Acket, a distinguished name in European packaging solutions, has cemented its commitment to operational excellence and market responsiveness with the strategic integration of the latest BOBST Novacut 106 ER flatbed die-cutter, prominently featuring the cutting-edge Accuregister system, marking this as the first such installation in the Benelux region. This significant capital expenditure, formally commissioned in November 2025, represents a pivotal moment for the organization, enabling it to further elevate the quality and volume of packaging supplied to a demanding clientele spanning the food, non-food, healthcare, and luxury sectors across the continent.
Currently operating a sophisticated manufacturing footprint that includes three high-performance printing presses, six advanced die-cutting units, and seven precision folder-gluers, Acket specializes in the high-volume production of corrugated and solid board cartons. The company’s primary focus remains servicing the rigorous quality standards of the food industry, though its expertise extends seamlessly into high-end consumer goods and sensitive healthcare packaging.
The decision to invest in this state-of-the-art die-cutting platform was driven by a calculated assessment of current market dynamics and long-term sustainability goals. Tom Acket, the managing director and a proud fifth-generation steward of the family business, articulated the rationale behind the significant upgrade. "In the contemporary commercial landscape, achieving peak efficiency in our production workflows and consistently hitting required output volumes are non-negotiable prerequisites for effectively serving our customer base," Acket stated. He pointed to the legacy equipment that formed the backbone of their die-cutting department for decades. "We relied on three BOBST 102 CE machines, which served us diligently for nearly thirty years. However, as time progressed, maintaining these veteran assets became increasingly challenging, particularly concerning the availability of spare parts."
This obsolescence management strategy began proactively a few years prior. "We made the strategic decision to phase out one of the older units, which allowed us to assess the market for next-generation solutions," Acket continued. This initial evaluation led to a key precursor investment in 2022: the acquisition of a BOBST Novacut 106 ER Autoplaten die-cutter. The performance of this initial unit proved highly compelling. "We quickly recognized that the Novacut 106 ER offered an exceptional return on investment, delivering the precise quality standards our premium clients expect," Acket noted.
The decisive factor for the most recent acquisition, however, was the introduction of BOBST’s enhanced Accuregister technology. This system represents a significant evolution in substrate registration accuracy. "When BOBST rolled out the updated Accuregister system, it presented an almost perfect solution for us," explained Acket. "It delivers registration performance comparable to the sophisticated Power Register found on our high-end Expertcut machines, but integrated into a format that is simpler to manage and deploy across the standard Novacut platform. This confluence of proven technology in an accessible package made the decision to order the new machine straightforward."
The newly installed Novacut 106 ER, specifically engineered with the Accuregister feature, grants Acket substantially improved precision, a critical requirement given the increasing complexity of modern packaging designs. This includes the need for flawless execution of intricate processes such as counter-cutting, micro-perforations for tear-open features, and detailed embossing work—all demanding sub-millimeter accuracy relative to the pre-printed graphics.
Performance specifications underline the machine’s capabilities. Capable of processing substrates at speeds reaching up to 8,000 sheets per hour, the Novacut 106 ER is designed for high throughput without sacrificing quality integrity. A key operational enhancement is the machine’s integrated blanking capability. This feature automates the removal of matrix waste directly on the machine, significantly reducing the reliance on manual post-processing labor. Beyond immediate cost savings, this automation directly contributes to improved workplace ergonomics by minimizing repetitive manual handling tasks for Acket’s production team.
Furthermore, the machine is fully integrated into the BOBST Connect digital ecosystem. This comprehensive, all-in-one digital platform is central to Acket’s Industry 4.0 strategy, aggregating operational data and providing access to a suite of digital services designed to facilitate better, data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and overall productivity enhancement across the shop floor.
Tom Acket provided specific feedback on the tangible benefits already observed. "The Accuregister system is remarkably intuitive; its ease of use belies the precision it achieves, allowing us to place our cuts and creases exactly where the design dictates," he affirmed. He highlighted the cumulative impact of automation: "When combined with the inline blanking—a feature we now possess on four of our primary die-cutting units—we have realized a substantial reduction in the manual labor burden. This has, in turn, created a significantly smoother workflow feeding into our folder-gluing operations." Acket also praised the digital support infrastructure: "We are equally pleased with the integration of BOBST Connect for streamlined data management when needed, and the responsiveness of the Bobst Helpline service, which ensures that any operational anomalies are resolved quickly and with high accuracy."
Edwin Hulsink, Zone Business Director for the Benelux region at BOBST, commented on the significance of Acket’s continued partnership and investment. "Acket’s latest commitment to the Novacut 106 ER, particularly featuring the Accuregister system, serves as a powerful testament to the value proposition this platform offers converters navigating diverse job requirements and striving for packaging integrity that approaches zero defects," Hulsink observed. He elaborated on the technological synergy: "When this hardware is optimized through the advanced analytics and connectivity provided by BOBST Connect, the combination of speed, inherent accuracy, and integrated blanking capability positions the Novacut 106 ER as the definitive solution for operations demanding both maximum efficiency and superior versatility across the entire spectrum of production runs, from short-run specialties to high-volume continuous orders."
This strategic upgrade ensures Acket remains at the forefront of specialized packaging manufacturing in Europe, capable of meeting the escalating demands for speed, precision, and sustainability from its diverse, high-stakes clientele. The investment solidifies Acket’s competitive edge by marrying decades of family expertise with the most advanced die-cutting technology available on the market.
