Generations of Innovation: How Gafs Kartong Modernized Production with PrintVis
Nestled in the heart of Värnamo, Sweden, Gafs Kartong is a family-owned packaging company with a proud heritage stretching back to 1947. Founded by Lasse Svärd’s grandmother, the company has evolved from humble, labor-intensive beginnings into a modern and efficient producer of cardboard-based packaging. Today, it is run by third-generation co-owners Lasse and his sister Annelill, who continue the legacy with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and precision.
Gafs Kartong specializes in customized paper and cardboard packaging solutions, serving clients across various industries with high demands for quality and design. With a deep understanding of packaging production and a strong commitment to long-term partnerships, Gafs blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to meet modern market needs.
“You can sense that there’s knowledge of what we’re actually doing built into the system. With PrintVis, you’re not trying to bend a generic solution into something it’s not—it already understands the business.”
Lasse Svärd, Gafs Kartong
A Strategic Step Forward
When Lasse and Annelill officially took over ownership of the company, one of their first major decisions was to modernize their digital infrastructure. In 2013 they implemented PrintVis, a move that marked a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward increased efficiency and automation.
“That was basically our first investment on our own,” Lasse recalls. “We had some struggles with the old system, and moving to PrintVis was a big step forward.”
While Gafs already had a relatively mature digital workflow at the time, their existing system was outdated and limiting. Transitioning to PrintVis enabled the team to streamline operations, especially in order handling and inventory management.
“The ‘release finished goods’ feature was a game changer for us,” says Lasse. “We had quite a few issues before, and that functionality made a big difference.”
Built for Packaging
One of the key advantages for Gafs Kartong has been how well PrintVis aligns with the actual production processes of a packaging company.
“You can sense that there’s knowledge of what we’re actually doing built into the system,” Lasse explains. “With PrintVis, you’re not trying to bend a generic solution into something it’s not—it already understands the business.”
He emphasizes the strength of the system’s job calculation features and how they integrate seamlessly with production planning and execution.
“The extreme similarities between job calculation and production mode—how they flow together—is something that works really well,” he adds.
The PrintVis platform also supports Gafs on the financial and logistical sides of the business, including accounting and warehouse management. It’s this comprehensive functionality, tailored specifically for print and packaging companies, that continues to bring value year after year.
Preparing for the Cloud
Looking ahead, Gafs Kartong is preparing to take the next step in its digital evolution: migrating to the cloud. While they considered it as early as 2019, the decision is now firmly on the roadmap.
“It’s been on my mind for years,” Lasse says. “We discussed it during our last system update, but back then, we were advised to wait a bit. Now the timing feels right.”
By moving to the cloud, Gafs aims to further enhance accessibility, scalability, and system performance, ensuring the business remains agile in a fast-changing industry.
Continuing the Legacy
With PrintVis as a long-standing part of their digital backbone, Gafs Kartong continues to deliver high-quality, sustainable packaging to customers while honoring the legacy of innovation and adaptability that began three generations ago.
“We don’t need to force anything,” Lasse reflects. “PrintVis just fits the way we work.”
For Gafs Kartong, the future is not just about packaging—it’s about smart, seamless processes that support both tradition and transformation.
To learn more about Gafs Kartong please visit www.gafs.se
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