This article first appeared in the June 2025 issue of ProPack.pro.

Excel Packaging, a South Australia-based business specialising in the manufacture of cardboard packaging solutions, has installed a high-end Century 1670Q automatic flatbed die-cutter from Graffica, boosting its production capacity and bringing previously outsourced work back in-house.

The automatic flatbed die-cutter has significantly improved its quality control, reduced lead times, and boosted profitability. It has also increased revenue by an additional 20 per cent through enhanced sizing and output capabilities.

The proudly Australian-owned and run family business’ cardboard packaging solutions range from standard FEFCO designs to completely unique die-cut products. It focuses primarily on corrugated cardboard packaging, but also develops, converts, and supplies a wide range of box board products to meet diverse customer needs.

Excel Packaging services a broad range of industries requiring cardboard packaging, holding a strong market share in the wine, FMCG, general manufacturing, export, and the fast- growing e-commerce industry sectors.

Last year, the company reached its production capacity and needed to outsource a significant volume of work to keep up with demands. Additionally, there was a shortage of local partners capable of handling the larger sheet sizes required for certain products. Excel Packaging realised it needed to bring its work in-house to alleviate these bottlenecks and streamline business processes.

After researching several options, the company found that Century and Graffica could deliver not only the best machine for its requirements but also the high level of local support it was looking for.

Excel Packaging general manager Daniel Zaniewski met Graffica director Neil Southerington, and a new partnership was forged, with the machine installed in March 2025.

“The Century 1670Q integrates seamlessly with our existing operations, pairing perfectly with materials printed by our flexographic printers or laminated by our partners and customers,” Zaniewski said.

“Despite the challenge of moving a 40-tonne piece of equipment, once positioned, Graffica and Century’s engineers had it connected and running jobs within two days. Training was completed by day three, making for a smooth transition into full production by day four.

“The Century 1670Q has strengthened our production capabilities and market position, giving us the confidence to plan for further machinery investments in the near future. The Century 1670Q is our first machine from Graffica – but based on this experience, it likely won’t be the last!”

The Century 1670Q automatic flatbed die- cutter is built for quick set-up, safety, wide stock range and reducing damage to print sheets. It has a maximum cutting force of 400 tonnes and a maximum mechanical speed of 5,000 sheets per hour.

Zaniewski said the Century 1670Q was selected for its larger sheet size capabilities – it takes a maximum sheet size of 1670mm by 1260mm – and its range of automatic features, including faster setups, full waste stripping and removal, an automated feeding and delivery system, and a vacuum system capable of handling a wide variety of materials, including warped and laminated board.

“One of the best features of this machine is the patented feeding system that easily handles bowed and warped materials, maintaining precise registration even on tricky printed and nested designs. The suction feeder also protects laminated materials from scratching,” Zaniewski said.

“Excel Packaging plans to continue its strong growth path with further investment in automation, specialty gluing, and storage solutions, while expanding its reach into the e-commerce market nationwide.”

Southerington said the demand for online is proliferating, and just about every company that makes something now is in e-commerce.

“As a result, packaging’s high on the agenda for our company direction and we’ll be looking to install more machines, such as the Century 1670Q, soon. Century is a well-known name in Australia and New Zealand, mostly in the larger formats, and in fully and semi-auto,” Southerington said.

“The Century 1670Q installed at Excel Packaging works seamlessly with the company’s other machines. Everything came together very well, and I look forward to keeping that relationship moving forward.”