UK's first Brausse Forza 900 goes to Glossop

12 June 2018

Packaging

Glossop Cartons has invested in the UK’s first Brausse Forza 900 C3 folder-gluer as part of a “six-figure” investment, the final part of a significant reequip.

The machine was installed at the Stockport packaging manufacturer’s premises in April and replaced the second of two ageing Jagenberg machines. The other Jagenberg was replaced with a Forza 1100 C3 model in November.

The two new machines bring Glossop’s plant list completely up-to-date, as the Jagenbergs were the last machines left from the firm’s 2015 acquisition of Contact Print & Packaging that had not yet been phased out. Glossop relocated to Contact’s 5,574sqm Stockport base following the deal.

Sales director Jacky Sidebottom-Every said: “Purchasing the Brausse machines came from a combination of what kit was available in our time frame and the quality of the deal we could get. Brausse has been around for quite some time and we know plenty of companies who have invested in them.

“I think these new machines, as with any new installation, will give us greater reliability and a reduced number of breakdowns. There is always just a feeling of positivity that surrounds new tech.

“Though we have taken on the first Forza 900, we were not nervous about it – we have faith in the manufacturer and are big fans of the build quality. We took it with no hesitation.”

Brausse’s Forza 900 folder-gluer can work on carton board up to 800gsm at a maximum belt speed of 325m/min. It is a straight-line and lock-bottom folder that can generate folds up to 900mm. The 1100 runs the same substrate weights at the same speed but folds up to 1.1m.

Glossop, which marks 35 years in business this year, has now paused in what Sidebottom-Every described as “a long history of investment”. She added that the firm's next move would be to bolster its management team with new hires to stimulate growth at the firm.

“We are now stepping up on to a growth plan through which we will enhance our management structure,” said Sidebottom-Every. “We are looking to employ like-minded people who have the skills and enthusiasm to help us to grow.”

Glossop Cartons currently employs 88 members of staff and turns over £8m. Its capabilities also include digital printing, a variety of cutting, gluing, laminating and specialist coating.