Explore real-world examples of how our products empower businesses worldwide.
Precision Cutting with START International’s TBC552L
A leading Mexican manufacturer of wiring harnesses for automotive applications faced a production bottleneck in their assembly operations. They required a reliable way to cut precise lengths of tesa® Sleeve 51026 PV9 tape to bundle and protect their cables, ensuring compliance with demanding automotive requirements.
The tesa® Sleeve 51026 PV9 is a specialized PET cloth wire harness sleeve featuring a solvent-free acrylic adhesive applied along the edges for easy lengthwise wrapping.
By implementing the TBC552L, this manufacturer streamlined their workflow, reduced waste, and boosted output, allowing them to meet tight deadlines and maintain the high quality their clients demand.
If your company is grappling with similar issues—whether it’s precisely cutting sleeving, tubing, or other non-adhesive materials—START International has the solution. Contact us today to discover how the TBC552L or our other cutters can optimize your production and help drive your success.
At START International, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative solutions that transform how businesses operate, helping them reduce waste, boost efficiency, and cut costs. Our tape dispensers are engineered to streamline tape application, making it faster, more precise, and economical.
To showcase our success, we reached out to Carolina Custom Products (CCP), a trusted leader in custom gaskets, seals, and die-cut materials, to highlight how our tape dispenser revolutionized their operations. This success story underscores START International’s pivotal role in solving CCP’s challenges and driving measurable results.
When we approached CCP with questions about their experience, they shared a common pain point: excessive tape waste. With 65 years of expertise serving industries like Marine, HVAC/Refrigeration, and Transportation, CCP was grappling with inconsistent tape lengths in their end-user products. This inefficiency led to increased raw material costs, wasted operator time, and even safety concerns due to manual handling. Recognizing an opportunity to make a difference, START International stepped in with a solution tailored to their needs.
CCP first learned about START International through a representative familiar with our machines from their time at R.S. Hughes. Confident in our track record, they agreed to test our tape dispenser. To ensure a perfect fit, we requested a sample roll of their tape and provided demonstration videos showing our dispenser in action with their specific material. These videos sealed the deal, proving our solution’s effectiveness.
Once delivered, our tape dispenser integrated seamlessly into CCP’s workflow. Operators and engineers found it intuitive and dependable, requiring little training. The implementation was flawless—no hiccups, no delays—just a smooth transition to a more efficient process. This ease of adoption is a testament to START International’s commitment to designing user-friendly, high-impact solutions.
Our questions to CCP revealed the transformative impact of START International’s tape dispenser:
These outcomes didn’t just save CCP money—they elevated their reputation as a reliable, innovative partner, opening doors to new business opportunities.
When we asked CCP about their experience with START International, their feedback was glowing. They highlighted our responsiveness and technical expertise, noting how our team went above and beyond from consultation to ongoing support. One CCP representative shared:
“The START International team has provided expert knowledge in specifying the best machine for our customer’s tape dispensing. The videos of the recommended tape dispenser using the customer’s tape were very impactful in providing a solution. START’s tape dispensers are simple enough for anyone to implement, but durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.”
This praise, echoed by CCP’s team, reinforces the value of our products and the strength of our customer relationships.
Building on Success:CCP’s responses also revealed exciting plans to explore new applications for our tape dispenser, leveraging its versatility to meet evolving needs. While they didn’t capture before-and-after visuals (a regret they mentioned), their enthusiasm for the dispenser’s impact was clear. They even offered a suggestion: periodic emails to remind them to reorder consumables like blades. We’ve taken this feedback to heart, further strengthening our proactive support. By asking the right questions, we uncovered a powerful story of how START International’s tape dispenser turned CCP’s challenges into opportunities. From slashing tape waste and boosting efficiency to enhancing safety and driving cost savings, our solution empowered CCP to excel. This success story isn’t just about CCP—it’s about START International’s ability to deliver innovative, reliable tools that make a real difference. If your business faces inefficiencies or waste, START International’s tape dispensers can drive the same results. We’re proud to partner with companies like CCP, proving that our solutions don’t just meet needs—they exceed expectations. |
START International’s zcM1000 Transformed IMMAGINE’s Production Process
IMMAGINE, an Italian design and graphic arts company, is celebrated for its elegance and outstanding quality in the field of industrial printing. They produce hundreds of outdoor posters for the world’s top brands, which are showcased on high-visibility city billboards and bus shelters (mupis) across Europe. These posters need to be replaced every 15 days to align with new advertising campaigns, requiring a production process that is fast, flawless, and fully automated.
