Comexi, an equipment supplier of machinery for the flexible packaging printing and converting sector, will install a machine that integrates slitting and laser technology at one of the leading West Coast converters in the United States. Comexi has reached an agreement for an S1 DS slitter with an integrated laser module with Portco Packaging. The use of this integrated solution will provide Portco with a competitive advantage in the food packaging sector, as well as in the West Coast region of the US.  The machine will be installed at Portco’s Woodland, WA facility.

“Our integrated solution is a key selling point with many converters in this region. Sourcing slitting and laser equipment from a single source supplier, which can support both technologies, minimizes their potential risk," explains Tom Calahan, Comexi Area Manager for the region, who adds that many small and mid-size companies will find this technology “extremely attractive due to the lack of internal resources available to handle integration."

Portco Packaging, a family-owned company for 85 years, manufactures paper and film-based packaging products. The company offers printed rollstock, laminations, multiwall bags, and a variety of pre-made pouch styles. Their mission is to make the highest quality, safest flexible packaging in the most responsible way. In doing so, they are continuously developing new and better products, utilizing both solvent based and solvent free technologies as well as recyclable and biodegradable films.

"This new, one of a kind technology from Comexi complements our existing capabilities and will enable us to provide a much wider range of packaging solutions for our customers. We are very excited about this addition and what it means for Portco's future," stresses Linda Malmstadt, Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Portco Packaging, who also emphasized that "the market for
safe, easy to prepare pre-packaged foods is continuing to grow at a remarkable pace. Packaging technology plays a key role in this mix. From food packaging applications like easy open, microwave venting and extended shelf life, to soft security features such as numbering, promotions and bar/QR codes, this technology certainly addresses the current demands of the marketplace."

Rich Castillo, Vice President of Operations of Portco Packaging, says, “The integration of the laser system with Comexi world class slitting technology made the decision to work with Comexi on our project an easy one”, and Kent Wall, President of Portco Packaging, highlights that “Comexi’s S1 DS slitter allows Portco to meet the future growing demands of our customers. Having an integrated solution from one supplier helps us ensure that we deliver a finished product that is extremely consistent and of the highest quality."

The Slitter with laser will be installed at their Southwest Washington facility and will allow them to work efficiently with large and small output diameters rolls with a cost-performance ratio that is especially attractive. Equipped with independent blades and shear cut sets, the Slitter can handle a variety of challenges, as well as avoid oil spillage thanks to its fully electrical system.
Recommended for work with large-diameter rolls, the acceleration ratios of the Comexi S1 DS achieve high productivity by rapidly reaching top speed without the loss of and can handle diverse challenges.

The integration of a laser-in-line processing system allows customization, differentiation and at the same time, performs a wide gamut of applications and finishing processes including the following: micro perforations, macro perforations, design windows, pre-cut adhesive labels, alpha numeric codes and bar codes, security systems and easy open applications.