Thimm continues to focus on the expansion and digitalisation of its plants and is investing more than €3m in a new flat-bed die-cutter for its Castrop-Rauxel production site. With this high-performance system, Thimm is taking another step forward towards achieving its digitalisation vision of the Internet of Packs.
Thimm has significantly expanded its production capacity at Castrop-Rauxel with a new MASTERCUT 2.1 from BOBST. Thanks to speeds of up to 7,000 sheets per hour and short set-up times, the system can achieve an annual production output of 25 million sqm of processed corrugated board.
“Our new flat-bed die-cutter impresses with its efficiency, maximum performance and ideal conditions for processing digital pre-print. This means it is making a significant contribution to our digitalisation strategy,” explains Kornelius Thimm, CEO, Thimm. “We see digitalisation as a key success factor for our future growth which is why we want to network all processes – both in our own plants and especially at our customer sites. Our vision is the Internet of Packs, in other words, fully digitalised and traceable supply chains for all types of products, made possible by digitally printed packaging. Our customers benefit here from short delivery times, sustainable production processes and flexible print image design without minimum order quantities. To achieve this we are continuing to invest in highly-efficient and automated processing systems such as the new Mastercut.”
Before installation of the new new die-cutter could begin in the summer, extensive earthworks and foundation work were carried out at the Castrop plant; 500 sqm of reinforced concrete had to be broken up and a new foundation cast to safeguard the statics of the 55-tonne line. In addition to the €3m for the machine itself, an additional €400,000 were invested in this extensive peripheral work at the plant.
Kornelius Thimm concludes, “The plant is an important and future-oriented addition to our machinery and equipment in Castrop-Rauxel. The careful planning and great commitment of our employees ensured that the rest of production was not impaired during the conversion phase. After commissioning, the system performed well, meaning that we have been able to utilise it in full three-shift operation since September and produce high-quality packaging for our customers.”
