Engineering the future: BOBST celebrates 85 years of Autoplaten^® innovation

Mex, Switzerland, 6 November 2025

This year, BOBST proudly marks 85 years since the launch of its ground-breaking Autoplaten^® technology - a revolutionary platform that changed the landscape of die-cutting and carton processing forever.

Unveiled in 1940 with the AP 900, the Autoplaten^® press transformed packaging production by automating a process that was once manual, slow, and labor-intensive. Processing up to 70 sheets per minute at launch, it delivered speed and precision at levels never seen before. Today, every BOBST flatbed die-cutter around the world owes its core DNA to that visionary leap.

Until its creation, die-cutting was largely manual or semi-automatic and slow, limiting production efficiency and precision. By introducing automatic sheet feeding, precise registration, and continuous operation, the Autoplaten^® transformed packaging manufacturing.

The technology was a bold response to a global market on the brink of transformation. With packaging emerging as an essential driver of commerce, BOBST's engineers, led by Henri Bobst, chose to lead instead of follow. They dared to reimagine how sheets could be fed, cut, and delivered, integrating patented chain transport systems and toggle-joint platen mechanisms to ensure unmatched accuracy and reliability.

The resulting machine didn’t just meet the demands of its time, but set a new standard for decades to come; from the first AP 900, over a thousand Autoplaten^® machines were operating worldwide by the early 1960s.

“Autoplaten^® wasn’t simply a machine; it was a vision realized with courage,” said Marco Lideo, Head of the LADSF ETERNA DIGITAL Product Line at BOBST. “85 years ago, it embodied our commitment to engineering excellence, our belief in challenging the status quo, and our promise to empower packaging converters with the tools to perform at their best, every day, everywhere. Today, it still embodies that.”

This machine has contributed to building BOBST’s reputation and influence around the world, with a showcase celebration in Shanghai celebrate a brilliant legacy and anticipating a future driven by innovation and vitality. These festivities began with a unique ‘Art for the Future’ exhibition, while the next generation - the children of Bobst Shanghai employees - unleashed their creativity around the theme, ‘Imagining the Future: Happy 85th Birthday, Autoplaten^®’. They used their artistic talents to depict visions of a future die-cutting machine. The imaginative and delightful works created by the children were put on display at the company's Competence Center, symbolizing the passing of BOBST's innovative spirit from one generation to the next.

To further enhance inter-departmental collaboration and deepen the team's understanding of core processes, Bobst Shanghai organized a die-cutter assembly competition, which presented a valuable opportunity for learning and exchange. Through a hands-on exercise, office staff gained a deeper appreciation for the precision assembly process, uncovering new potential for process optimization from diverse perspectives and showcasing the company-wide commitment to craftsmanship and excellence.

The series of celebratory events culminated in a grand employee meeting at the Bobst Shanghai Competence Center. Bobst Group CEO, Jean-Pascal Bobst, was in attendance to celebrate the significant milestone with the team.

In August, a special event In Mex, Switzerland, brought together both current Autoplaten^® experts and retired colleagues who had dedicated years of their careers to this iconic machine — affectionately known internally as the “Grande Dame.” It was a unique opportunity to hear from key figures who have shaped the Autoplaten^® story, including a speech by Jean-Pascal Bobst, who shared his reflections on the legacy and future of this groundbreaking technology.

This machine, which sealed BOBST’s future 85 years ago, was celebrated through powerful testimonials and a rich collection of archival footage — much to the delight of all participants.
​The event also offered a glimpse into the future, showcasing upcoming innovations in Autoplaten^® technology — a promising sign that this legacy of excellence is set to continue for many years to come.

In addition, to celebrate this milestone, BOBST has released a tribute video https://youtu.be/3YMtFPh0Vgs revisiting the journey of Autoplaten^®, from the historic AP 900 prototype to today’s state-of-the-art die-cutting solutions. The film highlights the spirit of innovation, the changing world around the technology, and its enduring impact on global packaging.

The 85-year legacy of Autoplaten® serves as a powerful reminder that true progress is built on vision, courage and bold innovation. As the packaging industry faces new challenges and opportunities, from increasing automation to sustainability demands, BOBST leads with the same fearless mindset that defined 1940.

The release (available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese) can be downloaded here:

About BOBST
​We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated industries. Our vision is to shape the future of the packaging world based on four pillars: connectivity, digitalization, automation and sustainability.
​Founded in 1890 by Joseph Bobst in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 21 production facilities in 12 countries and employs more than 6 400 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.891 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Press contact:
​Gudrun Alex
​BOBST PR Representative
​Tel.: +49 211 58 58 66 66 ​
​Mobile: +49 160 48 41 439
​Email: gudrun.alex@bobst.com

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