Just in Time
Die manufacturers are also learning to adapt. Rotary die makers must address the emergence of flexible dies and their effect on the rotary die business. Some, like Gerhardt International, manufacture flexible dies and magnetic cylinders, along with solid rotary dies.
The driving forces behind these trends are many, but one common thread pervades the diecutting market today: converters are running smaller volume jobs and are switching tools more frequently. “Our clients, the converters, are switching set ups more frequently and running smaller quantities for just-in-time (JIT) delivery,” says Garrik Kumjian of General Metal Engraving. “Everyone in the business is trying to lower inventory and increase flexibility. Packaging and branding are becoming more customized and shorter runs are more common.”
