Packaging

Smurfit-Stone Unveils Three New Machines From Meta(R) Packaging Equipment Line at Pack Expo International

Monday 10. November 2008 - Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's Automated Packaging Systems Group (NASDAQ:SSCC) will unveil three new machines from its Meta(R) packaging equipment line this week at Pack Expo International at Chicago's McCormick Place.

These industry-changing machines help customers reduce their material and shipping costs while improving the sustainability of their business model.

The Meta(R)-8 case and equipment line builds on the full-line integration capabilities of Smurfit-Stone’s Automated Packaging Systems, and represents a significant new phase in Smurfit-Stone’s package design and manufacturing technology. The unique eight-sided case provides compression strength 18 percent greater than a regular slotted container (RSC) using 6 percent less fiber as tested, or can maintain existing compression strength while using 17 percent less fiber. Benefits to customers include reduced costs and help in meeting sustainability goals.

The increased stacking strength of the eight-sided cases allows up to 30 percent more boxes to be placed on a single truck, resulting in fewer dock deliveries and reduced labor and fuel costs.

Smurfit-Stone introduced the Meta KD-8 case erector — capable of erecting eight-cornered knockdown cases at speeds up to 25 cases per minute — at the 2007 Pack Expo in Las Vegas. This year, Smurfit-Stone is expanding the reliable Meta(R) family of case formers with three new models: the Meta(R) Wrap-8, Meta(R)-FS and Meta(R) Tray-8.

— Meta(R) Wrap-8 – Manufactured for Smurfit-Stone by Douglas Machine, the Meta(R) Wrap-8 utilizes electronic motion controls to maximize machine flexibility and speed, dramatically enhancing changeover repeatability for multiple case configurations.

— Meta(R)-FS – Using full servo, or smart motor technology, the Meta(R)-FS forms the Meta(R)-8 case around a fixed mandrel, allowing quick changeover to different heights for boxes that share the same footprint.

— Meta(R)Tray-8 – Applying the eight-corner case benefits to the tray, the Meta(R) Tray-8 is capable of running any depth of tray with or without flaps.

Smurfit-Stone’s Vice President of Automated Packaging Systems John Eaton will be available at booth #2266 to discuss how this revolutionary equipment line can help customers improve manufacturing efficiencies, reduce product damage and waste, shrink labor and material costs, improve fiber utilization, meet recycling and sustainability expectations and boost retail sales.