Constantia Flexibles Group has invested in a new duplex multi-technology laminator at its Durban, South African-based subsidiary Constantia Afripack, to boost production.
The purchase of the new laminator is a part of the firm’s effort to increase quality, productivity and capacity at facility.
Planned to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2018, the new laminator will cater to the needs of confectionary and snacks, as well as home and personal care (HPC) industries.
Constantia Flexibles Food Division executive vice-president Stefan Grote said: “This investment in Afripack, Africa’s second largest flexible packaging company, is a commitment to supplying the latest technology to our customers.
“It is also a commitment to South Africa, whose economy is slowly returning to old strengths.”
The laminator features a highly sensitive web tension control system designed to be maintained at extremely low tolerances for a wide spectrum of flexible substrates of different materials and varying thickness.
Additionally, the laminator can offer solvent-free packaging solutions, which complements existing solvent-based and cold seal manufacturing options at Afripack, Constantia said.
Recently, Constantia Flexibles unveiled its plan to invest in new technology at its flexible packaging subsidiary in Vietnam in a bid to expand product portfolio.
The investment will see installation of a new printing machine and a laminator by Oai Hung Manufacturing Joint Stock, a Vietnam-based supplier of aluminum-based blister foil and a subsidiary of Constantia Flexibles.
A manufacturer of flexible packaging and labels, Constantia Flexibles operates 32 sites in 18 countries. It employs about 7,200 people.
Constantia Afripack in Durban operates two plants employing 400 people. These facility feature technology to provide both flexo and gravure print to cover the growing needs for premium print and short run.