The corrugated board industry is witnessing a significant shift. As global markets evolve, the demand for versatile, high-performance machinery that balances technological excellence with cost-efficiency has never been higher. Koenig & Bauer Celmacch has responded to this challenge by launching the new Prima series. This move not only expands the company’s portfolio but also introduces a sophisticated group strategy.
A Strategic Expansion of Product Portfolio
The introduction of the Prima series marks a milestone not only for Koenig & Bauer Celmacch, but also for the Koenig & Bauer Group – with its mission to become a full-range provider. Building on its reputation for premium technology, the goal is to meet the requirements of customers who are looking for an alternative to High Board Line technology with a reasonable level of investment, without compromising on quality, performance and safety standards.
The Prima series, featuring the proven “Open Close” technology with movable units for easy access and maintenance, is available as a Flexo Post Printer (Prima) only or combined with a Rotary Die-Cutter (PrimaCUT). The series offers an entry-level solution that does not compromise on core quality standards.
Luca Celotti, CEO of Koenig & Bauer Celmacch, emphasizes the enormous potential: “The market volume for Open Close technology is comparable to the market we currently serve with our High Board Line machines. For us, this represents a very high, previously untapped potential.”
Market Success
The market’s response to this strategic realignment has been overwhelmingly positive. The first machine of the Prima series has already been sold to a customer in Eastern Europe last year, followed quickly by two additional sales in Southern Europe in the course of 2026.
Production of the first Prima has already started in Desenzano del Garda and is moving on successfully. Upon its completion, the second Prima machine will immediately enter assembly in Italy, mirroring the strict quality assurance protocols applied to the first Prima unit. Following thorough testing and final checks, the first Prima is scheduled for delivery in late summer 2026, ensuring it is up and running to enhance customer productivity by the end of the year.
The Prima Series: Quality Meets Efficiency
A central pillar of the Prima series is the new strategic partnership with the renowned Asian Guangdong Keshenglong Hi-Tech Group. This collaboration enables the optimization of production, allowing Koenig & Bauer Celmacch to offer the European engineering quality of the Prima series with maximum competitiveness.
To ensure a seamless transition and highest level of operational excellence, the initial machines of the Prima series are being manufactured in Italy. Following the successful and satisfactory production of the first units, the production of the Prima series will then be progressively relocated to Asia. This approach provides an optimal production setup and a perfect transfer of technical standards and knowledge. Once the transition is complete, the Prima series will be produced at Guangdong Keshenglong Hi-Tech Group’s 60,000 m² facilities in Foshan.
Despite relocating the production of the Prima series, Koenig & Bauer Celmacch remains deeply rooted in its European heritage. The “Engineered by Koenig & Bauer Celmacch” label serves as a guarantee. Italian engineers are responsible for the development and for clear protocols governing the assembly process in Foshan. This ensures that the trademark quality, durability, and safety standards customers expect from the Koenig & Bauer brand are fully met.
Hannah Potrawa, Director Corrugated of Koenig & Bauer points out: “For me it is very important to highlight that the Italian headquarters in Desenzano del Garda remains the heart of innovation and development as well as center of excellence in service.” Also the renowned Chroma series (High Board Line) continues to be manufactured at the primary production site in Italy, with Koenig & Bauer Celmacch fully committed to the production of this series in Desenzano del Garda, ensuring that the Chroma machines continue to set new benchmarks in the corrugated sector.
Future Outlook
The expansion does not stop with printing and rotary die-cutting. Looking ahead, Koenig & Bauer Celmacch is continuing its expansion within the post-press and finishing sector. Development is already underway for the CutPRO 2.1, a new Flatbed Die-Cutter specifically engineered for corrugated board.Together with the Prima series, the development of the new Flatbed Die-Cutter CutPRO 2.1 represents a further piece in a comprehensive portfolio, ensuring that Koenig & Bauer Celmacch delivers the right technology for every market requirement while setting new standards in the corrugated board industry.
