Byblos Printing SAL (‘Byblos’), a prominent printing and packaging company based in Mount Lebanon, has solidified its position in the Lebanese packaging market through a strategic partnership with BOBST, a global leader in packaging solutions. By investing in a state-of-the-art NOVACUT 106 ER Autoplaten® die-cutter from BOBST, Byblos aims to bolster its capabilities, expand its production capacity, and navigate the challenges posed by the turbulent Lebanese market.
With a sprawling 7,500m² factory and a dedicated team of over 80 packaging professionals, Byblos serves an array of industries including pharmaceuticals, food, publishing, and tobacco. Its annual turnover of approximately $5 million underscores its significance in the competitive Lebanese packaging landscape.
In the midst of Lebanon’s economic and financial crisis, political instability, and unreliable infrastructure, Byblos faces a host of challenges. The company grapples with high raw material costs, intense market competition, and stringent governmental sustainability regulations. Despite these hurdles, Byblos remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining operations and ensuring profitability.
“To stay competitive and resilient in the face of these challenges, we needed to bolster our operational efficiency and productivity,” explains Ziad Metni, CEO of Byblos Printing Press. “The BOBST NOVACUT 106 ER emerged as the ideal solution to address our diverse needs.”
The decision to partner with BOBST was driven by a combination of factors, including BOBST’s market leadership, global presence, technological innovation, and strong customer focus. Byblos sought a solution that would not only enhance their production capacity but also allow them to enter new markets and streamline their operations to lower costs.
The NOVACUT 106 ER Autoplaten® die-cutter, Byblos’ first BOBST machine, offers unmatched versatility without compromising productivity. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and expertise from the BOBST team, the machine integrates stripping and blanking capabilities at speeds of up to 8,000 sheets per minute, ensuring optimal productivity and stable blank stacks ready for further production steps.
“The NOVACUT 106 ER is a game-changer for us,” states Metni. “Its precision, efficiency, and user-friendly design have already translated into tangible benefits in our day-to-day operations.”
The user-friendly interface of the NOVACUT 106 ER enabled a seamless transition for operators at Byblos, complemented by additional training from BOBST to maximize its potential. The machine’s rapid setup capabilities, automatic equipment centering, and intuitive HMI SPHERE interface have made Byblos more flexible and capable of producing shorter runs profitably.
“The NOVACUT 106 ER aligns perfectly with our growth vision and commitment to meeting evolving customer demands efficiently,” Metni emphasizes. “Its contribution to our productivity and quality standards has been exceptional.”
As Lebanon’s packaging market continues to evolve, Byblos Printing SAL’s strategic investment in the BOBST NOVACUT 106 ER serves as a testament to its determination to thrive despite challenges and positions the company for a prosperous future in the dynamic printing and packaging industry.