Productivity is the magic word

17 September 2008



Ralph Schuck talks to Converting Today about market conditions, competition and technological developments in the flexo industry


Converting Today: What is your view of the current market situation in Germany, in particular, the flexible packaging and pre-printed linerboard sectors?

Ralph Schuck: Both the flexible packaging and the pre-printed linerboard industries are very active, not only in Germany but also from a global perspective. The numerous investment projects confirm this view.

CT: Do you think the industry is facing difficult market conditions? If so, why? How are suppliers gearing up to face the challenging scenario?

Ralph Schuck: Productivity is the magic word. We believe that only those converters who continuously invest in new and updated technology will be able to meet tomorrow’s market challenges. Obviously, we as machine manufacturers are under a similar competitive pressure. If we want to sustain and further develop our market position, we have to provide innovative solutions which increase the efficiency and productivity of our equipment.

CT: Does the competition from other growing economies pose a threat to the dominance of the German manufacturing base?

Ralph Schuck: We respect our competitors and we recognise that the flexo market is very competitive. Nevertheless, we shall continue to differentiate by innovation, by offering equipment with superior technology and performance, and by improving customer service. Fischer & Krecke is in the fortunate position to have access to the worldwide Bobst Group Service network, with 1,100 specialists located close to our customers. We are very confident that our prospective customers will also appreciate what differentiates us from our competitors.

CT: Where is the flexo industry going globally?

Ralph Schuck: In recent years, the flexo printing process has continuously improved and has reached a remarkable level of quality. It has achieved a level where it represents a unique symbiosis of quality, flexibility, efficiency and productivity. Flexo clearly has its advantages and we are convinced that it will also continue to grow in the future.

CT: How will F&K operate now as part of Bobst Group?

Ralph Schuck: By joining the Bobst Group, the Bielefeld production site in Germany, with its Fischer & Krecke operations, has become the Centre of Excellence together with the brand of Schiavi for flexo printing for flexible materials.

We re-organised the technical department so that research and development became detached from design engineering, in order to have resources to focus exclusively on process oriented solutions to meet future market demands. In addition, we established a project management department which has to ensure that each project is completed to the client’s full satisfaction. Group-wide experience and synergies will enable us to optimise processes and find best practices.

CT: The F&K FP 16S-10 with the SmartGPS feature was one of the star attractions at drupa. What was the feedback you received from those attending?

Ralph Schuck: The SmartGPS was indeed one of the drupa highlights. It sets new standards with regard to impression and register set-up. We were able to demonstrate that with SmartGPS our customers can reduce waste production during the print set-up process by more than 95 per cent. In addition, with SmartGPS we offer a more stable flexo printing process. There are no comparable systems available on the market.

CT: And what about the possibility of 12-colour presses in the future?

Ralph Schuck: At least for the time being, we do not believe that there is an important market for a 12-colour press. Our 10-colour models in conjunction with options like Access (a system which enables set-up during a production run) and single stack print units for in-line coating and lacquering cover almost all the demands of the packaging industry. Our current R&D projects are sharply focused on equipment efficiency, reduction of waste and environmental sustainability.

CT: What effect will the move to easier fault identification and links via modem with manufacturers across the world have on the skill levels of printers in the future? Is there a general move for operators to be less skilled than they used to be?

Ralph Schuck: Our HighWayView is not modem based but an internet (VPN) service tool for full machine monitoring and trouble-shooting. It provides the fastest possible technical support in a cost effective manner for any customer from any location, increasing our flexibility and service performance.

All our developments in this area are focused on supporting the printer with the aim of reaching the highest productivity performance, to increase process stability and to reduce downtime. Our aim cannot be to replace the skills and know-how of the printer. On the contrary, to get the maximum benefit from the machine, skilled resources are a key factor.

CT: Which world markets are the most productive?

Ralph Schuck: In our view, North and Central America, Western and Eastern Europe and the CIS are very buoyant markets.

Ralph Schuck is Fischer & Krecke’s managing director and head of Bobst Flexo Product Line


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