Model Group Enters into Partnership with Heidelberg

Both Model PrimePac AG and Heidelberg Schweiz AG place great value on a long-term partnership, based on the commitment to innovation and investment in progress that is an integral part of both partners' corporate culture.

3/16/2011 --- The Model Group is investing into production technology by Heidelberg. Model PrimePac AG in Au is set to commission computer-to-plate, sheet offset and folding box technology of the latest generation in the summer of 2011. Both partners are describing their collaboration as a long-term, mutual commitment.

Model PrimePac AG in Au/SG is the Model Group's center of folding box production for customers in the confectionery, textile and cosmetics industry. Staffed by approx. 180 employees, the plant produces high-quality luxury packaging made of solid board and compounds that is extremely sophisticated in its design and structure and meets the most exacting quality standards.

Starting this summer, the production equipment of Model PrimePac AG will be modernized with state-of-the-art technology by Heidelberg. The first phase will see the commissioning of a fully automated Suprasetter 105 MCL platesetter, a Speedmaster XL 105-8+LX3 eight-color press with coating unit and a Diana X 115 folder-gluer. Another eight-color press with double coating unit of the product line Speedmaster XL 105-8+LYYLX3 is to begin production within a year in order to boost the company's production capacity.

Long-term partnership

Both Model PrimePac AG and Heidelberg Schweiz AG place great value on a long-term partnership, based on the commitment to innovation and investment in progress that is an integral part of both partners' corporate culture. With this partnership, the two companies will be in a perfect position to achieve top ranking in their respective markets - as packaging producer and equipment manufacturer.

Decision for an equipment concept

In keeping with the basic principle of a partnership, the Model Group ordered not just individual components, but an overall equipment concept from Heidelberg. Besides providing the actual production equipment, this concept ensures maximum availability through professional support and services, and employee qualification with systematic training at the Heidelberg plant and at the production site in Au.

The technical aspects of the equipment are not the only consideration: equally important are the simple, clear and uniform operation of the production systems, high net output, reliable production quality in the entire process chain and the economical use of resources, i.e. less printing material waste and high energy efficiency.

To ensure maximum cost-effectiveness and eco-compatibility, all of these factors are weighted equally within the investment package. Only a combination of these requirements can ensure Model PrimePac AG's continued ability to produce extraordinary packaging solutions that live up to the customers' high expectations.

Incentives for the Model ICC (Innovation and Competence Center)

The procurement of the new production technology by Heidelberg is also an investment in the Model ICC (Innovation and Competence Center). With this matrix, the Model Group networks its five areas of competence Model Crea, Model Print, Model Tec, Model Inno and Model Opti. Model Crea covers all services involved in packaging development. Model Print encompasses the possibilities of the three print processes flexo, offset and digital printing. Model Tec offers advice and support on the planning of packaging facilities and the optimization of packaging processes. Model Inno describes the collaboration with education and research facilities that aims at recognizing new market and technology trends early on and incorporating them into packaging innovations. Finally, Model Opti comprises the overall optimization of processes and packaging.

At first glance, the new investment benefits Model Print. A closer inspection, however, reveals the dynamics of the Innovation Competence Center, where the purchase of modern production technology for prepress, sheet offset and postpress was instigated by all areas involved in the Model ICC, while the Model Print competence area in turn provides new stimuli for the entire network.

New standards in packaging production

With the new production equipment by Heidelberg, Model PrimePac AG is looking to substantially improve processes at the plant in Au. In particular, the company wants to increase the degree of automation and ensure maximum versatility, with a wide range of finishing options and new packaging solutions. The decision to choose Heidelberg as a partner for the future was made with another important aspect in mind: by using equipment of the same manufacturer in plate imaging, offset printing and folding box production, Model PrimePac AG now has an open, upgradable overall system. The computer-to-plate unit, the sheet offset presses and the folder-gluer are ready for integration into Heidelberg's Prinect workflow, and they can also be incorporated into the Model Group's SAP system.

With this ambitious project, the Model Group and Heidelberg are setting a new benchmark in modern packaging production.