Packaging producer invests in new machines

The RHIEM Group, which operates worldwide in the fields of packaging, logistics and e-commerce, is further expanding its packaging production activities. RHIEM Packaging & Print is gearing up for the growing demands in the cardboard and corrugated packaging sector and is investing in new systems and processes.

Every consumer is familiar with the packaging: many branded companies from the cosmetics, food, gardening and consumer electronics sectors rely on the services of RHIEM Packaging & Print, which emerged from the parent company RHIEM Druck, founded in 1958. The steadily growing company is now an established manufacturer of folding cartons and trays made of cardboard or corrugated cardboard with a total capacity of over 100 million packages per year.

With an investment of almost 2 million euros, the course is being set for the future at the Voerde site. The company is consistently focusing on the growing requirements in the area of cardboard and laminated corrugated packaging. One of these investments is the purchase of new punching machines.

The commissioning of the latest generation of die-cutting machines from a Swiss market leader increases production capacity by almost a third and strengthens the folding carton specialist’s competence profile in the area of high-quality printed and precisely processed folding cartons for consumer goods and trays for fruit and vegetables.

“We are looking forward to the innovative systems, which will enable us to handle both short and long runs flexibly and economically thanks to reduced set-up times,” says Ulrich Treiber, Managing Director Sales. “The investment is the logical step in expanding our offering for start-ups and large companies in the food, cosmetics, gardening and consumer electronics sectors.”

On an area of almost 10,000 square meters, the specialists develop sustainable packaging and then produce it in several production steps by printing, finishing, die-cutting and gluing cardboard made from cellulose, grass or recycled fibres as well as corrugated cardboard.

Integrating the systems into the existing hall plan poses a particular challenge. Together with the machine manufacturers, a convincing solution was developed for an optimal production layout, which has been implemented in preparation since the end of 2022. Following successful planning, the systems in the production center have now successfully gone into production and the old systems have already been dismantled.

“As a medium-sized company with short decision-making processes, we adapt quickly and flexibly to market conditions. Following the expansion of gluing technology in 2021 and the integration of sustainable future technologies, the new punching machines with maximum automation round off the current investment package and make a significant contribution to securing the location,” comments Dirk Nondorf, Managing Director Production.

In 2022, the company was able to further expand its market position for sustainable folding cartons and erected trays, particularly in the food and consumer goods sectors – despite the difficult procurement situation for raw materials and the rapidly changing supply chains.