NASTROTEX CUFRA Nastrotex 4.0: a turning point for digital printing “Industrial revolution 4.0”: this topical issue highlights the growing success of automation, through the implementation of state-of-the- art technologies conceived to improve working conditions as well as to enhance productivity and the plants’ quality. Nastrotex Cufra perfectly embodies this trend, thanks to efficient processes, a well-established know-how and a far-sighted attitude. We spoke about the current market situation and about the development of a one-of-a-kind machinery with Mario Cucchi, owner and founder of the company, with his children Barbara and Roberto as well as with Dr. Fabio Perico, head of the quality and management control department.
Mario Cucchi, his daughter Barbara and son Roberto and Dr. Fabio Perico
Can you tell us something more about this new machine? We have been working on this project for two years and it’s the result of a partnership, that we have monitored by providing technical consultancy, between two different companies. Our skills, specialized know-how and long-standing experience in the field have all played a key role in the development of this digital printing machine. It’s a one-of-a-kind product, the first ever to be launched on the market: a real treat that will guarantee unparalleled performances.
In this case, expertise is the keyword… Nastrotex was established more than 60 years ago. We have already gone through a process of generational turnover: yet, despite our long experience, we keep investing in innovation and training so as to reach new goals. This attitude lies at the core of our corporate philosophy, affecting also the relationship with the clientele. We always look ahead, keeping up the pace. The choice to design, manufacture and implement these cutting-edge technologies in a “poor” market such as ours – marked by the shift from the outsourcing logic to the finished product concept – is a true distinctive trait compared to other companies operating in the same sector. The technical office as well as the R&D department aim at conceiving unique products, available in a wide range of materials and nuances. Now they can count on a helpful ally. In this context, we have felt the need to provide the market with something truly innovative and different. Nevertheless, we must never forget that when we talk about these features, we must also take into account a series of brand-new parameters, pivotal for the production strategy: important variables, even when dealing with a high-performance material such as polyester. The implementation of this new process of digital automatic printing will entail a marked change in terms of market response and of merchandise variety. These are some aspects on which we must focus: first of all, the optimization of the production phase, resulting in a decrease in the amount of time dedicated to the set-up; secondly, the company will financially benefit from the implementation of this new digital technology, by cutting down the costs for the purchase of dyestuffs; last but not least, the product portfolio we can provide will be nearly unlimited. As a matter of fact, customers can choose between plain-colour and four-colour printing; all kinds of patterns – even two different motifs, independently from the shape, size and nuance – can be easily reproduced on both sides of the same material.
In this way, the uniqueness of the product is deeply tied to that of the process, is it not? Exactly. Innovation and uniqueness proceed from the manufacturing process to the product itself. Try and thinks about a plant 28m long, a seamless line that will significantly change the way elastic tapes are made.
Why do you prefer it to the traditional method? Because we will be the first to provide such a unique, state-of-the-art service, managing to fulfill the requests of the high-end market. Thanks to this brand- new technology, each micron of rubber is going to be either coloured or printed, allowing to give life to a product boasting the utmost performances in terms of chromatic evenness and yield, even when stretched.
Why have you chosen to put yourself on the line in such a difficult historic-economic context? You can call it an instinct…We have always been on the lookout for brand-new opportunities. Sometimes you just need to switch to a different perspective in order to find unexpected solutions. Now we can really define Nastrotex as a 4.0 Industry. In addition to the corporate reorganization carried out in the past, we are rescheduling our entire production and logistics departments, 132 while fostering the improvement of other key in-house processes. However, new ideas can be expensive and pioneers must tackle unexpected challenges that will ensure a fruitful return only later on in the future. Clearly, in cases like ours, determination makes the difference. To have an idea is just the first step: then, it must be put into practice and it is necessary to find partners eager to support you along the way. The success of a project can be achieved only if all the elements are on the same wavelength. Often, small-sized, artisan enterprises find some difficulties in carrying out complex projects. Even when dealing with a simple elastic tape, the entire production cycle must be managed by facilities relying on an efficient internal organization.
The founder of Nastrotex Cufra Mario Cucchi
What kind of practical changes will this innovation entail? Besides the innovation of the process – going hand in hand with the improvement of the quality of the product –, we will be able to access new markets. We are aiming not only at strengthening the mid-end segment, but also at supplying luxury brands, the latter a very difficult target to conquer. In this way, the relationship with the clientele will utterly change, turning from the traditional customer-supplier bond to a process partnership. The quality of our products is strongly tied to details, because they literally make the difference, adding value to the finished items manufactured by our customers. Thanks to these innovations, we will be able to effectively support them in strategic areas such as the search for new processing methods as well as the development of cutting-edge materials.
Let’s talk about figures… From an economic perspective, our investment amount to approximately €1,5 million and it will give us the chance to manufacture almost 2 million meters of elastic tape per year. This quantity will further increase, once the printing machine will be fully functioning. These are remarkable data for a family-run business, when you think about it carefully. This choice clearly embodies our strong desire to keep growing and improving under all aspects, including the financial one. We set off on our path by introducing a budget; after that, we took into considerations all the issues related to estimates and profit margins, then we planned the investments without implementing a relocation policy, thus confirming that it’s still possible to successfully work in Italy. In less than a month, the elastic tapes field will never be the same again. www.nastrotex-cufra.it
