SMP seals deal for Bickers Gluejet

London-based POS specialist SMP Group has invested in a Bickers Gluejet to streamline its gluing process and boost its capacity.

SMP first came across the German manufacturer’s machine at Drupa. It was bought from Bickers' UK sales agent Finishline Machinery and installed at the firm’s 8,360sqm Woolwich premises around two months ago.

The Gluejet, which the firm is using to finish FSDU and POS display work, increases productivity, frees up staff to do other work and provides consistency throughout the job.

The device features a camera with a large screen for programming the glue positions and turbo speed which doubles the previous velocity. The machine’s robotic action means it can apply the glue in almost any pattern.

SMP Group finishing director Rick Bleek said: "The new Gluejet has been a welcome addition to our factory by increasing capacity in production and providing a much more streamlined process than using hand-held glue guns.”

The business will continue to use hand-held glue guns for some bespoke projects.

SMP made the decision to buy the machine immediately after seeing a live demonstration on Bickers’ Drupa stand and did not look at any alternatives. Bleek said training on the kit, which cost £100,000, went “really well”.

The company, which employs around 225 staff and has a turnover of £38m, installed the UK’s first Inca Onset X3 last year and followed this with its second Diecut Goldline earlier this year.