Driving digitalisation forward

Castrop-Rauxel, 7 December 2023 – The packaging manufacturer Thimm continues to focus on the expansion and digitalisation of its plants and is investing more than three million euros in a new flat-bed die-cutter for its Castrop-Rauxel production site. With this high-performance system, Thimm is taking another step forward towards achieving its digitalisation vision of the Internet of Packs.

Thimm significantly expands its production capacity at the Castrop-Rauxel site with the new Mastercut 2.1 from Bobst. Thanks to speeds of up to 7,000 sheets per hour and short set-up times, the system can achieve an annual production output of 25 million square metres of processed corrugated cardboard. Despite the high speeds, the die-cutter delivers highly precise die-cut results even with pre-printed corrugated cardboard sheets: The Power Register contactless sheet register system is used to detect each sheet individually before die-cutting and precisely aligns it with print markers for a perfect match of print and die-cut positions. With its operating width of 2.10 metres, the machine is ideally suited for the production of large-format packaging and also offers the option of producing small batch sizes in conjunction with digital preprint. High utilisation is also possible as the operating width can be used efficiently which saves costs and material resources.

“Our new flat-bed die-cutter impresses with its huge efficiency, maximum performance and ideal conditions for processing digital preprint. This means it is making a significant contribution to our digitalisation strategy,” summarises Kornelius Thimm, CEO of Thimm: “We see digitalisation as a key success factor for our future growth which is why we want to network all processes – both in our own plants and especially at our customer sites. Our vision is the Internet of Packs, in other words, fully digitalised and traceable supply chains for all types of products, made possible by digitally printed packaging. Our customers benefit here from short delivery times, sustainable production processes and flexible print image design without minimum order quantities. To achieve this we are continuing to invest in highly-efficient and automated processing systems such as the new Mastercut.”

Before installation of the new Mastercut could begin in the summer, extensive earthworks and foundation work were carried out at the Castrop plant: 500 square metres of reinforced concrete had to be broken up and a new foundation cast to safeguard the statics of the 55-tonne plant. In addition to the three million euros for the machine itself, an additional 400,000 euros were invested in this extensive peripheral work at the plant. Kornelius Thimm is very pleased with the progress of the project: “The plant is an important and future-oriented addition to our machinery and equipment in Castrop-Rauxel. The careful planning and great commitment of our employees ensured that the rest of production was not impaired during the conversion phase. After commissioning, the system performed well, meaning that we have been able to utilise it in full three-shift operation since September and produce high-quality packaging for our customers.” 

About Thimm

Thimm is a leading solutions provider for the packaging and distribution of goods. Its sustainable solutions portfolio includes corrugated cardboard transportation and sales packaging, high-quality promotional displays and print products for further industrial processing. Through its innovative, simple and sustainable solutions, Thimm helps its customers to differentiate and individualise themselves in the market. To this end, the family business will use its “Thimm 2030” strategic pathway to anticipate and solve the economic, ecological and social challenges of the future. Thimm’s aim is to always offer its customers the simplest and best solution. This strong customer focus drives the innovation and the pioneering spirit of the company. There is therefore consistent investment in expanding the company’s market presence as well as in future-oriented technologies for the next generation. Founded in 1949, the family business currently has more than 2,500 employees at 13 sites in Germany, France, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic, and generated annual revenue of around EUR 723 million in 2022.