The 30-year-old company replaced a 35-year-old Wohlenberg 115 model with the CCM Premier, costing around £28,000 and including a two-year warranty.
Leicester-based Qualvis specialises in packaging for cosmetics, multimedia, horticulture and DIY sectors, with its core business in design and production of cartons for food.
The latest bindery addition from supplier Terry Cooper Services (TCS) followed a £4m investment and refurbishment programme in 2013.
“The old guillotine needed replacing and we looked at the market,” said Qualvis' maintenance manager Andrew Smith.
“We liked the CCM Premier for a number of reasons. We liked the availability of the parts and the price but it was also easy to use and quick to set up. We run a lot of high-quality packaging and it is perfect for that kind of work.”
Smith said guillotne parts were expensive while other kit came “sold as seen” or with six-month warranties. A 15-year-old Polar, for example, cost £25,000 and had only a half-year warranty.
Smith rated the new machine's heavy build, which reduced vibration and should lengthen the machine's life and cutting accuracy.
“It also offers deep clamp opening to accept more paper to reduce overall cutting time, optical shaft encoder on high-speed backgauge for faster operation and accurate cutting,” said Smith.
Large side tables offer easier paper handling, while other features include infrared slimline light barriers, improved centralised oiling wear-free bearings and enclosed knife change with monitored single-shear bolt protection. A turnbuckle adjustment ensures fast, safe and easy knife change.
“Enhanced programmability and memory storage means we are already improving day-to-day productivity,” said Smith.
“It has been great since it went in two months ago: we have eliminated any bottlenecks in this area and we are much more efficient and productive. It makes life a lot easier.”
Qualvis Print & Packaging has 105 staff and a turnover of around £12m. Kit includes Manroland and Heidelberg presses while the firm's £4m investment focused on centralising three sites into one.
“Our one site in Leicester was extended to include more warehousing and a finishing department,” said Smith.
“It has increased our efficiency – we no longer have to rush from site to site – and given us scope for more productivity.”
