REPORT
FCBM delegation led by the R&D Chairman embarked on a first of its kind – Experiential Learning Mission (ELM) to Bangkok, Thailand from 24-26 September 2023.
We had participation from PAN India with a total of 15 delegates who from following 5 Regional Associations - ACCT, EICMA, KCBMA, SICBMA &WICMA.
It was particularly encouraging to see young generation turn up for this visit.
Highlights-
- CorruTec Asia 2023 at BITEC was a good show, our delegation was greeted by Mr. Chusak – President of the Thai Corrugated Packaging Association. Interesting innovation we saw was the advent of G Flute by a local Thai box manufacturer amongst a host of digital printing solutions. Next CorruTec Asia is from 22-25 September 2025.
- We visited Thai Container Group, Patumthani plant which hubs a Flexo Press of 6 colour 2.5-meter-wide Conprinta, Germany. The machine uses belt technology with registration error of +/- 0.35 mm. Just to give a perspective post print error margin is +/-3mm and offset error margin is +/-0.2mm.
The plant head interacted with the group and exchanged ideas and they are open to even taking up print jobs for us as some of the members enquired. They invited us for a lavish lunch at Marias Garden Restaurant nearby and treated us to some authentic Thai food.
This is the first time ever they have received an Indian delegation at their plant.
- We visited Siam Kraft, Banpong Mill where we saw the PM # 16 which is 7.5meter wide and produces 1200 Tons per Day!
We had visited this earlier in 2018 alongside the MC Meeting that was conducted by FCBM in the term of Mr. Pradip Bosmaya.
The storage and inventory management were a sight to see with 100% automation and the robotics involved. They are tracking wastages at a microscopic level and are now handling over 100,000 tons of paper reels with less than 100 kgs wastage!
We also noticed the Length/ liner meterage is mentioned on the packaging label on the reels, This international norm is now catching up with mills in india with continuous efforts being made by R&D team to impress upon the advantages of Linear Meterage, launched earlier this year.
- Not to miss, the delegation gelled well and enjoyed dinner at Jhol- a Michelin star restaurant in Bangkok on the final night and shared each other’s experiences.
With a successful outing, R&D team will now plan more such “Experiential Learning Mission” in the future.
Thank you,
Ankkit Agarwal
R & D Chairman
