Lauterbach Group, based in Sussex, WI, USA, has invested in a Grafotronic HI3 Inspection slitter-rewinder system – its first machine from the Sweden-headquartered manufacturer.

The Grafotronic HI3 is a third-generation fully servo driven inspection slitter-rewinder machine. The HI3 features a max speed of 1,300 fpm, allowing for the addition of the most popular web inspection systems on the market and accurate fault placement onto an operator friendly, wide, viewing area for removal or replacement of defects. It is upgradable with a semi-automatic turret and the company’s automatic slitting knives add to the machine’s productivity.

Lauterbach Group specializes in pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeve labels, flexible packaging pouches, and other non-adhesive printed products.

Lauterbach Group is steeped in tradition while focusing on the future with Lean and automated principles. The converter strives for continuous improvement by investing in automation and state-of-the-art equipment.

“We were not happy with our existing machinery, so we invested in the Grafotronic HI3. And I just have to say it’s designed really well. It’s built really well. We got rid of the old machines and kept only one for ultra-short runs – because we are so productive with the Grafotronic HI3,” states Shane Lauterbach, president of Lauterbach Group. “We didn’t have to buy another machine…even small run jobs are super-fast.”

“It´s just a great piece of equipment. The tension system is awesome. The ease of use is fantastic. The interface is easy to work with. Efficient, fast, and productive. And you can get a hold of people,” adds Heath Lauterbach, vice president of operations. “The Grafotronic service team is simply super responsive. Just the fact that you don’t have to go through a call center is fantastic. To put it short: the service is rockstar good.”