Millions of fixed advertising displays across Europe feature smart systems that dynamically rotate ads every few minutes—a familiar sight at airports or bustling city streets. For this automatic rotation to function seamlessly, a strip of aluminum tape must be precisely applied to the back of each poster, serving as the trigger for the mechanism. Before integrating START International’s zcM1000, IMMAGINE faced a significant challenge: achieving the speed and precision necessary to apply this tape efficiently across thousands of posters per campaign. Their main objectives were clear—enhance production speed, ensure surgical precision, and fully automate the process to meet tight deadlines and maintain their reputation for excellence.
IMMAGINE discovered START International’s zcM1000 through a trusted recommendation from the company that had previously automated their production line. Convinced by its capabilities, they chose it as the solution to their challenge. The implementation was expertly handled by the same automation company, ensuring a smooth integration into IMMAGINE’s existing operations. No significant difficulties were reported during this process, allowing the machine to quickly become a core component of their workflow.
Impact and Benefits
Since adopting START International’s zcM1000, IMMAGINE has experienced transformative improvements:
Increased Speed and Automation: The machine has significantly boosted production speed, and when paired with other equipment, it has enabled full automation of the tape application process. This is critical during campaign changes, where thousands of impressions are produced, each requiring a precisely placed strip of adhesive tape on the back.
Precision and Consistency: START International’s zcM1000 cuts and applies the technically demanding aluminum tape with relentless speed and surgical precision, ensuring every poster meets the exacting standards of the rotation mechanisms.
Durability and Reliability: The machine’s durability is truly impressive: its blades have endured approximately 250,000 cuts, while the unit installed in 2018 has handled over 500,000 cuts since its last maintenance. This exceptional longevity has significantly reduced production times and operational costs—highlighting why the initial investment in a high-quality dispenser pays off in the long run, avoiding the endless cycle of replacing inferior units or cheap knockoffs that fail prematurely.
Tangible Results: With each campaign change, IMMAGINE handles thousands of posters effortlessly, thanks to START International’s zcM1000’s consistent performance. This reliability has streamlined their operations and lowered expenses, reinforcing their ability to deliver for top-tier clients.
IMMAGINE’s experience with START International has been highly positive. They describe it as “very good,” appreciating the company’s ability to address their challenges effectively. The machine’s ease of maintenance and exceptional durability particularly impressed them. Thanks to START International’s local support and versatile product range, a fitting solution (use NS Kit) was identified and implemented.
START international’s zcM1000 has proven itself as an indispensable asset in IMMAGINE’s production line, ensuring they can meet the demands of their high-profile clients with speed, precision, and reliability. While no specific upcoming projects were mentioned, the machine’s ongoing performance since 2018 suggests it will continue to play a pivotal role in IMMAGINE’s future success. As they maintain their position at the forefront of industrial printing, IMMAGINE’s investment in START International’s zcM1000 stands as a testament to the value of quality equipment in achieving operational excellence.
Revolutionizing Production Efficiency: START’s TDA080 Tape Dispenser Transformed Mabe’s Operations
Mabe, a titan in the home appliances industry, has been designing, manufacturing, and distributing refrigeration, cooking, laundry, and related products for households worldwide from its headquarters in Mexico. Founded over 65 years ago in a modest garage, Mabe has grown into a global leader, serving over 70 countries and becoming a beloved brand across the Americas. Through a strategic alliance with GE established in 1987, Mabe has bolstered its presence in North America, leveraging one of the world’s most advanced technological development centers for appliances, located in Mexico. This partnership has fueled Mabe’s commitment to innovation, quality, and competitive pricing in the U.S. market and beyond.
Despite its impressive growth and reputation, Mabe encountered a persistent obstacle that threatened its operational efficiency. The company relied on aging tape dispensers from a previous supplier, which were plagued by frequent breakdowns and malfunctions. These unreliable machines disrupted workflow, particularly in high-demand production lines like the refrigerator assembly line. Replacement parts were increasingly difficult to source, and when the manufacturer discontinued the dispensers entirely, Mabe faced costly downtime that hindered productivity—a critical issue for a company striving to maintain its market leadership.
