Retrofits Breathe New Life Into Varex At Mondi

What to do with a 23-year-old VAREX when you need more output … send it into retirement or revitalize it with retrofits?

For Mondi in Jackson, MO, the choice was clear … retrofit the line with the newest technologies. “We were working within our budget and decided to optimize the line with a retrofit and it was a great decision,” said PJ Cormier, Vice President of Operations.

The project included a new die and air ring, two 70 mm extruders, a ProControl user interface and new drives. “The line is running great, we have seen an improvement in film quality and we are filling more orders,” added Cormier. These films are being used for roll stock as well as printing and converting into bags onsite.

“The installation took one month and went very smoothly, and we’re talking about during COVID,” said Don Farrow, Extrusion Department Manager. “The new die and extruders made a huge difference, as did the ARCTIS air ring and the single supply, which saves space.”

When a challenge with equipment does come up, Mondi has an experienced and adept in-house team. “Here at Mondi, we tweak and try things a lot before we pull others in, but when we do have an issue that needs outside help to resolve, we know we can count on W&H,” said Farrow.

In North America, Mondi and W&H have been partners in extrusion, printing and converting for more than 30 years.