Strategic diversification through entry into the high-growth microflute sector with Omega Allpro 110 folder gluer. Maximum flexibility thanks to Rapida 106 X – ideal for profitable switching between small and medium runs. Koenig & Bauer’s consultative approach resolves specific bottlenecks in a volatile market environment.
In a market environment characterized by volatility, just-in-time delivery pressure, and declining margins, Koenig & Bauer has supported the long-established British packaging manufacturer Harrison Packaging in a comprehensive strategic realignment. By integrating a Rapida 106 X and an Omega Allpro 110 folder gluer, Harrison Packaging transformed its production chain from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage. The investment not only enables the company to achieve significant efficiency gains, but also to enter the lucrative market for microflute packaging.
From the status quo to a competitive edge
When Craig Turnbull took over Harrison Packaging as owner in 2021, he found a company with excellent expertise but outdated technology. “It was the end of the pandemic, a time of uncertainty. But we urgently needed new impetus,” explains Turnbull. The decision in favor of Koenig & Bauer was not based on a standard offer, but on the consultative approach. “Harrison Packaging was not traditionally a Koenig & Bauer partner. But our requirements were not standardized. Koenig & Bauer’s approach of listening and developing solutions was a perfect fit for us,” Turnbull continues. “I have always believed that listening is the art of selling, not talking.”
The Rapida 106 X: For profitable flexibility
The installed eight-color Rapida 106 X with double coater was configured specifically for the user in order to drastically reduce makeready times for the frequent job changes typical at Harrison.
- Productivity: With 20,000 sph, the press matches the maximum production output that Harrison needs on a daily basis.
- Flexibility: The Rapida 106 X enables Harrison to process a wide range of substrates and move away from its pure solid board business.
“We are not a mass production company, but a medium-sized business offering flexible production in the small and medium-sized sector. Short makeready times are crucial to our profitability,” emphasizes Turnbull. Chris Scully, Managing Director of Koenig & Bauer (UK), adds: “The technological range of this press is enormous – it is the key to standing out from the competition in a dynamic market.”
Omega Allpro 110: Opening up new market segments
In order to efficiently process the higher printing capacity, Harrison Packaging also opted for an Omega Allpro 110 from Koenig & Bauer. Here too, the requirement was clear: not a standard machine, but a solution offering high flexibility. The new system processes both classic solid board and microflute. “This is a wide range with enormous potential”, says Turnbull about the new market segment that Harrison can now serve.
Equipped with modified pre-fold and end-fold sections, the folder gluer allows precise alignment even at web speeds of up to 400 m/min. In addition, it minimizes waste thanks to an integrated quality control system. “Thanks to its intuitive operation and short makeready times, the Omega Allpro 110 achieves an incredibly high net production output”, confirms Turnbull.
Innovation as a response to market pressure
Investing in Koenig & Bauer technology has made Harrison Packaging future-proof. “Our investment policy allows us not only to meet customer expectations through flexible capacities, but to exceed them”, Turnbull sums up. For Koenig & Bauer, this project underscores its role as a strategic partner that goes beyond pure machine engineering and helps customers profitably tap into new business areas.