Mabe’s primary objective was clear: they needed a robust, reliable tape dispenser capable of sustaining a heavy workload while preserving their high productivity standards. The solution had to eliminate the inefficiencies of their outdated equipment and support their aggressive manufacturing goals.
The turning point came through Adhecintas, Flexi de Mexico’s trusted tape supplier and a key distributor for START International in the Guanajuato region. Adhecintas identified the productivity challenges and recommended the zcM2000-NS-E, a machine from START International tailored to Flexi de Mexico’s unique requirements. Its ability to dispense small pieces of high-adhesive textile tape in varying lengths and its compact design made it a perfect fit for their limited workspace.
The implementation began with Adhecintas providing a sample unit for a demonstration. Flexi de Mexico tested the machine in their factory for several weeks, during which Adhecintas collaborated with START International to train the operators, ensuring seamless integration into the production line. The trial proved successful, prompting Flexi de Mexico to order 125 units to equip all their factory operators. The rollout was smooth, with no significant difficulties, thanks to the comprehensive training and the machine’s user-friendly design.
The introduction of the TDA080 Tape Dispenser yielded transformative benefits for Mabe. Since its deployment, the company has observed a 30% increase in production efficiency on the refrigerator assembly line, a testament to the machine’s ability to operate consistently without downtime. Maintenance demands have plummeted, with costs dropping by 25% due to the TDA080’s durable components. Notably, the specialized serrated blades, crafted from a unique alloy metal, have maintained their sharpness for over 700,000 cuts, far exceeding expectations.
The machine’s intuitive design has also streamlined operations, cutting training time for new operators by 50%. This ease of use has enabled Mabe to employ less technically skilled workers, reducing labor costs without sacrificing quality. On a broader scale, the TDA080 has doubled production capacity, minimized waste, and allowed Mabe to reallocate resources more effectively, amplifying their operational agility.
Customer Experience:
Mabe’s collaboration with START International has been a highlight of this success story. The engineers and customer service team demonstrated unwavering dedication throughout the testing and implementation phases, responding promptly and enthusiastically to Mabe’s needs. This partnership ensured the TDA080 was tailored precisely to their requirements, fostering a sense of trust and satisfaction.
The machine itself has left a lasting impression. Mabe’s team has been particularly struck by “the beast’s” strength and durability, which have remained unwavering over time. A spokesperson from Mabe encapsulated their experience:
“The TDA080 Tape Dispenser has been a game-changer for our production lines. Its reliability and durability have allowed us to meet our production targets consistently, and the support from START International has been exceptional.”
Operators on the ground have echoed this sentiment. One team member remarked:
“The machine is incredibly easy to use, and we’ve had no issues with it since day one. It’s a stark contrast to the old dispensers we used to struggle with.”
Encouraged by the TDA080’s performance, Mabe has made it a cornerstone of their manufacturing strategy. The company now installs a TDA080 in every new assembly project, embedding it as a standard component of their production process. This decision reflects their confidence in the machine’s ability to support future growth and maintain their competitive edge in the global market.
The partnership between Mabe and START International is a powerful example of how innovative technology and collaborative problem-solving can drive meaningful change. By addressing Mabe’s specific challenges with the TDA080 Tape Dispenser, START International has not only revitalized Mabe’s productivity but also set a new standard for manufacturing excellence.
As Mabe continues to innovate and expand, the TDA080 will remain an indispensable ally, ensuring they meet the evolving demands of consumers worldwide with confidence.
Flexi de Mexico, a leading shoe manufacturer in Mexico and a significant presence in the U.S. market, encountered substantial hurdles in their production process due to the manual dispensing of adhesive tape. This tape, essential for reinforcing stitched bonds in their shoes, was cut by hand—a labor-intensive task that caused significant delays, material waste, and inefficiencies. The manual process also created a bottleneck, requiring additional operators to assist in preparing tape pieces, which slowed down the entire production line.
