ST ALBANS, UK - Reading-based Allport Packaging has invested in a Zünd G3 M2500 system for cutting, routing and creasing a range of packaging materials, helping it accelerate its sample design work.

Allport Packaging, founded in 1992, is a specialist in export-related packaging – designing, manufacturing and supplying packaging to improve the storage, transport and weight of exports to reduce costs. Using timber, foam and corrugated materials for its packaging, the company needed a multi-purpose machine to speed up the prototype design process.

The Zünd G3 Digital Cutter is highly flexible and adaptable thanks to its modular tool concept. The G3 M2500 system was configured for Allport Packaging with the ability to cut and crease corrugated materials, rout wood and MDF and to produce foam fittings, working with Zünd software to create samples in minutes. In addition, the G3 can cut materials up to 50mm thick and features an integrated variable vacuum system to reduce energy consumption.

"More and more, the industry is about design; business has changed to use good design to save our clients money," says Geoff Bargus, Finance and Operations Director at Allport Packaging. "It's an ideal match for us – a good fit for the business.

"Technology moved on to allow clients to send us concept drawings, so we could design the packaging around it; now it's gone full circle and clients want a physical sample. The Zünd G3 M2500 can churn out a sample without any additional tooling, as well as managing small production runs easily."

Geoff Bargus explains that Allport Packaging's sister company in Hungary bought a Zünd machine for its operations, piquing the UK wing's interest. After a half-day demonstration session at Zünd's St Albans HQ, the Allport Packaging team was 'sold on it straightaway'.

"Zünd was very professional, a pleasure to work with," Geoff Bargus adds.

Peter Giddings, Sales Director at Zünd UK, comments: "The Zünd G3 M2500 system fits in well with Allport Packaging – a business that knows the value of design, efficiency and speed. The configuration enables routing, creasing and cutting, accelerating the production of prototypes using several materials, so we're looking forward to seeing the end results."