Packaging provider Thimm has expanded production capabilities at its Romanian site, investing in a series of converting and finishing equipment machines from Bobst. It said these are aimed at increasing productivity, improving quality, and reducing operator workload.
As production volumes have increased, the limitations of its older die-cutting equipment became more apparent. Company representatives said consistent quality, waste reduction, and higher throughput were key factors behind the decision to modernise, with customers across multiple sectors requiring high-quality, defect-free packaging, while sustainability and cost control remain priorities.
To address these requirements, Thimm installed the Bobst MasterCutline, an automated die-cutting system integrating loading, cutting, stripping, blanking, and palletising into a single workflow. The line includes multiple human-machine interfaces that allow operators to monitor and control production from different points along the system.
Plant manager Mihai Radu commented: “The machine runs from the first sheet to the last sheet of a job without stopping, and it maintains constantly high quality. Ultimately, productivity and quality are the major highlights of this machine. When we check our production graphs, we see constant uninterrupted runs, which is fantastic.”
Thimm Sibiu has been operating in Romania since 2005 and employs around 300 people across multiple industries
The installation also incorporates TooLink, a digital tooling management solution designed to monitor the condition of die-cutting tools and predict maintenance needs. Mr Radu said this feature helps reduce unexpected downtime and optimise tool life.
In addition to die-cutting upgrades, Thimm has invested in a Bobst MasterFold folder-gluer combined with the SpeedPack automated packer. The system replaces manual strapping processes with automated counting, stacking, and banding of finished box batches. Mr Radu estimates that the automated packing solution increases folding-gluing productivity by approximately 20 to 25 percent, while reducing operator workload and minimising manual handling.
The automation allows the complete line to be managed by a single operator and shortens changeover times for repeat orders. Thimm stated that the shift from manual to automatic end-of-line processes has improved operational efficiency and workplace ergonomics.
Both Thimm and Bobst describe the investment as part of a longer-term strategy to support sustainable growth and maintain competitiveness in Romania’s corrugated packaging market.
In 2024, the Sibiu site added three Bobst machines, including the MasterCut die-cutter, a multipoint folder-gluer, and an inliner system, reflecting continued collaboration between the two companies.
