Nagpur-based Sushant Packaging, the sister concern of Paragon Packaging, recently installed a Bobst Lila II 106A-2 folder-gluer and a Heiber + Schroder Speedliner to strengthen its production lines in terms of automation, better quality, reliability, versatility and performance. “Our association with Bobst dates back to 2007, when we bought our first new diecutter—a Bobst SP102,” says SA Nagmote of Sushant Packaging. This is not the first time that the company has purchased high-end, fully loaded heavy metal from top equipment manufacturers. In fact, the company, which began operations in 2007, has invested in increasing capacity almost every year not only in the pressroom, finishing and postpress, but also in its prepress capabilities.
“Our strength lies in our ability to execute our thoughts; in our avidness to meet the market challenge with better quality and new innovations rather than playing the murky game of price cutting. Our continuous investment in new technology has allowed us to do things more efficiently. We look forward to do new things which we were not able to do earlier due to lack of adequate technology,” says Nagmote.
Recently, the company started producing litho laminated E-flute and micro fluted cartons for 750 ml liquor bottles. “The Bobst Lila II folder-gluer that we have recently installed is pressed into the folding-gluing of these fluted cartons,” says Nagmote. “The machine offers the flexibility of working on both monocartons and fluted cartons.”
Sushant Packaging has another Bobst folder-gluer—Bobst Fuego—which was installed in 2010 and is dedicated to folding-gluing monocartons. For diecutting, the company uses two Bobst diecutters—Bobst SP102 and Bobst SP203—installed in 2007 and 2010, respectively. In 2007, the company bought a 5-color Heidelberg CD102 plus coater. The other high-configured press at the plant is a 6-color Heidelberg CD 102 plus UV coater installed in 2012. In 2015, the company invested in another diecutter—a Bobst Novacut suitable for both duplex and fluted cartons. The new Heiber + Schroder Speedliner window patching and lining machine, also installed and serviced by Bobst, is used to produce cartons for spices, milk powder, pesticides and gifts.
Speaking about how things have changed for Sushant, Nagmote says, “If you take the example of Haldirams, one of our clients, the volume of production has increased from 5 lakh to 25 lakh cartons a month; however, the turnaround time remains the same. We produce 25 lakh cartons for them in the same time that we used to produce 5 lakh cartons. This is a huge challenge; if you don’t increase your efficiency and productivity to match the needs and demands of your customers, you cannot survive.” Sushant converts 250 tons of liner and 300 tons of paperboard every month, and supplies its finished products to consumer product companies of the West and South India markets. “Today, 70% of our production is monocartons while 30% is fluted cartons. However, going forward, our plan is to increase our fluted carton production.”
finished products to consumer product companies of the West and South India markets. Photo PSA
The company produces fluted boards at its two corrugated plants powered by semi-automatic corrugators. Capable of producing 5-ply fluted boards, the company produces boards with all kinds of flutes, according to Nagmote. Sushant is an ISO 9000 company and has also applied for ISO 22000 as it wants to meet the requirements of a food company for which it will produce tray cartons for fast food and pizza.
Speaking on Bobst’s association with Sushant Packaging, Venugopal Menon, business director, BU – SF, Bobst India says, “I remember vividly meeting Nagmote way back in 1999–2000 when they were a small commercial print shop, keen to step into the folding carton business. Their aspiration and determination has led Sushant Packaging to become one of the leading printing and packaging companies in Central India. We at Bobst are proud to be associated with Sushant in this remarkable journey.”
