The dust has barely settled since the ink dried on the deal, yet Beswick Machinery has already made impressive strides as the exclusive agent for all Reifenhäuser blown film lines in southern Africa.
Managing director Bruce Beswick describes the early days of this alliance as nothing short of exhilarating. ‘We really hit the ground running with an introductory visit to Reifenhäuser’s facilities in Worms and Troisdorf, Germany.
To say we were super impressed by the organisation as a whole would be an understatement.’
The initial response from southern Africa’s packaging industry has been overwhelmingly positive. Existing Reifenhäuser customers, as well as companies new to the brand, have welcomed Beswick with open doors and open minds, eager to explore the potential of advanced blown film technology.
Bruce notes that the industry’s eagerness to engage has helped his team accelerate their learning curve. ‘Many customers have generously shared their expertise, allowing us to fast-track our understanding of both the equipment and the processes involved.’ But Bruce’s team isn’t just relying on goodwill – they are investing heavily in technical training. ‘Our product manager, Riaan Hopley, and service manager, Julian Rademeyer, will be attending intensive product and service training courses at Reifenhäuser in Germany during February and March. On top of that, we’ve already had a fantastic opportunity for hands-on technical training during an eight-week installation and start-up project on a brand-new line in South Africa.’
Real-world impact: installations and innovations
That eight-week installation was no small feat and has already cemented the partnership’s value in the eyes of local converters. ‘The project gave us invaluable insight into the real-world performance of Reifenhäuser’s technology,’ Bruce explains. ‘This undertaking really reassures customers that we aren’t just here to sell machines – we’re here to ensure they run at peak performance for years to come.’
Looking ahead, southern African converters have much to be excited about. Reifenhäuser is renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge extrusion technology and 2025 is set to deliver some groundbreaking innovations. Chief among them is the patented Ultra Stretch technology, showcased at a recent open house at Reifenhäuser’s Troisdorf facility.
‘Ultra Stretch allows for the production of 18µm MDO-PE (machine-direction oriented polyethylene), which is a significant breakthrough,’ Bruce asserts. ‘This technology enables converters to create fully recyclable mono-material packaging while achieving the same strength and performance as traditional multilayer structures. That’s a game changer in a market where sustainability is becoming non-negotiable.’
The future of flexibles
The environmental pressure on plastics has never been greater, and Bruce acknowledges that the packaging industry must respond proactively. ‘Not all plastics are bad. The industry is heading in the right direction in terms of recyclability and waste management. I believe we’re ready for the next big step.’ He adds: ‘Reifenhäuser is leading this charge with its real-world sustainable solutions that significantly reduce the environmental footprint of flexible packaging.’
In addition to Ultra Stretch, Reifenhäuser’s technology is helping converters improve downgauging, enhance material efficiency and integrate post-consumer recycled content without compromising product integrity. ‘These advancements are crucial, not just from a regulatory standpoint, but also from a consumer education perspective. Brand owners and retailers need to communicate that flexible packaging can be sustainable if designed and disposed of correctly.’
Support beyond the sale
One of Beswick Machinery’s defining strengths is its commitment to after-sales service. With a team of roughly 15 dedicated service specialists and a strong investment in factory training, Bruce ensures that customers receive world-class support. ‘Our goal is to provide customers with peace of mind,’ he emphasises. ‘When you invest in a Reifenhäuser blown film line, you’re not just getting cutting-edge technology – you’re getting a skilled technical team that’s ready to support you every step of the way.’
This commitment extends to existing Reifenhäuser customers, particularly those operating older lines. ‘There’s a substantial installed base of Reifenhäuser equipment across our region, and certain key electronic components on these lines are approaching obsolescence. Our first priority is to assess where customers might be vulnerable and offer solutions to ensure production continuity and investment protection,’ Bruce comments.
In parallel, Beswick Machinery is introducing both Reifenhäuser and non-Reifenhäuser customers to upgrade solutions from K Design, which enhance output and performance on existing lines. ‘These upgrades allow converters to see firsthand what Reifenhäuser’s latest expertise can do for their operations. Once they experience the benefits, we’re confident they’ll choose Reifenhäuser for their future investments.’
The road ahead
As the partnership moves into its next phase, the Beswick team is focused on the bigger picture. ‘In the short term, our goal is to solidify our support infrastructure and ensure customers experience the full value of Reifenhäuser technology. In the medium to long term, we want to strengthen Reifenhäuser’s footprint in southern Africa, not just by selling more lines, but by helping the industry transition to more sustainable, high-performance packaging solutions.’
Bruce acknowledges that challenges remain, particularly when it comes to educating stakeholders about the evolving role of plastics. ‘One of the biggest hurdles is shifting perceptions – helping people understand that modern, recyclable flexible packaging can be part of a sustainable future. The technology is there, but we need buy-in from brand owners, retailers and consumers alike.’
Despite these challenges, Bruce remains optimistic. ‘The demand for advanced blown film solutions is growing, and with Reifenhäuser as our partner, we are perfectly positioned to meet that demand. This isn’t just about selling machines – it’s about shaping the future of flexible packaging in southern Africa.’
The excitement is palpable. With a powerhouse like Reifenhäuser driving innovation and Beswick Machinery providing expert local support, the southern African packaging industry is on the cusp of a transformation. This partnership is more than a handshake – it’s a blueprint for the future. And for local converters ready to take the leap, the opportunities are boundless.
