Cosmo Films USA, a subsidiary of Indian speciality film manufacturer Cosmo First, has expanded its operations in North America through the installation of a 120in-wide high-speed slitter rewinder at its Carol Stream Warehouse in Chicago, US.

This addition is intended to address the increasing demand for flexible packaging solutions in the region. It will also enhance customer service with faster delivery solutions.

The new machine will allow the company to fulfil customer orders within 10 to 15 days from the date of order. This will assist clients in managing their inventory more effectively and reducing associated warehousing expenses.

The equipment is compatible with a range of substrates, including biaxially oriented polypropylene (PP), cast PP, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and PET glycol films, and is capable of operating at speeds of 3,000ft/min.

This functionality is expected to enable the production of various flexible packaging formats such as sachets, pouches, and wraps, which are increasingly sought after in the food, beverage, and healthcare industries in North America.

Cosmo Films global business head Kulbhushan Malik said: “We have been growing year-over-year in the US market, and it continues to be a strategic priority for us.

“This new investment in the US serves as an extended support platform from India, bringing us closer to customers and optimising our business while creating value for the stakeholders involved through a robust and smarter supply chain."

Cosmo Films North America president Sandeep Dutta said: “Over the years, we have positioned ourselves as trusted partners for US businesses, providing quality products as well as technical support, with the willingness to develop new films to keep up with the ever-changing and challenging end-use requirements.

“Cosmo Films is one of the unique producers, catering to multiple segments with our wide variety of Barrier Metallized Films as well as Chemical Coated products. The installation reflects our commitment towards addressing the packaging needs in real-time with flexibility and reliability.

“With this, we will be well-positioned to function as an extended platform of our overseas manufacturing facilities, enabling us to cater to the on-demand, short turnaround time needs of the industry. The quality promise of Cosmo Films will now be available in days, instead of months.”