FASTER PACKAGING SOLUTIONS - Packaging Europe

FASTER
PACKAGING
SOLUTIONS
Arkivator Machine Systems is a market
leader in the development and manufacture
of machines and systems for the packaging
industry. Philip Yorke talked to Mikael
Helgewall, Arkivator Machine Systems CEO,
about their recent developments, including
the company’s latest production facilities
under construction in China.
Arkivator initially got involved in the business of developing
machines for the packaging industry in 1994, when the company
secured its first commission to build a straw applicator system
for Tetra Pak. The business has grown steadily since then and in
2003 the company established a separate business area for the production
of machines dedicated solely to the packaging industry. Today
the company is a market leader in this niche area and produces a
wide variety of packaging machines from cap applicators and UV sintering
systems to fast film wrappers and tray shrinks.
With its move to new, purpose-built premises in 2007 in Falköping,
Sweden, Arkivator’s machinery assembly lines are the most advanced anywhere,
with all peripheral functions planned into each production process.
Optimisation process
Arkivator guarantees the highest quality in all aspects of its design and
development processes and the manufacture of its tailor-made machines
and machine systems. A process of continuous improvement based on
the ‘LEAN’ method is employed to achieve optimum quality as well as
trouble-free and efficient production. Arkivator has been certified to ISO
9001 and ISO 14001 since 2005 and takes total responsibility for everything
from the smallest component to the complete machine.
Helgewall said, “Since establishing our packaging machine systems
division in 2009 we have focused mainly on the food and beverage
sector, however we are currently looking at the medical and healthcare
sectors. We certainly have the technology to design and produce dedicated
machines that are better, faster and can be offered at a lower
cost than our competitors. Every single machine is custom built to our
client’s own high specifications. We work in partnership with Graniten
Engineering to optimise the efficiency of our machine systems.
“Recently we developed a unique ‘windmill’ system in close collaboration
with a client, which offered an entirely new way of applying closures
at high speed. This ground-breaking design has dramatically
increased the performance of standard closure systems from 7000 aps
to around 25,000 aps. This machine was developed and tested in record
time and I believe it to be a remarkable success.
“Another aspect of our commitment to efficiency and customer service
is that we are able to offer the relocation of our design and production
facilities in order to be close to wherever our customer is installing
new plant. This means substantial cost savings and efficiencies in
meeting deadlines, as well as providing improved communications
throughout the design and installation process.”
Complete solutions offer greater efficiency
Arkivator offer complete solutions to the packaging industry and this means
a one-stop shop that includes everything from materials selection and new
product development, to planning, inventory and transport. In addition, the
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“Much of our growth to date has been organic, for
example through recommendation; however, we
will be represented at the next Interpack trade
fair as well as at Scanpack in 2012”
company strives to constantly reduce the environmental impact created by
its activities. A recent initiative was undertaken to work in close cooperation
with its suppliers in order to use returnable and re-usable packaging.
Furthermore, the company’s central location also means that its suppliers
are geographically closer, thus reducing transportation distances and in
turn its eco-footprint.
Helgewall added, “As a leading systems supplier to the packaging
industry, we use advanced production intelligence and the most modern
machinery to develop and industrialise our fully qualified products, whilst
JK Rostfria
JK Rostfria is a young, dynamic company manufacturing stainless precision products.
Our aim is to be the leader in the pharmaceutical and food industries but we are always
open to possibilities in new market sectors.
Our company operates from a 1200m² workshop equipped with all the latest technologies.
We place a great deal of emphasis on employee care, a good working environment
and the delegation of responsibility amongst our workforce.
Our customers generally have very high quality requirements, which we can meet with the
help of our highly qualified personnel and modern machine park. We can deliver everything
from small, single trays to complex and complete mechanical units. We can carry small runs
of specialised products as well as large series – all with a consistently high level of quality.
Our manufacturing is carried out using ProE, which is a highly complex and efficient
program. It is also certified according to the ISO 9001:2008 quality standard, and we are
planning to introduce environmental certification by the end of 2011.
We have long-term collaborations with our suppliers in areas such as processing, finishing,
painting and so on. We also collaborate with Järnkonstruktioner Ltd, a company
with whom we share the same owner. Of its 20 employees, 15 have been with the company
for more than 25 years, making it a highly reliable and competent supplier. It provides
all kinds of moulds, both large and small, simple and complex.
employing the most eco-friendly practices. We are constantly looking to
achieve optimum results for our customers and set ourselves high standards
in the process. All our employees provide us with feedback to identify
any problems and propose improvements. This has resulted in ‘best
practice’ being adopted in all departments and visual production flows.”
Extending export reach
Since 2008, Arkivator has had a purchasing office situated close to
Shanghai in China and is now taking the next step to further develop
its business there with the building of a new, purpose-built factory.
This state-of-the-art plant will be located in Kunshan in the Jiangsu
province approximately 50km from Shanghai.
The new factory premises will extend to 2400 square metres, with
its production area covering more than 2000 square metres. Machines
dedicated to the packaging industry will be installed in the first stage
which is expected to be fully operational by early 2011. Helgewall
commented, “We have launched a new website in China and will initially
be serving the growing Chinese market, although we are looking
at moving into South America with a separate facility in the foreseeable
future to cater for that market and others in the Far East.
“Much of our growth to date has been organic, for example through
recommendation; however, we will be represented at the next Interpack
trade fair as well as at Scanpack in 2012, where our latest innovative systems,
developed in close collaboration with customers, will be on display.
Another reason for our strong growth is our pro-active approach, allowing
us to stay one step ahead of clients to anticipate their needs.” n
www.arkivator.se
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