Saica Group has commissioned a third fully automated rotary die cutter at its Ashbourne facility in Ireland, expanding the plant’s corrugated packaging production capacity.
The new equipment began production in September 2026 and is designed for high-speed converting of corrugated packaging. Saica said the investment will significantly increase output at the Ashbourne site as it responds to growing demand for automated and application-specific packaging solutions. The company did not disclose the value of the investment or the expected increase in production capacity.
According to Ciaran Rodgers, Regional Director Ireland for Saica Pack, demand is being driven in part by the growing use of automated packing lines and by changes associated with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The regulation began applying across the European Union on August 12, 2026, with additional requirements being phased in over the coming years.
Rodgers described the project as a significant development for the Ashbourne plant and said it builds on investments made across Saica’s Irish operations in recent years. The installation forms part of the group’s longer-term growth strategy for the Irish corrugated packaging market.
Saica operates five sites across the island of Ireland and has been active in the market since 2008. Ashbourne is one of its key corrugated packaging production hubs in the country.
Saica Group operates in recycled paper, corrugated packaging, flexible packaging, waste management and environmental services. Following its acquisition of Thimm operations in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania, the group employs more than 14,500 people and has a presence in 13 countries. Saica reported consolidated sales of €3.962 billion in 2025.
