Time is money when converting labels. And with turnaround times faster than ever, a converter’s ability to source products from the same supplier helps simplify the process. Maxcess, a global leader in automated web handling applications, offers a wide range of solutions for industries that range from labels and packaging to nonwovens and metals. Maxcess’ product lines span diecutting, web guiding, tension control, vision inspection, performance rolls, slitting, winding, and more.

To learn more about the latest industry trends and how Maxcess is ideally suited to meet these challenges, L&NW sat down with Keith Laakko, Global VP of Marketing & Business Development at Maxcess.

The ability to be flexible, adaptable, and an increasing shift to ever more customization, personalization, and shorter runs. Thinner liners remain a trend that will continue to offer customers savings opportunities and increased productivity. Finally, there is certain amount of uncertainty right now given the tariff situation.

In tackling these issues, Maxcess continues to investment in automated solutions and data analytics to reduce operator errors, use stored data to recall popular applications for reduce set up time / quicker changeovers, and create quicker onboarding for newer employees with enhanced digital training. We continue to create solutions that have guiding, tension and die cutting work better together to overcome thin film liner challenges.

From a sustainability standpoint, educating customers in repair and refurbishment options helps to increase tool life and enhance tool longevity. Increased customization and more shorter runs require enhanced efforts to offer versatility, flexibility and adaptability in our solutions which helps customers keep costs down, improve productivity and account for variability.

Maxcess ability to minimize tariffs with a global manufacturing network and the option to move production helps us minimize the impact of tariffs on our customers. In an ever-changing landscape it provides an opportunity many others do not currently as an option.

Additionally, in addressing the challenges highlighted above, Maxcess is looking to expand a common operating platform, so our solutions better interact seamlessly and are easier for new employees to train, learn and operate. We are also incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into many of our new products so our products can analyze, store data, and learn how optimize performance or recall past jobs that have already been optimized.

Maxcess’ industry leading web handling brands, including RotoMetrics, Fife, Tidland, MAGPOWR, International Cutting Die (ICD), Componex, WEBEX, and Valley Roller will be highlighting new innovations at Labelexpo Europe 2025, Booth 3G73, including:

• RotoMetrics New Print Cylinder – An economical print cylinder alternative
• RotoMetrics Longest Running Flexible Dies – 2X the durability vs competitors with exclusive longevity and nonstick performance coatings
• RotoMetrics RotoScan Adjustable Anvil – The industry’s next generation first intelligent die station  proactively monitors die strike and automatically adjusts for the perfect cut with AI learning capabilities
• RotoMetrics RD Scorer HP – High performance scoring for film and paper applications in a single unit for greater flexibility
• Tidland SmartSlit – Automated narrow web slitting system with enhance operator safety processes with options for shear, crush, and razor applications.
• Tidland RD AutoScore – Automated back scoring increases uptime and offers an ROI of less than 2 years
• Fife – New Digital Sensors and Guiding Systems, including the Fife SmartDrive Acutator. A compact all-in-one design for easier setup, fast installation, and reduced cost. Also, a new modular alternative to the Fife 500 Max to fit into more compact spaces.
• Componex – New Plasma Coatings and FDA compliant coatings for better release and enhanced wear and abrasion resistance

Maxcess’ portfolio of industry leading brands ensure press parts complement each other and work better together from unwind to rewind. Maxcess experts understand how winding equipment influences tension, how tension affects guiding, and how the interplay of guiding and tension enhances your capability to effectively die-cut and slit the web. No other supplier can deliver that advantage. Offering a sole source from end-to-end creates tremendous value for converters to save time and money. Providing the converting industry’s largest global service and support organization ensures Maxcess has local resources in the places you do business.

Maxcess experts understand how winding equipment influences tension, how tension affects guiding, and how the interplay of guiding and tension enhances your capability to effectively diecut and slit the web. No other supplier can deliver that advantage. Offering a sole source from end-to-end creates tremendous value for converters to save time and money. Providing the converting industry’s largest global service and support organization ensures Maxcess has local resources in the places you do business for installation, training, troubleshooting, service, and support.