React and Adapt
To help converters adapt to new trends and be more productive, Brandtjen & Kluge has added solutions to its folder-gluers (drop-in, in-line scoring) and has expanded its marketing base to allow for a custom-configured vertical market.
Regardless of what equipment you purchase to suit your needs, folder-gluers suppliers stress that if only one thing should be considered it is the future. “Look at your current work, the work you’re farming out, and the work you’re sending away,” says Kirkand. “Characterize the run lengths, main job types, and complexity of your body of work, then work with vendors who handle all types of folder-gluers. Ability though, is certainly not the only thing our customers expect from us ... The quality and availability of service, support, and especially engineering, is very important.”