Their primary objectives were clear: streamline the tape dispensing process, minimize both time and material waste, and eliminate the production bottleneck. With sales on the rise, Flexi de Mexico sought a solution that would enhance efficiency and enable them to meet growing demand while maintaining their high-quality standards.
The turning point came through Adhecintas, Flexi de Mexico’s trusted tape supplier and a key distributor for START International in the Guanajuato region. Adhecintas identified the productivity challenges and recommended the zcM2000-NS-E, a machine from START International tailored to Flexi de Mexico’s unique requirements. Its ability to dispense small pieces of high-adhesive textile tape in varying lengths and its compact design made it a perfect fit for their limited workspace.
The implementation began with Adhecintas providing a sample unit for a demonstration. Flexi de Mexico tested the machine in their factory for several weeks, during which Adhecintas collaborated with START International to train the operators, ensuring seamless integration into the production line. The trial proved successful, prompting Flexi de Mexico to order 125 units to equip all their factory operators. The rollout was smooth, with no significant difficulties, thanks to the comprehensive training and the machine’s user-friendly design.
Since adopting the zcM2000-NS-E machines, Flexi de Mexico has experienced transformative improvements:
Although exact figures are unavailable, their success shines through with the deployment of 125 machines, significantly boosting production flow. The bottleneck that once hindered their ability to meet demand is now history, reinforcing their leadership in the shoe industry. The cutting mechanisms—referred to as “knives”—have proven exceptionally durable, requiring no replacements despite heavy daily use.
Overall, the machines have revolutionized Flexi de Mexico’s operations, enhancing production efficiency and enabling them to meet rising sales demands without delays. This has strengthened their bottom line and solidified their reputation as a top shoe manufacturer in Mexico and a key U.S. market player.
Customer Experience:
Flexi de Mexico describes their experience with START International and Adhecintas as excellent. The team’s responsiveness, support, and commitment shone through from the initial demo to the full deployment of the machines. Standout features of the zcM2000-NS-E include:
A testimonial from Flexi de Mexico captures the impact:
“The zcM2000-NS-E has revolutionized our production process, making it faster and more efficient than we ever thought possible.”
Operators have also praised the machines, noting their user-friendliness and the significant reduction in physical effort compared to manual cutting, making their jobs easier and more efficient.
A testimonial from Flexi de Mexico captures the impact:
“The zcM2000-NS-E has revolutionized our production process, making it faster and more efficient than we ever thought possible.”
Operators have also praised the machines, noting their user-friendliness and the significant reduction in physical effort compared to manual cutting, making their jobs easier and more efficient.
Flexi de Mexico emphasizes the outstanding partnership with Adhecintas and START International, whose collaboration and dedication were pivotal to this success. The zcM2000-NS-E has exceeded expectations!
For more than 30 years, Cinco Foods has been a trusted name in Houston, Texas, importing, distributing, and packing an array of products like spices, herbs, dried chilis, snacks, and dried shrimp. Serving wholesalers, restaurants, supermarkets, and beyond, they’ve built a reputation on delivering quality goods at low prices, all wrapped up with excellent service.
But behind the scenes, their labeling process was holding them back. In an effort to improve their process, they purchased label dispensers from online sources, but these machines proved unreliable, breaking down every 4-6 months and causing costly disruptions. Their primary goal was clear: find a dependable machine capable of meeting their demanding labeling needs without constant interruptions.
Determined to find a dependable solution, Cinco Foods set out to discover a machine that could keep up with their growing demand without constant repairs. Their search led them to a packaging expo, where they stumbled upon START International’s booth. At the expo, Cinco Foods got a firsthand look at the LDX8050 label dispenser in action. Its standout features — high speed dispensing and label length detection through its photo sensor. That, paired with its overall functionality, convinced them it was the right fit.
Implementing the LDX8050 turned out to be a breeze. The machine’s user-friendly design made it simple to operate—whether swapping out label rolls or dispensing the label itself. Before, labeling lagged behind their packaging output, but with the LDX8050, they boosted their labeling capacity to exceed their work order demands. Best of all, there were no hiccups during setup. “It’s very easy to use,” a Cinco Foods representative noted, highlighting how smoothly the transition went.
