Huhtamaki Flexible Packaging has reinforced its long-standing partnership with Italian slitter rewinder specialist Bimec through the installation of two new TCA 64C+ duplex turret slitter rewinders at its Durban facility.
The machines have been in operation since September 2025 and, according to the companies, are already running at full capacity. Just four months after start-up, the lines are delivering increased productivity and meeting performance expectations.
Long-term collaboration
The latest installation builds on a partnership spanning more than a decade. In 2013, Bimec supplied two TCA 64C duplex turret slitter rewinders to Huhtamaki plants in the UAE. This was followed in 2019 by four additional machines for a new facility in Egypt – one TCA 64C and three STB 560 duplex slitter rewinders.
With the two new TCA 64C+ systems now installed in Durban, Huhtamaki continues to standardise on Bimec technology across multiple international sites.
Compact design and flexible slitting options
The TCA 64C+ is designed with a compact footprint and features a semi-integrated unwind stand. This configuration allows easy access to the slitting section while reducing the risk of material contamination.
The machine supports a range of slitting configurations, including razor blades and circular knives, with both mechanical and pneumatic options available. This flexibility enables converters to adapt the equipment to different substrates and job requirements.
A number of automation features are integrated as standard, including:
- Automatic positioning of knife holders
- Multi-groove female knives
- A single laser beam system for automatic core positioning
Together, these systems are designed to reduce set-up times, improve repeatability and support high productivity levels.
Supporting global flexible packaging operations
According to Bimec, the TCA 64C+ has been developed to meet the productivity, quality and reliability requirements of major international packaging groups.
The Durban installation further underlines Bimec’s position as a technology partner for flexible packaging converters worldwide, supporting complex industrial projects across multiple regions.