The Merelbeke, Belgium, plant of UCB Films is now equipped with an advanced slitting facility. The £2.6M investment is part of the company's plan to develop the site as a 'world class' speciality overwrap film manufacturing operation.
The facility is capable of slitting 7,000t of film/year. It comprises a Valmet Atlas fully automated slitter (replacing four older machines) and a robotic end-of-line packing hall, designed by UCB in co-operation with Ceratec. While most of the film converted on the new machine is for the worldwide tobacco industry, it will also handle UCB’s Propafilm OS ‘smart’ shrink film, used to overwrap high quality confectionery, tea and cosmetic cartons.