BFT Group modernizes an LMC press in Kansas with carbon fiber chambers

In an industry where capital expenditure often dictates the pace of technological advancement, the decision between replacing heavy machinery and upgrading existing assets is a constant balancing act. BFT Group has just tipped the scales toward the latter for a corrugated packaging plant in Kansas, completing a comprehensive retrofit on a Latitude Machinery Corp. (LMC) flexo press.

The core of this modernization project revolves around the installation of four complete carbon-fibre doctor blade chambers, integrated with the BFT Flexo GT-CORR automated system. This upgrade directly targets the most notorious bottlenecks in flexographic printing: inking and washing cycles.

The strategic value of retrofitting

As we navigate the operational pressures of 2026, corrugated plants are increasingly scrutinizing their equipment's lifecycle. Replacing a fully functional LMC press—a brand known for its robust mechanical build—simply because its peripheral systems lag behind modern efficiency standards is a costly proposition. BFT Group’s intervention demonstrates how targeted technological shifts can revitalize legacy iron.

Latitude Machinery Corp. has a significant footprint in the US market, with well over 100 machines in operation. For many of these converters, the mechanical chassis of the press remains in excellent condition, making a full replacement unnecessary. By implementing automated inking and washing protocols, the Kansas facility has fundamentally altered its production metrics. The GT-CORR system, specifically engineered for the corrugated board sector with its dual pneumatic pump architecture and PLC digital control, ensures a highly consistent ink transfer. This consistency is not just a quality metric; it is a direct driver of uptime.

Operational and environmental gains

The integration of carbon-fibre chambers is a critical component of this upgrade. Unlike traditional metal chambers, carbon fiber significantly reduces the weight of the components. This material choice translates into easier handling for operators and streamlined maintenance routines, directly cutting down the physical strain and time required during changeovers.

Furthermore, the automated wash-up sequence drastically reduces both ink and water consumption. In a manufacturing environment where resource efficiency is closely tied to profitability, minimizing waste during color changes offers an immediate return on investment. The plant now benefits from shorter wash-up times, accelerated changeovers, and a noticeable drop in overall machine downtime.

The ability of BFT Group to breathe new life into an existing LMC press highlights a pragmatic approach to industrial modernization, proving that smart retrofits can often deliver the operational agility of a new machine at a fraction of the cost. Will the corrugated sector see a broader shift toward high-tech retrofitting as plants look to maximize their current assets before committing to massive new CapEx cycles?

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