Brea, Calif.-based tape converter Sekisui T.A. Industries successfully starts up a new multistation pressure-sensitive coating line from Uteco North America.

The 63-in.-wide, fully automatic machine coats water-based p-s adhesives. It reportedly features rapid changeover via its "multistation coating unit" concept versus conventional "interchangeable trolley" designs. The system also has a "no scrap" turret rewinder, where the scrap produced during splices at the start of a new roll is eliminated with independent arm rotation, says Uteco.

Uteco North America, Kennesaw, Ga., is a fully owned subsidiary of Italy's Uteco Converting Spa. Uteco was recently purchased by Finvetro as part of a manufacturing expansion.