Kongsberg, known for its innovative cutting solutions, recently launched a new product called Ultimate, which is being touted as the fastest machine of its kind globally. Bharat Godbole, application sales manager, South Asia at Kongsberg, spoke to Packaging South Asia during IndiaCorr Expo 2024 about the new machine — highlighting its capabilities and its availability to the Indian market. He also spoke about the general trends in the industry.
The Ultimate machine boasts a speed of over 150 meters per minute, making it the fastest in the world. Godbole explained, “We have launched Ultimate globally, and while it is not yet available in India, customers here can still access it.”
Although Kongsberg did not showcase any machines at the event, samples on display were created using its machines. These samples, representing industries such as sign and display, corrugation, and protective packaging, demonstrate the machine’s diverse capabilities.
Asked about the Ultimate machine’s target market, Godbole said it is designed for automated solutions, particularly for the display and signage industries. “If you’re in the display industry and need to produce and cater across India, this is the machine,” he said.
The Ultimate comes with advanced features such as robotics automation, which can pick, place, cut samples, and deliver them in a stackable manner. While the machine is not aimed at the boxing industry, it’s a perfect fit for businesses in display and signage that require large-scale production with larger sizes.
Kongsberg’s continued innovation and commitment to offering cutting-edge solutions highlight the company’s role in driving the next generation of automated production in India’s signage and display industries.
Kongsberg’s presence in India
With over 200 installations across India, Kongsberg has built a solid customer base. According to Godbole, 40% of these installations are within the corrugated industry, marking it as the largest segment for the company in India. He noted the industry’s evolution, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, where value addition has become a major focus.
“The corrugation industry is quite volatile due to pricing, but there is a clear trend of companies looking to expand beyond traditional methods. Kongsberg helps them explore new possibilities using their existing setups,” he said.
