Swanline Print Ltd, the specialist 100% trade only services provider to the corrugated packaging and point-of-sale markets, has enhanced its market position as a direct result of investment in a multi-million pound Fosber corrugator.
The machine is installed at CorrBoard UK Ltd as part of a £15million investment by a co-operative formed with eight other partners from the corrugated industry.
The technology is offering improved material quality, less waste, more efficiency and greater flexibility which directly benefits Swanline’s customers by being able to enhance their opportunities.
This versatile 2.8m-wide fully computerised corrugator, together with its fully automated handling system, is the most advanced corrugator technology in the UK today with its many unique and innovative systems. The machine has also been future proofed to accommodate further enhancements being developed by CorrBoard’s US-based operation partner, Corrugated Synergies International.
Swanline’s decision to vertically integrate into material manufacture has improved grade choice and given control over service levels that had previously been the Achilles heel of its ability to progress in a rapidly changing industry. Nick Kirby, Managing Director of the company says: “We could see changes across the spectrum with both packaging and display, whether it was progression of digital print or the need to change mind-set in line with service demand. It was clear that our ability to react to change was occasionally constrained by external limiters.”
He continues: “No-one offers such a wide variety of print and conversion options to the trade from one site. With the Fosber investment, Swanline is able to guide customers with confidence about what is best for them to have an advantage in a market that can often be complex and demanding.”
Swanline is at the forefront of confidential print and conversion services in a value added sector that is changing as a result of consumer and market driven changes. Significant investment into digital technology has been key to the company’s growth and digital output now accounts for more than 30% of its £12m turnover. Nonetheless, the traditional analogue print options of screen and offset litho are still major contributors to the business.
Mr Kirby points out: “Being able to offer a flexible solution is critical and we regularly integrate print processes to get the best result. We look at everything from design, to layout, to process, to run length, to materials in order to advise the best options to compete. The Fosber at our own corrugated board facility is fundamental to this.”
The speed and quality needed from digital technology in order to align with the demands of brands and retailers is progressing fast. The requirement for multiple print changes including versioning, personalisation and regionalisation, particularly in corrugated packaging applications, is at the forefront of Swanline’s thoughts for the future.
The Fosber corrugator and parallel investments have given Swanline the flexibility needed to provide its customers with a USP. The Swanline team has huge confidence that it will continue to deliver ground-breaking opportunity without their customers having to invest themselves.
Nick Kirby concludes: “Our customers, together with our team of dedicated, experienced people understand our journey and are excited by the prospects that Swanline will provide for the future.”