Heidelberg Solutions Help Installs Keep Their Businesses Humming

ABOX Packaging Supports Growth with Investment

ABOX Packaging Company in Kaufman, Texas has replaced an aging off-line blanking system with a Heidelberg Dymatrix CSB (cutting/stripping/blanking) die cutter. The move saves time previously spent transporting materials to and from the company’s existing die cutters, and has increased the company’s productivity more than 25 percent over a comparable piece of machinery. “We pick our targets carefully and seek out the best long-term investments we can find,” said Keith Thompson, company president. “We spent more than a year researching the new Dymatrix and felt it was the most substantial piece of equipment available for the money.”

Since the installation last November, the new Dymatrix has performed admirably, Thompson said, citing the die cutter’s fast makereadies, photo-eye registration, horizontal sheet path, automatic pallet feeding, and minimal downtime. “It’s our first fully automated blanking tool,” he adds. “The user-friendliness is outstanding.” In addition, he said, “Because Heidelberg brought the right crew in beforehand, our need for training was minimal. We knew exactly what to expect.”

ABOX Packaging is an independent manufacturer of custom folding cartons for a wide array of industries including medical, food packaging, and office products. The company runs primarily 12- to 36-point paperboard stock, as well as a large volume of e-flute corrugated. According to Thompson, this is one of the reasons it purchased the versatile Heidelberg Dymatrix, which easily handles a broad spectrum of paperboard up to 2,000 gsm (410 lb/1000 sq ft) and 4mm (0.157 in) corrugated.

ABOX Packaging also has been enjoying an extended period of growth, supported by a forward-thinking investment strategy, in which Heidelberg is likely to play a continuing role. Since Thompson and his wife purchased the company in 2003, employment there has risen from 50 to 120, while annual sales have increased threefold over the same period. The company achieved a 9 percent growth in 2008, and is on track to show 12 percent growth this year.

For more on Heidelberg’s “gentle giant”: http://www.us.heidelberg.com/www/html/en/content/products/postpress/die-cutting/dymatrix_106,overview?resetBreadCrumbs=true