Kennedy Smith achieves 15% productivity increase with BOBST EXPERTFOLD recalibration and BOBST Connect integration

Becoming a BOBST house 
Established in 1997, Kennedy Smith Press is now Scotland’s largest independent solid board carton manufacturer, serving fast-moving industries such as pharmaceuticals and food. The company became a full BOBST house in 2018, having steadily expanded its equipment portfolio to include an EXPERTFOLD and a VISIONFOLD, followed by a unique side-by-side installation of two NOVACUT 106 E die-cutters. 

Director Michiel Molenaar explained: “In 2014, we had no BOBST equipment on site. Now, just a few years later, BOBST is at the heart of our operation.” 

10% productivity boost after recalibration 
As part of a recent service initiative, Kennedy Smith commissioned a full belt and bearing recalibration on its EXPERTFOLD folder-gluer. The work, carried out by BOBST engineers, restored the machine to factory-level alignment and operating condition. 

“It’s like getting your car serviced and realigned – you don’t always realize what’s drifted until it’s back to perfect,” said Michiel. “The engineers were outstanding. They spotted small issues and niggles that we’d learned to live with, and once they were fixed, the machine ran faster and more smoothly.” 

The result was an estimated 10% increase in productivity, particularly on complex crash-lock cartons, along with shorter setup times and greater confidence on the shop floor. “Our operators know they’re working with a machine in top condition. That pride and trust are important in making sure every single person can get the best performance out of the machine,” he added. 

BOBST Connect delivers clarity and speed 
Alongside the recalibration, Kennedy Smith has adopted BOBST Connect across its EXPERTFOLD, VISIONFOLD and two NOVACUT lines, aiming to increase visibility and control across its workflows. The platform enables real-time machine monitoring, data capture, and performance analysis, all integrated into the company’s existing MIS setup. 

“We use Optimus MIS, and thanks to the open API structure of BOBST Connect, we can bring live production data straight into our own systems,” said Michiel. “There’s no need to log into separate platforms – it’s seamless.” 

He also credits BOBST Connect with helping the team stay on top of line performance. “We can invest in the highest-performing machines available, but if we don’t have the data, we can’t know that. BOBST Connect shows us where machines are running below target, so we can take action – whether that’s retraining, maintenance or just adjusting expectations. It gives us insight we never had before.” 

15 percent productivity gains on the NOVACUTs

15% productivity gains through partnership 
Michiel points to three main benefits from recent BOBST initiatives: faster setup, higher throughput, and integrated visibility. The improvements have already made a significant difference, particularly in die-cutting. 

“We’ve seen up to 15% productivity gains on the NOVACUTs. Even small refinements add up, and the data helps us keep improving,” he said. “We’re also working on a solution that connects older machines into the same reporting ecosystem, so no data is lost.” 

Reflecting on the long-term relationship, Michiel is positive: “The partnership works. If there’s an issue, we know who to speak to, and we always get the support we need. BOBST Connect and the recalibration programme have both exceeded expectations.” 

Lee Alton, Area Sales Manager, BOBST UK & Ireland, added: “Kennedy Smith is a fantastic example of what’s possible when technical investment meets cultural buy-in. Its team has embraced digital transformation and continuous improvement, and we’re very proud to be part of that journey.” 

Kennedy Smith’s continued evolution shows how operational precision and digital tools can drive real-world results, and why service and support remain vital long after installation day. 

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