24 Mar Investing in technology: a new rewinder to boost productivity
Index of contents
At Rieusset, continuous improvement is a fundamental pillar of our philosophy. That is why we have added a new rewinder to our plant, a key component in the flexible packaging and label industry. Its function is to cut the printed or laminated material into smaller rolls – in width and diameter – according to the client’s specifications. We have to keep in mind that, for cost optimization, printed and laminated rolls are produced to the maximum width that the client’s machines and format allow and that the slitting process is critical for delivering what the client requests. This process is also particularly important as it is often the final process before the material is shipped to the client. Therefore, it is important that the machine works well and that the operators are well trained to observe any deviation from the specifications requested by the client.
This investment is therefore a significant advance in the efficiency and quality of our production processes compared to current machines. In this article, we explore the process of acquiring this technology, its impact on daily operations and its contribution to continuous improvement and plant productivity.
Acquisition process
The selection of the new rewinder was not a decision taken lightly. Its incorporation was necessary mainly due to an improvement in productivity and ergonomics, without forgetting, as in all GEROSA Group investments, its impact on sustainability. Not much needs to be said about productivity, but as regards ergonomics, knowing that employees interact with machines for many hours, it is necessary to bear in mind “how to work with them” so that this does not affect the health of our workers. For this reason, since the beginning of 2024, Rieusset’s production and engineering team has carried out an exhaustive market study to compare different options and select the machine that best suits our needs.
During the evaluation process, different prestigious European manufacturers were analyzed, each with proposals that were evaluated according to criteria of sustainability, ergonomics, efficiency, quality and costs. After an initial analysis of the proposals received, three candidates were selected and asked to test their machines with our products. After deliberating on the results of the tests and taking into account the above criteria, the final choice was the KAMPF ConSlitter CTRU Blue Line rewinder, which meets all our requirements.
The construction and installation of the machine has been a process that has ended with the testing and adjustment phase before its final entry into production.
Impact on quality and efficiency
Our industrial plant already had two rewinders and now, with the addition of the new Kampf ConSlitter CTRU Blue Line, we are increasing our slitting capacity while optimizing our workflow.
The new rewinder introduces, in addition to ergonomic and sustainability improvements, significant improvements in efficiency. One of its main advantages is its operating speed, reaching up to 800 meters per minute. This gives us a higher production capacity without compromising quality. In addition, its acceleration ramps are more powerful, which means that it reaches the optimal speed in less time, thus allowing for a considerable increase in productivity.
Another key aspect is the optimization of changeover times. With the increasing demand for smaller and more customized orders, the ability to quickly adjust production formats is a factor that improves our competitiveness. Thanks to its state-of-the-art technology, this machine allows us to significantly reduce set-up time between orders.
Via Kampf
As for the quality of the final product, the Kampf ConSlitter CTRU Blue Line ensures a higher level of precision, with uniform cuts and a smaller margin of error. Another very important aspect that we have also valued when purchasing the machine are the advanced protection systems that the machine comes with, which minimize occupational hazards and allow a safer and more comfortable working environment for operators. These systems include detection sensors and emergency protocols that ensure risk-free operation.
In terms of sustainability, the new rewinder guarantees the required energy efficiency standards, contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Additionally, the trim waste that is always generated in this type of machine is directed, according to the type of material, to its corresponding compactor, where it is stored before being sent to the waste manager, who can later reuse it thanks to this selection. In this way, we promote our commitment to the circular economy.
Our commitment to continuous improvement
The acquisition of this rewinder reflects our commitment to continuously improving our processes, focusing on greater care for our workers and the environment we operate in, improved productivity, and better customer service. Thanks to this machine, we can respond more swiftly to market demands without compromising our productivity or quality.
Investment in technology is key to our growth and allows us to continue advancing toward safer, more sustainable, more optimized, and more competitive production.
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