Platypus Graphics takes second Bobst as packaging grows

The Bobst ExpertCut 106 diecutter, worth “well over a million”, replaces an older machine and joins a three-year old Bobst diecutter.

“It’s an opportunity to have two Bobsts of a similar kind,” said Platypus director Tom Lusch.

The machine, which was supplied by Ferrostaal, comes with automatic pallet transfers – a non-stop feeder and a non-stop delivery.

“That’ll save us probably three minutes in every eight minutes in full production,” he said.

Lusch told ProPrint that packaging work now made up 60% of its output, with 40% made up of commercial print.

“Packaging is consistent while commercial is shrinking, in volume and in dollars,” he added.

He added that the machine would largely be for beer cartons, including work for the local Castlemaine brewery.

The Bobst will finish work printed on Platypus’ manroland Roland 700, as well as jobs from its six-colour Komori L28.

Platypus also recently invested in a sheeter from Taiwanese manufacturer Goodstrong, also supplied through Ferrostaal. Lusch thought it was the first new Goodstrong GMC-TC2 to come into Australia.

He said the company used to buy its board “in reels and sub-contract it out for sheeting. But because the packaging business is growing, we’re buying more and more reels at a cost-saving and at a huge storage saving.”

Lusch added that Platypus had taken advantage of the investment allowance “in a big way – we’ve taken advantage of about $4m-$5m in one year”.

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