ONE such company, Colourtone Aries, recently took a significant leap forward in its operations with the installation of the Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE die-cutting machine – courtesy of Alliance Machinery, a leading supplier of printing, converting and finishing solutions. This transformative addition promises to revolutionise its folding carton production capabilities and elevate the company’s competitive edge.

In order to reduce turnaround times and continue to supply outstanding service, while mitigating risk for its existing customers, Colortone Aries embarked on a strategic expansion journey in 2023, purchasing additional machinery and opening a new plant at a separate site in Elsies River Industria, Western Cape.

This expansion is aimed at bolstering capacity and mitigating operational risks across multiple sites. General manager Marc Bywater sheds light on the rationale behind the team’s investment in the Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE: ‘We needed capacity in our die-cutting equipment, and after thorough evaluation, found that the machine’s specifications perfectly aligned with our requirements.’

Managing director Bradley Bate expresses Alliance Machinery’s enthusiasm in partnering with Colourtone Aries. ‘We’re proud to associate ourselves with such a forward-thinking family-run company,’ he remarks, highlighting the mutual commitment to innovation and excellence. ‘We appreciate the chance to collaborate with Marc and his team, and anticipate that the partnership will flourish in the future.’

Eterna efficiency

The decision-making process involved a meticulous examination of various die-cutting machine options in the market. Marc emphasises the Eterna’s impressive features, including its larger pile height, advanced feeding and delivery system and remarkable running speeds. ‘This die-cutting machine represents a combination of the latest technology in terms of efficiency, easy job setting and high-speed running.

The Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE can handle a broad range of board: it die-cuts cartonboard from 90 to 1 000g/m2, as well as corrugated board up to 4mm. The maximum sheet size is 1 060 x 760mm, while the minimum sheet size is 400 x 350mm.

According to Marc, the impact of the Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE transcends mere cost considerations, significantly enhancing Colourtone Aries’ production efficiency and output quality. He notes the machine’s ability to handle longer runs with shorter lead times, a testament to its speed and reliability. Moreover, its precise stripping capabilities have streamlined post-die-cutting processes, saving valuable time and resources.

‘While the machine’s maximum production speed of 7 500 sheets/hour is impressive, its stability and accuracy in stripping are equally noteworthy. This contributes to overall efficiencies and enables seamless integration into our production workflow,’ Marc asserts. The Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE’s advanced features, including precision worm gear crank toggle driving system and state-of-the-art stripping tools, underscore its capability of delivering superior results consistently.

Notably, the Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE boasts BOBST technology, renowned for its quality and reliability. Marc underscores this point, stating: ‘With Eterna being a “sister company” of BOBST, the ECUT 1060 ELITE features BOBST technology, ensuring a real element of quality.’

Bradley further elaborates on the standout features of the Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE, highlighting its innovative platform developed in collaboration with the BOBST group. ‘The ELITE version represents a class of its own in terms of technology and performance,’ he explains, underscoring the die-cutter’s robustness and efficiency.

The price is right

The decision to invest in cutting-edge technology often hinges on striking a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. Marc reflects on the value proposition offered by the Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE, particularly in the context of South African market dynamics. ‘The Eterna comes at the right price for our market. While BOBST technology commands a premium, the Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE offers a robust solution at an attractive price point,’ he explains.

In a price-sensitive environment like South Africa, the affordability of the Eterna has played a pivotal role in its widespread adoption. Marc highlights the significance of this factor, especially amidst economic uncertainties and budget constraints. ‘Considering our economic landscape and external factors, investing in new machinery requires careful consideration. The pricing of the Eterna machine made it a viable option for us, facilitating our expansion plans,’ he remarks.

Seamless installation

The installation of such a sophisticated piece of machinery requires expertise and precision. Alliance Machinery, the official distributing agent for Eterna in Sub-Saharan Africa, undertook the installation at Colourtone Aries’ premises. Marc commends the professionalism and proficiency demonstrated by Alliance Machinery throughout the process: ‘The backup and after-sale service have been exceptional. They provided highly-trained technicians who ensured a smooth installation and addressed any issues promptly.’

Considering our economic landscape and external factors, investing in new machinery requires careful consideration. The pricing of the Eterna machine made it a viable option for us, facilitating our expansion plans.”

Bradley highlights his team’s unwavering commitment to after-sales service and technical expertise. ‘Making sales is the easy bit; however, it’s the after-sales service and technical support that sells every machine thereafter. We pride ourselves on providing superior service and technical expertise to ensure our customers’ success.’

He emphasises that the company operates within a closed-loop system, providing comprehensive solutions beyond machine delivery. This includes capital equipment, installation, process support, local spare parts, tooling solutions and managing the entire sales contract, from beginning to end, offering customers a seamless experience with a delivered and installed price. ‘Our engineers, trained at the Eterna factory, specialise in addressing operational challenges, ensuring optimal machine performance,’ Bradley enthuses. ‘With a focus on process support, we not only ensure the machine runs smoothly, we also train staff in die-cutting processes, including setup, make-ready and running of jobs, showcasing our commitment to holistic support.’

Bradley believes that ensuring optimal throughput and functionality of the machine is paramount for maximising return on investment. ‘It aligns with our dedication to fulfilling sales promises and maintaining machine performance.’

Despite being a relatively new partnership, the collaboration between Colourtone Aries and Alliance Machinery has shown immense promise. Marc acknowledges the dedication of the Alliance Machinery team, emphasising their commitment to minimising downtime and optimising machine performance. ‘They delivered on what they promised, and any issues that arose were swiftly resolved. The crews were diligent and responsive, ensuring minimal disruption to our operations,’ he adds.

The installation of the Eterna ECUT 1060 ELITE die-cutting machine marks a significant milestone in Colourtone Aries’ journey towards operational excellence and market leadership. Through strategic partnerships and prudent investments in cutting-edge technology, the company reinforces its commitment to delivering innovative folding carton packaging solutions of the highest quality.