The impact was immediate and impressive. Since bringing the LDX8050 on board several months ago, Cinco Foods hasn’t experienced a single moment of downtime in labeling—a game-changer compared to the frequent breakdowns of their old machines. “It still runs just as well as it did on day one,” they shared. This reliability has lifted a weight off their shoulders, freeing them to focus on their core mission without worrying about equipment failures slowing them down.
“The LDX8050 has been a game-changer for our labeling process,” a Cinco Foods representative said. “It’s reliable, easy to use, and has eliminated downtime, allowing us to focus on what we do best—delivering quality products to our customers.”
The labeling operator couldn’t agree more, preferring the LDX8050 over any machine they’d used before. The automatic label length detection simplifies their work, making the process faster and less error-prone. For Cinco Foods, the machine’s ease of use and alignment with their production speed have made it an invaluable part of their operations.
START International’s LDX8050 was a solid addition for Cinco Foods. The machine delivered, and now they’re considering another dispenser for their growing production line. What’s more, the LDX8050 requires no maintenance—a huge plus for a busy operation like theirs. They do take care to keep it clean and covered with a plastic bag when it’s not in use, ensuring it stays in top shape.
“It’s very easy to use and goes right along with the speed of our production,” they emphasized.
As Cinco Foods looks to the future, the LDX8050 remains a cornerstone of their labeling efficiency. It’s a testament to START International’s commitment to quality—and a perfect match for a company dedicated to keeping its customers happy with every order.
Panasonic Ecology Systems operates a manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Mexico, dedicated to producing ceiling-mounted ventilation fans for the North American market. With sales surpassing 1.5 million units annually, maintaining efficient production is crucial. To streamline assembly processes, Panasonic relies on START Inter-national’s tape dispenser to securely fasten assembly parts.
During the assembly, there were problems with the TPP tape sticking to the feeding roller of the dispenser. This caused a lot of time and materials to be wasted every time the machines had to be reset.
NO JAMS – No Down time!
Most importantly, Everyone was happy again!
START International, a leading provider of tape and label dispensers for manufacturing companies worldwide, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone: the completion of over 5,000 evaluations.
These evaluations have delivered tailored solutions to customers, ensuring they are equipped with the ideal tape or label dispenser for their specific applications.
Ensuring the correct equipment is used for the application.
Expert Evaluation
START International offers its expert evaluation service to assist customers struggling to find the right tape and label dispenser equipment. Customers can simply send their material (tape or label) to START, where it undergoes thorough testing. The company then provides a video recommendation showcasing the ideal dispenser for the job. For the most accurate results, START’s Material Evaluation Form requests the exact tape or label used in the application—preferably a full roll on its original core, or at least 50 labels on the original core.
Customers can download the evaluation form off their website (https://startinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/START-Material-Evaluation-Form-2020.pdf).
By completing the material evaluation form, START offers a worry-free guarantee by offering a two-week trial period of it’s dispenser. Terms and conditions apply.
Since its founding in 1981, START International has been a trusted partner for manufacturing companies globally, pairing expertise with high-quality equipment to meet customer needs.
The company’s mission is to provide top-tier products, foster lasting customer relationships, and continuously enhance the customer service experience.
“We are incredibly grateful to our customers for being part of our journey and allowing us to serve them,” said Todd Sternberg, CEO-CTO of START International. “Completing over 5,000 evaluations reflects our dedication to solving unique challenges with personalized solutions.”
This milestone is a testament to the trust our customers place in us, and we’re excited to continue this work with the same expertise and commitment.
Here’s to more successful evaluations and solutions ahead!
Customers interested in START International’s expert evaluation service can visit startinternational.com or contact the customer service team at 972-248-1999 or [email protected] to learn more.
Hey there, Innovators!
At START International, we’re passionate about creating solutions that transform the way businesses operate. Take Trayma, one of our stellar distributors, who teamed up with a food delivery chain to showcase the power of our tape and label dispensers. Their success isn’t just a win for the food industry—it’s a game-changer for any business ready to move past outdated methods like staples. Whether you’re in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, or beyond, our products tackle inefficiencies, boost safety, and unlock new possibilities. Let’s explore how Trayma’s story can inspire your own leap forward!
Staples Are Holding You Back.
