working with businesses all over the UK, we provide a broad range of corrugated packaging and innovative design solutions. We are renowned for our excellent levels of customer service, never compromising on quality for quantity.”
Earlier this year, the company took a big leap into the future of value optimisation by creating a state-of-the-art Mobile Innovation Centre. A one-of-a-kind innovation designed to revolutionise the way a packaging solution supplier can collaborate with its customers to create the right solution, while delivering speed to market. Drew Broughton, Head of Technical & Innovation, said, “The problem facing Sheard and other packaging manufacturers is getting customers out of their businesses to visit our site to make the most of our design and innovation facilities. Trying to get all parties together in one location is proving ever more difficult in today’s busy world. So, the idea of ‘Sheard To You’ was born. We needed a way to exhibit some of our machine systems offerings in real time.”
The Mobile Innovation Centre is built on a trailer with expandable sides providing a 60 sqm workspace. Using glazed sides from floor to ceiling to provide a light and airy environment, the trailer is self-sufficient with 3-phase power and an independent air plant, heating and air conditioning. Drew said “We have used industry events space experts Equinox to deliver a professional, relaxing, and bright environment to host our customers, with the added convenience of being on location at their own sites. Onboard, the team at Sheard Packaging have replicated all essential services that are available back at HQ.
Broughton said, “MiC consists of everything from Kasemake CAD systems for structural design, to Adobe Creative Cloud for artwork and graphics. This is supported by a fully functional lab with BCT and ECT testing capabilities and a world first from Zünd – their most modern, small format cutting table, with a conveyorised bed and camera system.”
Darren Coombs, Project Manager, Zund UK added, “The special element to this Zünd cutting table is a bespoke engineered cradle and the innovation employed. Designed and fabricated by Zund UK, the cradle integrates with the machine base to strengthen the structure with triangulation supports and base plate anchors. In addition, positional pivot points and air cushion lifts were utilised so the table can be isolated from the truck base floor during transit.”
Dean Ashworth, Sales and Marketing Director, Zund UK, concluded, “The Mobile Innovation Centre is truly exceptional outside-the-box thinking from Sheard Packaging and a project we thoroughly enjoyed being a partner of. Having a fully operational Zünd Digital Cutter enclosed within a mobile vehicle has never been done before; so when the team at Sheard Packaging proposed the idea to us, we immediately rose to the challenge and were extremely keen to get started.”
