Itasa, a leading producer of paper and film release liners, has successfully initiated production at its new plant located in Querétaro in Mexico. The 7,000 square meter building, completed in less than 8 months, allows future expansion with an option to double the building space.
After successful on-site acceptance test in Italy in July 2018, the coating machine was shipped to Mexico. Commissioned in March 2019, it is now in full production mode. The new plant will serve the entire American continent and produce a range of products in market segments such as labels, tapes, medical, hygiene, automotive and composites.
For the highest quality standards, the plant has state-of-the-art technology, including a Bobst coating machine fitted with in-line flexo printing, three Euromac slitter/rewinders, and a stand-alone Uteco printer. The latest generation Bobst coating machine was custom built to Itasa’s requirements. High performance features for delivering consistent, maximum quality, and cost-competitive products include a Doyle cleaning device and web inspection system from Dr Schenk with a maximum production speed of 1,000 meters a minute.
The coater is 1,700 mm (67 inches) wide. In order to benefit from years of expertise within Itasa, the machine was fitted with a 5-roll coater using solvent-less thermally cured silicone. Due to increasing customer needs to personalize their products, an online flexographic printing system was added. The brand new slitting machines offer versatility and the ability to slit from 1700 mm down to 12 mm.
Global player acquired Malaysia plant two years ago
With the opening of the new facility, which required an investment of over €10 million, Itasa has expanded its installed capacity, in excess of 1.2 billion square meters. With its presence in Mexico, Itasa is becoming the largest commercial release liner manufacturer in Latin America and has positioned itself in a strategic place to serve its customers in both North and South America.
Lastly, the investment in Queretaro is a clear sign of the company’s commitment to offer the closest and nearest possible service to its customers. This approach already led to the acquisition of a production plant in Malaysia two years ago.
Investment and growth
Itasa has been manufacturing high quality siliconized papers since 1974 for a variety of end-uses such as self-adhesive tapes, labels, composites, medical, graphic arts and hygiene products. Headquartered in Andoain, Spain, it has cemented its success through constant investment to strengthen its global footprint.
Over €40 million capacity-related and modernization investments in recent years have positioned the company at the cutting-edge of technology. Currently, the company exports around 80% of its production to more than 60 countries and is progressing steadily in Asia and the Americas. Itasa has experienced 50% growth since 2013, and the consolidated turnover will exceed €100 million in 2019.
