The digital cutting and creasing machine, which is due to be launched at Drupa in four weeks’ time has been put through its paces at the company’s new premises in Stockport, Cheshire.
Sales director Jacky Sidebottom-Every said Glossop was keen to take up the opportunity, following a good experience with the Euclid, launched at Drupa 2012.
She said: “Being at the cutting edge of technology is really exciting. The Highcon Beam is very space age, it's very sexy, it’s a lovely green, which is our corporate colour. It’s very pleasing on the eye and technologically it’s very pleasing too.”
According to the Israeli manufacturer, the three-laser Highcon Beam offers enhanced production capabilities, faster speeds, improved software and “incredible finishing capabilities” for mainstream carton and commercial markets.
It dispenses with the need for production cutting formes, reducing makeready times and can run B1 sheets at a maximum speed of 5,000 sheets per hour.
Glossop Cartons has been using it alongside its existing Highcon Euclid, Bobst and Iberica cutting and creasing machines, in its general carton work, for intricate cutting and high decoration in general cartons and cards, on white lined chip, SBS board and folding box board.
Sidebottom-Every added: “Laser cutting of the machine is so ground-breaking that having the opportunity to work with that technology is really exciting.
“Not having the cost of the cutting forme, that gives a project legs for some clients. It saves them some money, can get it off the ground.
“It can get through thousands an hour, it’s the technology of the future. That’s what’s so exciting to be involved in it.”
Referring to traditional cutting technology, she added: “The workhorses are always going to be needed but with laser, when you’ve got your file, you’re up and running.”
Separately, the 94-staff company’s move from Padfield, Derbyshire to its new 5,574sqm Stockport site, following its acquisition of Contact Print and Packaging in November has gone well and is expected to complete next month, Sidebottom-Every said.
“The integration’s gone well. We’re consolidating now and looking forward to the rest of the year, looking forward to Drupa.
“Highcon will have a Beam on the Highcon stand; it’s going to be really exciting and a big draw. You’re going to have the doubters and you can prove them wrong.”
