How Ameri-Cal Elevated Efficiency and Operator Experience with the Catbridge 900-M

Ameri-Cal, a leader in adhesive coating and pressure-sensitive products, faced a familiar challenge: aging infrastructure that couldn’t keep pace with modern demand. With increasing customer requirements, shrinking lead times, and a drive for operational excellence, the company needed a solution that offered more than just speed.

Their answer? The Catbridge 900-M Duplex Center Slitter Rewinder—a machine that not only modernized their production capabilities, but also enhanced team performance and set a foundation for long-term growth.

The Challenge: Legacy Equipment and Growing Expectations

Ameri-Cal had long relied on Dusenbery slitters, but as market expectations evolved and customer demands became more complex, those machines couldn’t deliver the speed, flexibility, or throughput required. The company recognized that in order to maintain a competitive edge—especially in contract slitting—they needed to modernize.

The rise of roll printers in the industry underscored the need for faster, more precise slitting to hit tighter turnaround targets and adapt to diverse materials.

The Turning Point: Seeing the 900-M in Action

The opportunity came when Jessica Heid, President of Ameri-Cal Corporation, came across the Catbridge 900-M via LinkedIn. Even before securing a facility upgrade, the company made the bold decision to purchase the 900-M in advance—underscoring their confidence in its performance and strategic importance.

The Solution: High-Tech Slitting Built for Scalability

The Catbridge 900-M brought immediate, measurable benefits to Ameri-Cal’s operation.

Key Gains:

• Increased Efficiency & Capacity: Faster processing and reduced lead times helped meet growing customer demand.

• Ergonomic Design: Intuitive controls made the machine accessible to a broader operator base, enhancing safety and comfort.

• Operator Experience: Described as a “cheat code” by seasoned staff, the 900-M’s smart layout made training easy and adoption fast.

• Scalable Innovation: With a solid return on this investment, Ameri-Cal is now planning future 900-M additions.

A Game-Changer for the Production Floor

Operators and plant managers alike praised the 900-M’s ease of use, noting how it transformed daily workflows. The machine’s inclusive design also marked a major leap forward, enabling more diverse and efficient staffing.

“It’s a cheat code,” one veteran operator said, reflecting the team’s excitement about faster setups and simplified processes.

Built for What’s Next

For Ameri-Cal, this wasn’t just about installing a new slitter—it was about embracing innovation and building a smarter, more agile production environment. The 900-M has become a platform for growth, and a symbol of what’s possible when forward-thinking manufacturers partner with cutting-edge engineering teams.

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