US folding carton manufacturer Southern Champion Tray (SCT) has invested in a Boardmaster inline flexographic printing press from Heidelberg. The move is said to help the company set new standards in folding carton production.
The family-owned company, founded in 1927, has invested a total of $60 million in a new location with highly automated production to position it competitively for the future. It’s new Boardmaster replaces an older machine which has been in use for 25 years. SCT said the Heidelberg flexo press will offer a new dimension of efficiency and quality with its non-stop job changes, automated plate setup, and AI-controlled Intellimatch scanner technology, which will enable the company to increase productivity and shorten delivery times.
“In the past, flexographic printing was not efficient enough for smaller runs, but Heidelberg’s Boardmaster has changed that and exceeded our expectations – not only in terms of efficiency, but also in terms of print quality and ease of use. It is a key component of our strategy to redefine customer service,” said Brian Hunt, CEO, SCT.
The Boardmaster achieves production speeds up to 600m/min with a web width of 1425mm – about twice the productivity of SCT’s previous system. Its integrated drying technology also enables new types of coatings that could replace plastic in the future.
Heidelberg positions the Boardmaster as part of its push for more sustainable packaging solutions in the expanding folding carton market. Acting as a system integrator, the company partners with others to open new market segments and enhance customer competitiveness. For instance, in collaboration with Solenis, Heidelberg has developed a process for cost-effective, partial application of barrier coatings to flexible paper packaging, especially for food products such as chocolate or pasta. This segment is expected to grow by about 4.5% annually through the end of the decade.
According to Dr David Schmedding, chief technology and sales officer at Heidelberg, strong international demand for the Boardmaster reflects the growing global shift toward sustainable paper and cardboard packaging. The company aims to deliver advanced technology and reliable service to improve production efficiency and lower customer costs.
