Smurfit Kappa launches new case former to optimise packing line efficiencies and improve pack performance

Combining its unique range of expertise in design, mechanisation, performance packaging and shopper marketing, Smurfit Kappa is launching the SKMF 146, a mandrel case former.

The SKMF 146 is the next generation of mandrel case formers, providing customers with the most effective and optimised packaging machine solution to date combined with the flexibility to pack multiple design formats.

Using the SKMF 146, cases are formed with precision by shaping them around a mandrel resulting in the highest level of accuracy and consistency.  This precision forming improves the efficiency of the entire packing line due to more reliable case filling, perfect case closing and straight stack palletisation. This results in better pack performance, minimising any supply chain risk.

The SKMF 146 also offers brands owners the flexibility to change the design of their packaging to maximise shopper impact instore, where 82% of purchase decisions are made.  It can fold cases with 4, 6 or 8 corner designs, in various shapes so brand owners can modify existing packs, such as having extra surface space to communicate brand messages, or develop a complete new pack to disrupt shopper behaviour.

The SKMF 146 mandrel case former is a highly versatile machine which can be used by different industries and businesses, and is already used by Pernod Ricard with extremely positive reviews.  Alexandre Defrance, Plant Manager of the Pernod plant in Lormont said,

 “The Ricard plant in Lormont, north of Bordeaux, produces around 18 million litres per year. Innovation is at the heart of our industrial strategy, which is why we did not hesitate to incorporate the first Smurfit Kappa SKMF 146 mandrel case former on our line 1 in early 2016. Its novel design offers a good compromise between ergonomics, ease of access and simplicity of use, in line with our objectives of efficiency and flexibility of format changes. This new equipment is fully aligned with our pursuit of operational excellence.”

Arco Berkenbosch, VP Innovation & Development Smurfit Kappa added, “Smurfit Kappa is relentless in its approach to delivering new, innovative and unique ways to help our customers achieve optimal packaging performance both across the supply chain and in store. The SKMF 146 mandrel case former is another example of a total packaging solution for our customers from machine, to design to brand impact and supply chain efficiency”