Italian PVC film and sheet producer Alfatherm SpA plans to install an advanced integrated film calendering and stretching line to improve its output of heat-shrinkable film for shrink-sleeve labels.
The Venegono Superiore-based company plans to have the new line running by fall. It said the shrink-sleeve label market is growing by about 5 percent per year.
Bruckner Maschinenbau GmbH of Siegsdorf, Germany, will supply equipment to build the line.
Until now, Alfatherm has operated traditional shrink-sleeve machinery using regular film calendering, then separate stretching lines. The company has 12 calendering and eight printing lines.
Alfatherm, which operates four Italian plants in Gallarate, Gorla Minore, Carnago and Venegono Superiore, will install the new, integrated line at its Gorla site.
Alfatherm is a significant European processor of PVC rigid, semirigid and plastified sheet and film. It exports about half of its production and serves such sectors as food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics packaging; furniture; stationery; and technical specialties.
The company has annual sales of about 110 million euros ($133 million) and employs 600. Alfatherm consolidated its position at the start of last year when it acquired Resine Sintetiche Adamoli SpA of Carnago. The purchase added the new Carnago production unit equipped with a calendering machine as well as various printing and coating machines.