by Dan Brunton
León, Mexico based CartoMicro, founded in 1989, began its journey in the corrugated board industry, but over time, new processes and technology were incorporated such as manufacturing single- and double-wall corrugated in different flutes, as well as the production of folded and die-cut boxes for different uses and sectors.
As the demand for the company’s products increased, storage and delivery logistics were also incorporated to effectively meet customers’ needs, which has been one of CartoMicro’s main focuses right from start.
“We stand out for flexibility and reliability. We have a special focus on attention and service to our customers, continually improving the value offer based on market needs. We investigate, develop, and incorporate technology, processes and materials based on this,” said Jorge Velázquez Bonilla, COO.
When the business was established, CartoMicro was mainly focused on serving the local market, but over the years, they have expanded to deliver not only throughout Mexico but even to international destinations such as the United States, Europe, and Asia.
CartoMicro serves the needs of several sectors including industrial (automotive, textile, electronics, furniture) and agri-foods (fresh, processed and beverages), and their customers are distributors.
In 2018, to improve quality and service in their box converting division, CartoMicro made an important investment by acquiring a casemaker from EMBA. Observing a market demand oriented towards smaller volume production — but still a demand for high quality and price sensitive — the choice was made for an EMBA Ultima.
CartoMicro’s expectations of the machine contributing to a continued growth have been met.
“The machine has met our expectations of availability, productivity, quick order changes and quality, currently being one of the company’s most valuable assets. It allows us to manufacture everything from large quantities of industrial boxes to high-performance products for specialized sectors,” said Jorge Velázquez Bonilla.
“Receiving this kind of response is something we value highly, when we meet our customers’ demands and expectations then we have succeeded with our work – focusing on customer-driven development,” said Anders Troedsson, Area Sales Manager, EMBA.
“We are proud to have delivered a fast and flexible machine, with short set-up times, that will allow CartoMicro to provide a diverse range of products and help them increase their capacity as they continue to expand their business.”
It was essential that their investment generate high-volume, high-quality box production. But also significant was the support and service EMBA has provided both before, during and after the installation of the machine.
“Regardless of what questions we have, we always receive full support from EMBA,” said Bonilla.
“Throughout our cooperation, they have always delivered what they promised. The confidence we have in EMBA is very high.”
Box production started only two weeks after the installation of the latest machine. A well-functioning and successful installation is based on good cooperation between both parties before delivery, but undoubtedly during installation.
“The installation of an EMBA machine is always preceded by clear instructions to have a process as smooth as possible.
“In CartoMicro’s case, the conditions for an efficient installation and start-up have been absolutely right both of the times and they have followed our instructions to the full.
“In addition to that, they have also adopted our advice regarding maintenance and operation of machines in the best way,” confirms Camilla Larsson, Manager Aftermarket, EMBA.
“Our technicians have been well received and they experience that the operators at CartoMicro have been accommodating and solution-oriented throughout the process.”
“Teach the teacher” is a successful concept that CartoMicro has implemented. One person learns all the details of operating and maintaining the machine and then trains others.
“With good guidance from the EMBA trainers and user-friendly maintenance manuals, our work on the machines has flowed satisfactorily. EMBA’s excellent service has been a fundamental factor in continuing to learn and grow together,” Bonilla said.
