The Encore Group furthers converting capabilities with automated BOBST NOVACUT to increase its packaging output capacity

Mex, Switzerland, 18^th July 2024

UK-based The Encore Group, a one-stop-shop provider of envelopes and packaging solutions, has confirmed its investment in a third BOBST NOVACUT die-cutter at drupa 2024, responding to a period of sustained growth.

The Encore Group was founded in 1983 and is now the UK's largest independently owned envelope and packaging manufacturer. It manufactures folding cartons and corrugated packaging for a variety of end uses, including food, retail, e-commerce, and medical and healthcare. To maintain this position, the company prides itself on continuously investing in best-in-class machinery that allows it to print and convert products to the highest standard. This includes converting equipment from BOBST, such as an EXPERTFOLD 110 A2, a VISIONFOLD 110 A2 and a HANDYPACK GT. A NOVACUT E and pre-existing NOVACUT 106 ER provide die-cutting capability at the company. Shortly to be installed is a BOBST NOVACUT 106 ER APT with automatic pallet transfer, which will further the company’s ability to process folding boxboard for food packaging applications.

NOVACUT 106 ER is an autoplaten die-cutter, engineered to simplify blanking during folding carton manufacture. Able to achieve a production speed of up to 7,000 sheets per hour (8,000 with speed upgrade), it can handle sheets up to 1,060 x 760 mm, with a maximum corrugated board thickness of 4 mm, carton board up to 2,000 g/m2 and a paper weight of 80 g/m2. A cutting force of 2.6 MN is applied, with a 23.8 mm cutting rule height. Key features of the machine include: a single, full-colour HMI; a pull or push sheet registration; high-speed, in-line stripping; automatic non-stop blank pile delivery; automatic quick-lock system for the upper tool, integrated into the machine; on-demand motorised cutting force adjustment; and optional non-stop feeder to optimise the machine’s net output.

The new BOBST NOVACUT 106 ER destined for The Encore Group will provide a substantial boost to the company’s manufacturing, equating to an increase of more than 30% in output capacity the associated automated logistics (ATP) with the latest model NOVACUT 106 ER are to be a major boon to the business and its packaging manufacturing capability. This will be achieved in areas beyond food packaging, such as e-commerce, where cutting-edge die-cutting will complement the systems necessary to convert such packaging. "

David Cooper, Managing Director of The Encore Group, said: “It’s important we’re not standing still but are looking to the future.

“We experienced packaging growth of 28% in 2022 and a further 12% in 2023. That means this machine is to be delivered at a pivotal moment for our business, as we focus on further growth. We need to ensure we continually invest in the right equipment to make sure we meet the service and commercial requirements of our customers. This investment ensures our customers benefit from the very best the industry has to offer.”

Mr Cooper added that his company and its customers benefit from a continued partnership with a reliable and reputed supplier that is BOBST.

“With all the external challenges of recent years, BOBST has still offered the best professional approach to new investment. Communication and continuous innovation have been key to our decision making and this sets BOBST apart from the rest of the competition,” he emphasised.

Lee Alton, BOBST UK’s Area Sales Manager for Northern England and Scotland, added: “We are delighted to once again be able to support The Encore Group with its investment plans and be a part of their continued growth strategy. Our commitment to customers is always one that stretches well beyond the purchase and installation of a machine. When partnering with BOBST, it’s a collaboration that is created to deliver ongoing, long-term expertise, support, and ultimately, success to the customer.”

The release (available in English) 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 board industries. ​
​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 6 300 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.960 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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

Follow us:
​Facebook: www.bobst.com/facebook ​
​LinkedIn: www.bobst.com/linkedin ​
​YouTube: www.bobst.com/youtube