The first of this series to be installed in the UK, and GPI said the new equipment puts the folding carton producer in a sector-leading position for meeting increased requirements.

It is a seven-figure investment in future-proofing GPI and the plant’s production which will expand the company’s current output volume by 120 million cartons per year to meet evolving industry and consumer needs.

Dean Naylor, GPI plant manager, Leeds, said: “With rising public interest in sustainable packaging solutions, GPI is experiencing growing demand from private labels and retailers. Last year the company saw an upsurge in companies seeking solutions in folding carton packaging, so it is vital for us to ensure we keep pace.

“Customers now expect tighter turnarounds alongside shorter runs with further functionality, tactile and graphic effects – all with impeccable quality, accuracy and innovation. We are investing in the latest equipment to meet these specifications and secure continuous operational improvement, offering our customers the outstanding service they expect from GPI.”

Bobst pre-feeder Easyfeeder, combined with Batch Inverter 4 allows slicker feeding of blanks with shorter changeover times, while drastically reducing feed-related stops. Designed to maximise capacity and high-speed folder-gluer functionality, the machine has been introduced for smoother, faster feeding.

High-performing Bobst automatic packer Cartonpack 4 is also expected to boost outputs and efficiency, instantly loading folded and glued cartons to shipping containers in order to lower production costs and minimise safety hazards.

The new additions complement a further seven Bobst die-cutters and six Bobst gluing lines at GPI’s Leeds plant, which generates 1.9 billion cartons per year.