Sri Kriscon, a leading folding carton printer and converter based in Indore, has added two more Bobst converting machines, further strengthening its production capabilities.
The new Expertfold 110A2 folder gluer and Novacut 106 E 3.0 die cutter increase the Bobst machinery in its plant, including a Bobst Novacut 106 E 3.0 die-cutter and an Ambition 106 A2 folder gluer added in 2021. Sri Kriscon’s persistence with Bobst equipment is an endorsement of the global company’s technology, service, and quality of its products, including its strong in-country presence with Bobst’s Pune plant, the company says.
“Our existing Bobst machines have consistently delivered superior performance and ease of operation,” stated Chetanya Soni, director of Sri Kriscon. “The quality of the finished products is impeccable, and the service provided by Bobst India is exceptional. Our operators are well-versed in operating Bobst machines, making the additions seamless. Given these factors, it was natural for us to opt for Bobst. I would like to point out that whenever there was a breakdown in the Bobst machines it was due to errors on our side and not due to some mechanical or electrical issue with the equipment.”
The addition of two more Bobst machines has significantly enhanced Sri Kriscon’s converting department’s productivity. “Previously, we were using a combination of locally manufactured converting equipment and our Bobst machines,” explained Soni. “While the Bobst machines were highly productive, the other machines couldn’t match their efficiency. With the addition of two new Bobst machines, we have eliminated all bottlenecks and streamlined our workflow.”
Soni emphasizes the critical role of the converting department in the carton business and the importance of having state-of-the-art machinery. “Investing in advanced technology is essential for achieving operational excellence and maintaining a competitive edge,” he asserts.
Established by Soni just five years ago, Sri Kriscon is part of a larger group company that has established itself as a dominant player in the paper cup manufacturing segment. The carton operations initially commenced with a pre-owned Bobst die-cutter and a folder gluer purchased from an Indore-based company. The press room contains three Heidelberg sheetfed offset presses, two with UV capabilities and one with conventional curing. Additionally, the company operates a Heiber & Schroeder Speedliner machine and has expanded its corrugated section with a 2-ply line and a flute laminator.
To accommodate the two new Bobst machines, Sri Kriscon has expanded its current facility, which spans 1.75 lakh square feet. The company’s paperboard consumption across the cartons and corrugation segments amounts to approximately 2,000 tonnes per month. Supplying to the coated ice cream carton market locally, and customers in the confectionery industry, the company’s clients extend across the Indore area and beyond – across the broader Indian landscape.
Anticipating robust topline growth
With the substantial investments made in the early part of the fiscal year 2023-24, Sri Kriscon is optimistic about achieving solid topline growth for the year ending in March 2024. “We are extremely confident about the growth prospects in both the corrugated and folding carton business segments,” expressed Soni. “Our modern setup equipped with state-of-the-art machinery positions us well to capitalize on these opportunities. We expect our topline to grow by approximately 75-80% this year.”
Focus on value addition and premiumization
Soni acknowledged the burgeoning demand for premium and value-added cartons. To capitalize on this trend, Sri Kriscon plans to introduce a digital enhancement press shortly. “We are seriously considering acquiring a digital enhancement press to meet the rising demand for post-print embellishments,” he affirmed. “Currently, there is no other provider in the Indore region offering this service. We have initiated the process of evaluating the available options in the market, and a final decision is expected within the next few months.”
The enhanced capacity of its converting section and the planned acquisition of a digital enhancement press underscore Sri Kriscon’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and value addition. It is keen to grow and to keep up with the evolving demands of its consumers.
