Redacción Alabrent
Stratus Packaging, a leading European label and shrink sleeve converter with seven production sites across France and Switzerland, has worked with ABG for over 20 years. More than 30 ABG machines operate across their facilities, with ABG equipment installed at every site. This latest investment supports Stratus’ ongoing strategy to boost efficiency and automation in response to labour shortages and the need for intuitive, low-training equipment that increases workforce flexibility.Installed in April 2025, this DigiLite line features a newly integrated Digicon turret rewind - ABG’s latest enhancement, designed to reduce downtime and support higher productivity. The turret system enables smoother roll changes by assisting the operator during roll transitions without stopping production. It contributes to a more automated, high-efficiency workflow, especially valuable when staff resources are limited.
The machine includes a cantilevered 800mm unwind, a full rotary quick-change flexo unit, a semi-rotary die-cutting station and integrated waste matrix stripping. It also supports overlamination for applications such as cold foiling, super varnishing and laminate handling. Additional automation comes from AutoSlit, ABG’s automatic slitting system for rapid job changes, and iScore, which automatically sets the backscorer to reduce manual setup time. The DigiLite runs up to 90 metres per minute, making it well-suited to converters seeking speed, simplicity and flexibility in digital finishing.
Isidore Leiser, CEO of Stratus Packaging, said: “We’re always looking for ways to improve efficiency and support our operators with smart automation. Adding the turret rewind to our DigiLite line made perfect sense - it’s a practical enhancement that aligns with how we work and the challenges we face. As always, ABG listened to our needs and delivered a solution that helps us keep moving forward.
“As a family-owned business, we value relationships. We’ve worked with ABG for over two decades, and our teams know the machines well. Fewer suppliers mean better familiarity, less training and greater internal flexibility, which is more important than ever as staffing continues to be challenging.”
Matt Burton, global sales director at ABG, added: “Stratus has been a great partner for many years and their feedback has been vital in shaping the direction of our developments. The semi-automatic turret rewind is a direct response to customer needs, particularly from those managing high workloads with lean teams. It’s a great example of how we listen, collaborate and deliver meaningful enhancements.”
This latest DigiLite installation further strengthens ABG’s position as a key partner in finishing equipment for forward-thinking converters. It also reinforces Stratus Packaging’s commitment to investing in technologies that enhance productivity and help future-proof their operations.