In the biggest individual order in its history strapping equipment manufacturer Mosca is supplying 114 specialist newspaper strapping machines for three new printing sites to be operated by News International at Broxbourne, Glasgow and Knowsley in the UK.
News International is investing €950m in the three plants, which it says are “set to break new ground in the print industry”.
End-of-line strapping is a key consideration for the print industry, as successful on-time delivery depends on reliable, high-speed strapping of bundles. The Mosca machines were specified by News International chief engineer Ian Dickson, working with Ferag, provider of the mailroom technology, after a three-month trial. Ferag subsequently bought 57 RO-TAI-5-D Mosca strapping lines (each comprising RO-TRI-5 in-line strappers and an RO-TR-5-D with turning device) and 57 double pile-up conveyors. The set-up's key benefit is that the RO-TR-5-D, which can undertake either parallel or cross-strapping, provides back-up to ensure no line stoppages.
The systems were installed in Glasgow in November and will be delivered to Broxbourne and Knowsley later this year.