Imagine a busy food delivery chain sealing orders with staples. It sounds straightforward, but it was a mess—slow, risky (think staples sneaking into meals), and a total drag on their brand’s vibe. Sound familiar? This isn’t just a food industry headache. If your business relies on staples—whether you’re packaging products, assembling materials, or organizing supplies—you’re likely facing the same trio of troubles: wasted time, safety hazards, and a less-than-polished look. It’s time to break free from the staple struggle!
Trayma & START International to the Rescue!
Trayma brought in our LD3000 label dispenser, and the results were electric. This compact powerhouse auto-peels labels, saves space, and speeds up the sealing process with a clean, secure finish. For the food chain, it meant ditching staples for a solution that cut prep time by 40%, eliminated safety risks, and gave their packaging a professional edge—all at a budget-friendly cost. But here’s the kicker: this isn’t just for food. If your operation needs quick, safe, and sleek fastening, our dispensers are ready to revolutionize your workflow.
Real Impact, Real Simple
For Trayma’s client, the payoff was clear: faster, safer packaging and a brand image that turned heads. But the beauty of START International’s dispensers—like the LD3000 or our versatile tape options—is their adaptability. They’re compact, easy to adopt, and designed to deliver results no matter what you’re working with. From slashing time to boosting safety and polish, our products turn a simple fix into a big win for your business, whatever your industry
Inspired yet? Trayma’s success is your invitation to rethink what’s possible. From retail to healthcare, manufacturing to food and beverage, businesses everywhere are on the hunt for smarter, safer ways to get the job done. With START International, you’ve got the tools to make it happen—backed by top-notch technical support, stellar customer service, and a commitment to quality that’s second to none. So, why stick with the old when you can step into the new? Your next big opportunity is waiting.
Pacific Barcode is a leading label printing manufacturer known for delivering customized barcode labels and comprehensive warehousing solutions across various industries. One of their areas of expertise is producing laminated labels on magnetic strips, which are widely used for warehouse racks.
Pacific Barcode faced significant production challenges because an essential step in their manufacturing process—cutting the labels—created bottlenecks. These bottlenecks limited their production capacity and led to increased operational costs.
They needed a solution that could effectively address this challenge.
Pacific Barcode discovered START International’s cutting-edge technology at the WestPack Conference, where they explored various solutions. Impressed by the capabilities of the TBC50S cutting machine, they decided to give it a try.
By utilizing START International’s Material Evaluation Process, Pacific Barcode was able to validate the concept before acquiring a single machine. During this process, START International demonstrated that using the sensor would eliminate any creep when cutting the labels. The next step was to ensure that the purchase would deliver the desired return on investment (ROI).
The impact of START International’s TBC50S cutting machine on Pacific Barcode’s operations was profound. The machine eliminated the production bottleneck, yielding substantial process time and cost reductions.
After installing the TBC50S, Pacific Barcode was able to drastically decrease process time allowing them to “be there” for their customers when emergencies pop up.
Pacific Barcode’s experience with START International was exemplary. They said the START Team was collaborative and resourceful. The accessibility of their counsel and the value of the testing videos they provided were particularly noteworthy.
Standout features of the TBC50S machine included its durable cutting knives, which vastly outperformed expectations (and competitors’). Where other machines’ blades dulled after 10,000 cuts, the TBC50S maintained its sharpness for over 400,000 cuts.
Julian Electric is a leading manufacturer specializing in wiring harnesses, cable assemblies, and industrial and automotive electromechanical assemblies.
Julian Electric faced a significant challenge in the placement of spots on their harnesses. This process was time-consuming and resulted in a production rate that did not meet their operational goals. The primary objectives for Julian Electric were clear: to ensure consistent distribution of the correct amount of tape without folding or sticking before application and to increase overall production rates.
Julian Electric discovered START International’s tape dispenser through their library of videos that demonstrated its effectiveness and distribution capabilities. The integration occurred in the spot placement area, where a dedicated base for distribution was established. The team developed a new working method for utilizing the machine and successfully launched it across four production lines. Remarkably, the implementation was seamless, with no difficulties reported, as the equipment was practical and easy to use.
At START International, we stand for your right to repair. We don’t just create durable machines; we make it easy for you to access the parts you need when wear and tear occur. Your satisfaction and convenience are our priorities.
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