Smart investments are key to supporting the fast growing folding cartons market demand

Founded in Cascavel, Paraná, by Itagiba Fortunato, Tuicial is now managed by the second generation of the family, Itagiba Jr., Deyse and Mariana. Since its foundation in 1978, when it occupied an area slightly larger than 20m², there have been many changes and investments. Today, the company employs around 300 people and its site occupies an area of 14,000m², which is currently being expanded by a further 8,000 m².  

The evaluation of new investments is an ongoing process since the company has been doubling in size every five years. However, the high demand for packaging in core market segments during the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated business growth, with packaging representing 90% of the portfolio at peak times. The company expects this to continue and as a result, the growth cycle to reduce from five to three years, approximately. 

This level of growth is only possible through very thorough strategic planning and collaboration with reliable partners. BOBST has proven to be one of the most relevant partners to support this growth! Importantly, the company is able to offer support at a local level and provides advanced technology equipment which delivers exceptional productivity - the production capacity increase is not limited to simply adding more equipment but geared towards achieving significant productivity gains in both existing and new equipment. 

To ensure the significant increase in demand for packaging is fulfilled, a complete conversion line was recently installed on site, comprising a BOBST EXPERTFOLD 80 folder-gluer and BOBST NOVACUT 106 E die-cutter. 

Tuicial's investments have also included a range of peripherals to the converting line. Designed to increase productivity further, they included HANDYPACK GT, which significantly facilitates packing at the machine end. This was specifically chosen to meet strong customer demand in the dry and frozen food, fast-food, delivery, hygiene and home care industries and cosmetics markets. 

It is also worth mentioning that the boom in e-commerce, brought about by Covid-19, accelerated demand for items in these categories. 

Initially, Tuicial served the commercial print sector but the move towards packaging began more than 20 years ago. Since then, from 50% of the product mix in the portfolio, packaging currently represents approximately 80% of Tuicial's order portfolio, reaching peaks of 90% in the most critical moments of the pandemic. 

Today’s modern packaging footprint started with used BOBST die-cutters and folder-gluers, to complement investments in printers and ensure the quality of the folding cartons offering. In the move to the current footprint, in 2016 the line was significantly expanded with new printing and converting equipment. 

"We are currently very well structured regarding our manufacturing footprint, and with the recent investments, we are more than prepared to meet the growing demand. However, investing in technology is important, but it is not enough if there is not a training program tied to this investment," says Itagiba Fortunato Jr, the company's director. "BOBST also empowers our team to ensure the best performance from each machine or piece of equipment, thus ensuring the best ROI."  

Throughout all this time, with all the growth and investments, the company has managed to maintain its vision: Make dreams come true, through high quality print materials, generating differentiation, providing unique experiences, and amazing results!  
 

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