Significant 'Cutting' Edge Investment For Nottinghamshire Family Firm

A Nottingham-based packaging giant has bolstered its current machinery fleet by investing in a £1.4m die-cutter.

The Bobst Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 is the latest machine to arrive on site after a massive investment programme for the Nottingham headquarters. It had to be specially built from scratch in Switzerland, before making its way to The Wilkins Group in Colwick Nottingham.

It is anticipated that the new addition will further increase productivity and efficiency in the production of folding cartons for the global brand and help deliver its full order book for 2025.

The new machine is equipped with Bobst’s latest ‘Smart Feeder 2’ technology as well as an APT logistics system.

This specialist machine die-cuts printed sheets and then strips the internal waste away and fully blanks the cartons onto the pallet, all at a tremendous 9,000 sheets per hour.

It is expected that the new Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 will handle 40 million sheets annually.

Joint managing director Justin Wilkins said:

“Equipped with a Centreline system, this new equipment will allow for quick job changeovers, enhancing our productivity and ultimately enhancing our efficiency and delivery for customers."

"It will ensure that we can maintain the quality that our customers are used to whilst adding to our order book for 2025."

The commissioned Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 includes power register 3, which automatically controls the print register, ensuring a high-quality job every time.

In addition to the ‘Smart Feeder 2’ technology, the machine boasts an independent feeder with electrical drive-shaft as well as ‘Quick Set’ and ‘Stop & Go’ functions.

The Expertcut also has an APT logistics system, which automatically changes the pallets over and does not require any operator intervention.

The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for many of the UK's leading brands – including Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods, and Cadbury’s to name a few. It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.

Justin added:

“We have bought many machines from Bobst over the years and this latest addition, with its enhanced features such as the APT logistics system, further expands and enhances our die-cutting capabilities. It will ensure that our ambitious plans for the future remain on track.”

The new Bobst Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 marks the latest investment in The Wilkins Group’s UK headquarters. The die-cutting department now is unrivalled in the industry and the company is super proud of its achievements in this area.