Midlands based Kilby Packaging wanted to fulfil the increasing demand for bespoke boxes in larger formats, and shorter runs, at their Kettering corrugated manufacturing plant. Arran Sethi, Kolbus UK director of sales, was convinced that the Kolbus Autobox AB300, short-run corrugated boxmaking machine, would fit the bill perfectly. Kilby Packaging Manging Director James Kilby only had experience of a twenty plus years old Autobox machine with limited capabilities so needed convincing. He and Ivan Eldred, Site Manager at Kettering, agreed to go to a demonstration at the Kolbus Autobox manufacturing facility in Houghton Regis.
The Kolbus Autobox AB300 was put through its paces with particular focus on productivity. The range of styles which could be produced, the tight tolerances, accurate programming, and production speed were demonstrated.
Kilby and Eldred were quick to appreciate the considerable improvements made to this new generation Kolbus Autobox machine: The larger format, up to 2,600mm width and unlimited length; the interchangeable slotting knives which were previously fixed; no minimum first panel size, previously 80mm; centre set and much greater hold down across the full width of the machine. All this and the machine could run at over 700 boxes per hour on a four-slot box.
The capabilities of the Autobox AB300 more than met the criteria set by Kilby Packaging, the fact that it was designed and built close by was a bonus. Fast access to engineering support and a comprehensive stock of spare parts being what Autobox guaranteed.
Installation and training requirements were given in advance so that delivery worked seamlessly. In less than a week, operators were fully trained and running live jobs.
Eldred said: “The machine hasn’t stopped working for us since day one. We can’t fault it. It is producing the biggest boxes in the heaviest board grades possible, as well as volumes that we never thought would go through an Autobox. The ability to produce standard Fefco styles but also bespoke configurations is extremely useful.”
Sethi said: “Autobox is the leading name when it comes to short-medium run production machinery. Customers in the UK benefit significantly from a strong, local infrastructure of experienced sales and support staff. We worked closely with Kilby Packaging throughout this process to make sure they knew exactly what to expect. What I love most about my job is visiting a recent installation and the only negative comment I hear is that they wished they bought more. We have a saying at Kolbus-Autobox which is: sales sells the first machine, service and support will secure the additions. We pride ourselves on doing exactly that.”
