Alzamora Group cements UK expansion with large-format BOBST die-cutter in Kent

Alzamora Group Upgrades UK Converting Power

The UK folding carton sector is witnessing a clear consolidation of manufacturing power, driven by groups willing to deploy serious capital into heavy machinery. Alzamora Group has just completed the commissioning of a new BOBST EXPERTCUT 145 PER 2.0 die-cutter at its Offset Print & Packaging facility in Aylesford, Kent. Finalized this July 2026, the installation is a direct execution of the Spanish group’s long-term industrial investment strategy following its acquisition of the British plant in late 2024.

Capital expenditure in heavy iron remains the truest indicator of a converter's market confidence. The new large-format BOBST flatbed die-cutter replaces legacy equipment on the Aylesford floor, bringing a substantial upgrade in both sheer throughput and operational stability. For a facility that already runs a next-generation Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 press, matching printing firepower with equivalent converting capacity is a mandatory step. Without high-speed, highly automated die-cutting, the productivity gains achieved in the press room are often lost in the finishing department.

Operational Efficiency and Energy Reduction

Ferran Berga, CEO of Alzamora Group UK, framed the installation as a reinforcement of their manufacturing capabilities, noting it allows the plant to provide a more responsive and competitive service. The timing is critical. As retail supply chains in 2026 demand tighter turnaround times, shorter run lengths, and stricter environmental compliance, the EXPERTCUT 145 PER 2.0 delivers on multiple fronts.

The machine minimizes makeready times through advanced automation and features intelligent feeding systems that ensure continuous production. Crucially for today's sustainability targets, the new equipment significantly reduces energy consumption per processed sheet compared to the older models it replaces. The integration of state-of-the-art stripping and blanking capabilities also ensures that waste removal is handled efficiently, reducing manual intervention and minimizing the risk of sheet jams at high speeds.

Strategic Expansion in the UK Market

Tom Wood, UK Sales Director at Offset Print & Packaging, highlighted that the investment provides the flexibility needed to support existing volumes while aggressively pursuing new business opportunities in the food, beverage, and cosmetics sectors. This move aligns perfectly with Alzamora’s broader European strategy.

By standardizing high-end technology across its sites—from its highly automated logistics hubs in Sant Joan les Fonts, Spain, to this upgraded converting line in Kent—the group is building a highly resilient, cross-border production network. This network is increasingly capable of serving pan-European brands with consistent quality, mitigating the supply chain frictions that have characterized the market in recent years.

Seeing Alzamora Group back its 2024 acquisition with top-tier BOBST machinery proves that the UK remains a high-value growth vector for European packaging groups willing to invest in operational excellence. Will this level of automated, large-format converting capacity become the baseline requirement for independent carton plants hoping to compete for tier-one retail contracts? 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