The Bobst 102E takes up a significant amount of space in the finishing company's Penrose premises in Patrick Street, but it has put through huge volumes of work which previously had to be done on several machines at once.
One such job completed successfully was the recently launched 232,000-run Weetbix All Black card series for the Rugby World Cup, a task that was an easy match for the Bobst.
The machine runs at very high speeds and can take a maximum sheet size of 1020 x 720mm and a minimum size of 400 x 350mm.
Warwick says it runs at speeds three times that of a cylinder machine and it has subsequently replaced two cylinders and a platen in the print finishing company operation. Warwick adds however, that they have kept some support machinery to cover for any breakdowns so work is never interrupted.
"It is important these days to be covered, rather than have one machine that becomes indispensable and then a disaster if it breaks down. Work has to be put through regardless and we pride ourselves on getting it out as promised," he says.
The Bobst not only runs fast but it produces better quality work with no stretching and minimum nicking because sheets are run through it flat, rather than bent around a cylinder as on previous machines.
The machine also has the ability to strip waste automatically.
Warwick says it is the only die cutting machine like it offered to the trade in Auckland, and he has serviced clients as far as the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
"It is particularly suited for packaging because of its speed, accuracy and quality."
For those wanting to use the machine, Warwick says the only request is that he have some input into the die making process because he can add suggestions which will ensure the smooth running of each job.
"We can achieve a lot more if the tooling comes to us correct in the first place and I would prefer to have some input in the construction of all the dies we use."
The award winning company celebrates its 22 year in operation this year. Warwick started Sharp Print Finishers in Grey Lynn 21 years ago with himself and two staff and today he has eight staff including two apprentices, one who has just graduated, and one who is about to finish.
He believes companies like his have a duty to the industry to provide training for apprentices to ensure the skills remain in Kiwi hands.
"I think it is important for people to give something back to the industry they have benefited from. We have a huge skills shortage in this country because of the reluctance of some who haven't offered young people apprenticeships," he says.
"What happens is that companies have only been prepared to train people up in a narrow skill range that has suited their operation rather than offering a packaging apprentice that gives a broader skill range. Unfortunately this has contributed to the situation we have today."
