Gulf Carton Factory (GCF) picks Esko packaging software and converting kit

Saudi Arabia-based Gulf Carton Factory (GCF) has invested in Esko packaging prepress software and equipment. The purchase includes, illustrator add-ons, Plato Basic and Power Stepper, Digital Flexo Suite, image editing tools, workflow automation, proofing solution and colour management.

GCF also installed Witron ERP software – Corrugated Packaging Management System (CPMS) – earlier in the year, said Eng. Meshari Al Jabr, Gulf Carton Factory’s general manager.

“All the activities from order entry to invoicing are now being done through CPMS,” he told Packaging MEA.

“The software helps us in efficient production scheduling and order tracking.”

In hardware, the company has invested in a Esko Cyrel Digital Imager Spark 4835 as well as a Kongsberg cutting table XN24, he added.

“We chose Esko after doing a lot of market research,” he said.

“Esko’s agent, iTM (Dubai), made more than two detailed presentations at our factory with their team of engineers and they demonstrated the software to us. This was followed up by an Esko customer site visit in Germany, where we saw the CDI and Kongsberg table in an actual production environment. We also met Esko representatives at Drupa 2012 in Düsseldorf and had detailed technical discussions. After all these experiences we confidently went ahead with Esko.”

In converting equipment, the company has recently installed a Martin 924 flexo folder gluer from Bobst, he said. The series of purchases is aimed mainly at improving service and quality, said Al Jabr.

“Investments in Esko products have helped us in improving printing quality, whereas investments in software and the new machine has helped us in improving our service to our clients.”

Saudi Arabia’s corrugated packaging market is growing steadily in line with GDP, he said.

Many imported items are now being manufactured locally, while the food and fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) industries are expanding, driving up demand for packaging, he added.

GCF offers ISO-certified services for boxboard and other Kraft liner packaging materials.

The GCF plant was purpose-built in 1994 by a group of local businessmen. Located in Al Ahsa Industrial City, it occupies a plot of 40,780sqm, with a covered area of 20,000sqm, for the production and conversion of paper corrugated items.

The company produces both white top and brown top corrugated boxes for almost all kinds of designs using corrugator machines that can tailor sheets to packaging needs. Products include corrugated sheets, regular slotted container (RSC), non-RSC products, core tubes and special designs.

“Since its inception the company has committed itself to developing high standards of quality, technical expertise and, most importantly, customer care,” said Al Jabr.

“This is being achieved by constant investment in technology, machinery and people, including a Saudisation policy. Coupled with this is an all-encompassing quality culture guided under the umbrella of our ISO 9001 system and total quality management.”