Marbach is looking forward to an exciting year. Preview 2018.

Marbach is looking forward to an exciting year in 2018, which will see increasing internationalization and continued focus on the topics of future security, service and performance for customers. 

Packaging. Performance. You.
Marketing Manager Tina Dost: "In 2017 we were able to launch many new products onto the market. Our highlights in 2017 were digital zone levelling, which compensates for unevenness in die-cutters, our new blanking tools marbablanker and lightblanker as well as the Marbach technology pure edge, which ensures beautiful visible edges in corrugated board packaging. But also the new tool package marbaclean for hygienic die-cutting in the food industry was a key focus of interest. In the field of thermoforming toolmaking, the product development "Marbach Turner" established a positive reputation for itself with its innovative and safe closure technology. As well as MT|easy speed technology for high output rates. 

Our innovation management has also drawn up an active plan with developments for 2018. At the beginning of the year several innovations are already in the starting blocks just waiting to provide our customers with even better performance."

New training centre
In March 2018, the Marbach Training Center will commence offering a wide range of training courses. Under the motto "Marbach Academy. More knowledge. More Skills.” Marbach will carry out practice-based customer training courses around the theme of productivity in the production of folding boxes, corrugated board packaging and cigarette packaging. The training will take place on the new Brausse 1060 ER die-ctting machine in Heilbronn. In 2018, Marbach will also offer tool-related customer training courses in thermoforming on the new Gabler M98 Maxx thermoforming machine and the Kiefel KMD85.

Machine investments 
Marbach Die-Cutting Technology has been working for many years with Arden Engraving in the United Kingdom on the refinement of paperboard packaging. Arden has so far supplied the matching embossing clichés directly from the UK. In order to be able to continue working effectively – despite Brexit – Marbach will invest in the future together with Arden Engraving at the Marbach location in Heilbronn. From 2018, there will be several milling centers for embossing. In this way, embossing can be produced on-site in Heilbronn. This will increase flexibility and cushion possible negative fall-out from Brexit.

With the purchase of two new milling centers from Huron, Marbach Werkzeugbau (Tool Manufacturing) will also invest in flexibility, in the area of thermoforming. These machines can be used efficently and universally in the production of thermoforming tools as well as in the manufacture of rotary tools. 

Further investments are planned at our 20 locations worldwide.

Internationalization
In the last few years, Marbach has pushed ahead with its internationalization programme. A production facility in the USA was followed by another one in Malaysia. In addition, the worldwide Marbach network of representatives and partners has been continuously expanded. Marbach will also continue to grow in 2018. A joint venture with the die-cutting machine manufacturer Masterwork in China is also high on our wish list. The contracts have already been signed. Under the name of Marbach Masterwork (Tianjin) Die Cutting Tools Co. Ltd., the two companies are planning a cooperative venture. This will be the basis for Marbach's future development in the Chinese market. Marbach Automation & Service will supply the appropriate machines for the new Marbach production facility. Marbach also sees India as a potentially large growth market. There is currently a local employee on-site, but in 2018 Marbach will be considering further expansion of its activities there. 

New ERP system as an opportunity
A major project for the Marbach Group will enter its main phase in 2018: the implementation of a new ERP system. At the moment, Marbach is using the Oxaion system in the area of die-cutting technology. Diverse factors lead to the decision to invest in a new ERP system. Frank Müthing, CIO at Marbach: "In order to find an optimal and future-proof solution, we have taken the software solutions of various vendors into consideration. After intensive comparison we have decided in favor of IFS. IFS has put together the right package for our requirements. We are currently in the process of implementation. We see the changeover to the ERP system as a great opportunity. If the project is successfully implemented, not only will we benefit by increasing the efficiency of our global processes, but above all our customers will receive better delivery performance." The new ERP system will be introduced in 2019 throughout the Marbach Group (die-cutting technology). It will provide all areas involved with a total view of production orders. This will optimize CAD processing and production planning. Through centralization and standardization, the IFS solution will be used to create more transparency about customers' order histories, specifications and requirements. Through higher automation the IFS solution will harmonize and standardize the processes of the individual Marbach subsidiaries and significantyl shorten process times. 

Production control
When manufacturing thermoforming tools with production times running to several weeks, controlling this production can be a major challenge. In addition to its existing ERP system, Marbach Tool Making will introduce a software called Zeit|M (Time|M) in 2018, which will support the company in the detailed planning and control of its production capacities and thus make it even more efficient. For performance that ultimately benefits the customer.

Trade fairs and events
After the trade fair year 2017, which was rather quiet for Marbach, 2018 will be somewhat more lively. Marbach will be exhibiting at the Interplastica in Moscow in January, at the Expoprint in Sao Paulo in March and at the Hispack in Barcelona in May. The Fachpack in Nuremberg follows in September and the Scanpack in Gothenburg in October. Marbach will also be taking part in other smaller trade fairs and events around the globe.

Tina Dost: "The year 2018 will be full of exciting projects. We will enter new markets, work on the introduction of our ERP system and continue to invest. And, of course, we will also launch some new products onto market. Together with our customers, we are looking forward to delivering even better performance with our solutions."