Regulars / Continuous improvement | 31to set up, and several of the manual steps on the old presses were super machines, but they should measure the proposition. In the automated on the new fexo press. This lower cost, lower risk label and packaging printing equipment world, there will always be approach checked all the boxes for an excellent investment. a need for larger, more complex equipment. These purchasing cycles The new equipment can be retroftted later as growth patterns for this type of equipment are less frequent. The justifcation for change or if a change of strategic direction is part of future the increased capital required includes much longer production runs consideration. The beneft to the converter included an immediate with graphic and design differentiation.reduction of production labor costs, revitalization of the workforce Complex equipment increases the organization’s cost structure now excited the company was investing, and improved print because overhead spending will need to grow with the marketing quality. Critical quality attributes like registration, dot control, color and advertising campaigns required for the new capacity. Overhead matching and die-cutting all were improved. Another immediate costs will increase when leaders realize people development in beneft was the reduction of waste by more than 50 percent. sales, engineering, maintenance and operator training are gaps that Some companies will insist on the new technology spend need to be flled to support the investment. for digital. I believe there is a lower cost, lower risk investment Complex equipment capacity requires increased production approach for simplifed digital and fnishing equipment as well. The demands often taking a year or more for an organization to investment cost will be higher than an essential fexo press, but the digest. Those companies buying the larger equipment typically run message is similar. Start with a simple investment before looking one shift in the frst year, two shifts in the second year, and three for larger, more complex equipment. There are a lot of competing in the third.resources for investment capital. I’m hopeful that the discussion with converters leads to a commitment to replacing old equipment lines with new simplifed The time is now equipment at a smaller investment level that fuels manufacturing Small, medium and mid-range converters who have been very capability. The best strategy is lower cost and more aggressive frugal and cautious buying equipment should invest in upgraded capacity improvements that strengthen competitiveness in this equipment now as part of their commitment to continuous dynamic market. improvement. Simple press and fnishing equipment are easier to set up, operate and maintain. Several smaller pieces of equipment provide project risk mitigation and operational protection should a Paul Brauss, former CEO of Mark Andy and facility have a catastrophic problem. a past board member of TLMI, is a consultant Larger multi-national and multi-facility converters should also and executive coach. See Braussconsulting.com, look to newer simplifed equipment spending as part of their and buy his book at amzn.to/2NFzXkBstrategic plans. They may have more capability to spend for larger The synthetic paper that reduces your environmental impactrArjobex is introducing r-Polyart, a new range of synthetic papers based on 30% Post-Consumer Recycled HDPE to reduce our carbon footprint and help our customers reach their sustainability goals.For tags & labels, maps, graphic prints…30% is the frst step towards more eco-responsible manufacturing.Find r-Polyart and the full Polyart range on polyart.com or polyartusa.comOct - Dec 2022