Comptoir National du Plastique (CNP) in Tunisia increases production of its blown film line by 20% with a retrofit from W&H

The Tunisian film manufacturer CNP has modernized its blown film line
(2,400 mm) from 2007 with a new MAXICONE C three-layer die head
(size: 315/500) by W&H. Additional to that, CNP also retrofitted the
existing machine with the automation modules PROFILE BOOSTER
and EASY CHANGE. Whereas PROFILE BOOSTER is accelerating the
gauge control for faster job changes and start-ups, EASY CHANGE can
be seen as an “Auto Pilot” for blown film lines. EASY CHANGE is
adjusting all format relevant machine parameters fully automatically,
including the cooling air. This results in fast format changes and
eliminates operation mistakes.

The outcomes of these modifications at CNP: “Job changes now only
take 3 minutes due to the higher level of automation. Previously, we

needed a multiple of this. Waste has been reduced by four/fifths to
around 20 kg. With the modernized line we produce shrink film at 610
kg/hour and laminating film in 25μ at 500 kg/hour, which is an output
increase of more than 20 % “, explains Ameur Chamakhi, Managing
Director Production at CNP. “We promise our customers the highest
quality combined with maximum economic efficiency. That is why we
are investing in the modernization of our systems,” says Walid Chatti,
Managing Director Sales at CNP.
The entire retrofit implementation on site, with partner Windmöller &
Hölscher, took only about a week – from initial dismantling of the old die
head to the start of production with the new die head and software.
“The VAREX is CNP’s main blown film line. We planned the installation
of the new die head in detail and carried it out without delay to keep
downtime to a minimum,” explains Hendrik Steen, the Head of
Retrofitting at W&H. “W&H accompanied us from the initial planning
stage to the resumption of production. The implementation by the
experienced technicians was fast and high-quality. A well-done job all
round,” Chamakhi confirms.

In 2007 CNP invested in a VAREX 3-layer blown film line, mainly to
produce agricultural and industrial films. “More than ten years ago CNP
commissioned the first VAREX in the Maghreb region. This shows the
pioneering position of CNP. Since then, CNP and W&H have been in
regular contact on how to maintain production performance at the
highest level,” says Carsten Varney from W&H Sales.
CNP was founded in 1958 and is the oldest Tunisian plastics
processing company. Today, CNP is a market leader in Tunisia and
neighboring countries with approximately 170 employees and a
production of 10,000 tons per year. The company specializes in the
production of agricultural and industrial packaging.