Saico Srl secures its first MHI EVOL 100 for the Perugia corrugated plant

Strategic capacity upgrade in the Italian corrugated market

Italian packaging converter Saico Srl has officially confirmed the acquisition of its first Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) EVOL 100 Flexo Folder Gluer. The high-speed box-making machine is currently undergoing assembly at MHI's manufacturing facility in Mihara, Japan. According to the project timeline, the equipment will be shipped to Europe later this year, with full installation and commissioning at Saico's Perugia plant scheduled for January 2027.

This investment comes at a critical juncture for the European corrugated packaging sector. As of July 2026, converters across the continent are facing intense pressure to balance high-volume production with the increasing demand for short-run, fast-turnaround orders. The addition of the EVOL 100 is a direct response to these market dynamics, providing Saico with the mechanical agility required to maintain margins in a highly competitive regional landscape.

Technical capabilities driving the investment

The MHI EVOL 100 is widely recognized in the converting industry for its robust engineering and consistent output. Capable of processing up to 400 boxes per minute (BPM), the machine accommodates a maximum untrimmed sheet size of 950 by 2555 millimeters. For Saico, the appeal lies not just in raw speed, but in the machine's advanced automation features designed to minimize order changeover times.

Key technical specifications of the EVOL 100 include MHI's proprietary zig-zag arrangement on the lead edge feeder, which ensures stable sheet feeding even at top speeds. Furthermore, the folding section utilizes tapered multi-stage gauge rollers and a specialized sheet guide mechanism to guarantee folding accuracy—a critical factor for modern automated packing lines used by end-use customers in the food and beverage sectors.

Operational efficiency is also addressed through the machine's ink washing system. By incorporating an air gun to purge remaining ink in the chamber, the EVOL 100 significantly reduces ink loss and minimizes the volume of washing water required. This feature aligns with the broader industry push toward reducing resource consumption on the factory floor without compromising on high-quality graphics, which are achieved via a one-piece transfer conveyor belt and a chamber doctor blade system.

MHI's expanding footprint in Southern Europe

The upcoming installation at Saico's Perugia facility highlights Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' growing market share in Italy. The Japanese manufacturer has been steadily increasing its presence in the region, supported by a reputation for high uptime and reliable local service. Recently, in July 2026, Ondulati del Friuli successfully started up its second EVOL 100, marking the ninth active EVOL installation in the country. Saico's machine will officially become the tenth when it goes live in early 2027.

For Saico Srl, integrating this level of technology means future-proofing its operations. The ability to seamlessly pivot between high-volume runs and agile, short-order batches with maximum uptime will be a decisive competitive advantage as supply chain demands continue to evolve into 2027 and beyond.

The integration of ultra-fast, highly automated flexo folder gluers like the EVOL 100 is no longer just a capacity play; it is a fundamental requirement for independent converters wanting to protect their market share against consolidated packaging giants. Will the high capital expenditure required for this tier of machinery eventually force smaller regional players into mergers, or will it empower them to compete directly on quality and speed? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai