A standout feature of the BXT4 tool is its patented EasyTrigger technology, which simplifies strap insertion and removal with a single finger pull—streamlining the strapping process and improving ergonomics for operators. Designed for maximum productivity, the BXT4 tool is powered by the latest AMPShare® battery from BOSCH, enabling up to 800 cycles per charge to significantly reduce downtime and keep operations running smoothly.

Engineered for durability and flexibility, the BXT4 tool includes manual, semi-automatic and automatic modes of operation, a wear-resistant base made from heat-treated steel, and high-quality tool components built to withstand industrial demands. Its intuitive graphic touch color display reduces training time and improves operator accuracy, while fine-tuned adjustments for tension force and welding speed allow for precise control across a variety of packaging applications.

“The BXT4 tool represents a leap forward in handheld strapping tools,” said Nicole Ostryzniuk, Vice President of Global Tools at Signode. “Its combination of ergonomic design, smart features and robust construction gives users the reliability and control they need in fast-paced environments.”

To help manufacturers upgrade with ease, Signode is offering a limited-time trade-in promotion: Now through March 31, 2026, customers can trade in a qualifying Signode BXT tool or an eligible competitive tool for PP/PET plastic strapping and receive a $500 discount toward the purchase of a new BXT4 tool.

About Signode

Signode is the $2+ billion global Transit Packaging Division of Crown Holdings, Inc., with more than 80 manufacturing facilities and 7,000 employees worldwide. The breadth and depth of Signode’s experience and product portfolio allows the company to offer the resources, reach, and vision to provide transit packaging solutions for the smallest local customers to the largest global customers.

Packaging and Labor Challenges Lead to Automation Advancements

While SmartCap’s South African plant produced high-quality products, the company faced the common industry challenges of labor turnover and inconsistencies in packaging that were a result of some manual processes. With the U.S. expansion, SmartCap saw an opportunity to shift from labor-based packaging methods to an even more automated approach, ensuring greater efficiency and consistency across all operations. This decision was key to maintaining their competitive edge and overcoming the challenges posed by labor shortages in the packaging industry.

The U.S. plant in Fort Worth was designed with automation in mind, taking advantage of PAC Strapping’s expertise in machine-based strapping solutions to streamline processes. Working with PAC, SmartCap was able to see how products were coming off the assembly line and implement an automated packaging process to enhance consistency, reduce manual labor, and address industry-wide issues such as high turnover rates.

PAC Strapping’s Customized Solutions for SmartCap’s Needs

PAC Strapping stepped in to address SmartCap’s packaging challenges by transitioning from a manual to a machine-based strapping process. This change significantly reduced the variation in packaging quality. PAC Strapping took a comprehensive look at SmartCap’s existing processes and made personalized recommendations to suit their specific needs.

PAC installed two strapping machines at two different stations, strategically designed to handle products based on their size and weight. Since SmartCap was setting up a new plant, they wanted a lot of forethought in their packaging process to avoid the mistakes of the past. The collaboration between PAC Strapping and SmartCap was not a one-off transaction; it has been a continuous partnership. PAC Strapping has maintained its connection with SmartCap to thoroughly understand SmartCap’s processes and provided ongoing support.

SmartCap chose PAC Strapping’s top-seal strapping machine for their long boxes. This machine uses a thicker polyester strap to hold SmartCap’s two truck caps securely in place. The packaged boxes, which often hold imbalanced loads, required a thicker strap to maintain stability during shipping. This solution not only increased the stability of the packages but also significantly reduced the risk of damage during transit, ensuring the high-value product’s safety.

How Machine Strapping Solutions Bolster Business Bottom Lines

The switch to machine-based strapping solutions provides several benefits to businesses’ bottom line:

Reduction in Workers Compensation Claims: Manual steel strapping is notoriously dangerous, posing significant risks to workers. By using machines and safer strapping materials, PAC greatly reduced SmartCap’s risk of workplace injuries. Improving workplace safety not only helps retain talent but also boosts the company’s bottom line. Fewer injuries mean lower workers’ compensation costs and higher employee morale, both of which are integral to a healthy, productive working environment.

Increased Efficiency and Reduced Costs: Automation directly contributes to higher efficiency. With fewer company resources required for training and recruitment, SmartCap can redirect these savings toward more productive activities. The lack of skilled workers in the packaging industry is a pain point felt industry-wide. Automated strapping systems require less manual input, reducing the time needed to package and strap materials effectively and the number of hands necessary to do so.

Fewer Product Returns and Claims: Improved packaging consistency means fewer products are damaged during shipping, reducing the number of returns and associated costs. The cost of returns due to damaged products can be substantial. According to Forbes, the cost of a return for a $50 product is estimated at $33. Plus, damaged goods are one of the most common reasons a consumer returns a product. For a large, high-value product like SmartCap’s, this cost is significant. Not only do damaged goods cost companies financially, they also tarnish brand reputation which can have significant long-term impact. By automating packaging processes, ensuring each package meets the same high standards, SmartCap can now confidently ship products without worrying about damage or defects.

PAC Strapping’s Customer-Centric Approach to Packaging Solutions

PAC Strapping’s approach to tailoring strapping solutions for customers is comprehensive and client-focused. They begin with an in-person assessment to observe the client’s current processes, identify pain points, and listen to the customer’s pain points. During these assessments, PAC takes detailed notes and photographs to ensure they fully understand the challenges faced by the customer.

Once the assessment is complete, PAC presents multiple options tailored to the customer’s needs, providing detailed quotes with line-item breakdowns. They offer both immediate solutions and scaled options for future growth, ensuring clients like SmartCap can start with a practical solution that fits their current needs while also planning for future scalability.

Conclusion

The partnership between SmartCap and PAC Strapping showcases the importance of customized, automated solutions in overcoming packaging challenges. By transitioning to a machine-based strapping process, SmartCap improved packaging consistency, reduced labor costs, and enhanced worker safety.

“From the packing of our roofs to our sub-assemblies, our final packaging is large and quite bulky. Using PAC’s automated solutions has been a game changer for us in North America—reducing our reliance on labor and increasing our efficiency,” says Jan Strydom, Vice President of Manufacturing Technology. “Plus, PAC’s detailed approach not only solidified our trust in them, but enabled us to make empowered decisions for our business.”

As industries continue to navigate the complexities of post-pandemic workforce dynamics and the ongoing challenges of labor shortages and turnover, the benefits of automation become increasingly clear. For companies like SmartCap, these solutions are not just about improving the bottom line; they are about building a resilient, future-ready operation that can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

On the processing side, MG America now represents Last Technology, a specialist in clean pharma production practices whose portfolio includes sophisticated equipment for washing, disinfection, sterilization, depyrogenation and drying, among other categories. Offering cGLP modules for lab/R&D phases and cGMP machinery for full-scale commercialization, Last Technology’s solutions are well-regarded for their modular design, compactness, minimized consumption of utilities, and intuitive, user-friendly operations – particularly valuable considering current labor shortages.

In the packaging sphere, MG America now handles all North American sales and service initiatives for FamarTec, whose equipment range includes solutions for both primary and secondary packaging. For primary packaging applications, FamarTec is best known for its portfolio of blister packaging and thermoforming machines. Further downstream, the company supplies premium cartoners and case packers that, when combined with blistering or thermoforming units, form comprehensive production lines for blistered oral solid dose products and trayed syringes and vials.

For both Last Technology and FamarTec, partnering with MG America ensures substantially raised visibility and viability throughout the North American marketplace. In addition to regional sales representatives specializing in key geographies, MG America has a reputation for expedient, exemplary post-sales service that helps keep its customers’ equipment at peak performance levels.

“The premium equipment supplied by both Last Technology and FamarTec broaden and complement our existing portfolio of machinery solutions,” said Claudio Radossi, President of MG America. “Our customers will benefit from an even greater selection of state-of-the-art processing and packaging equipment, while we provide Last Technology and FamarTec with increased presence and region-specific sales and service expertise.”

About MG America

MG America is a subsidiary of MG2 of Bologna Italy, a company that was founded in 1966 and today is one of the world’s three leading manufacturers of capsule filling equipment. MG America is a leading supplier of an innovative family of precision-crafted processing and packaging machinery that includes capsule fillers, material handling and sterilization technologies, primary packaging equipment, secondary packaging equipment, checkweighing/weight control systems, tablet & capsule inspection, and line integration solutions.

“The R985 is our third innovation in the ‘Flexible Sustainability’ solutions lineup, designed to accommodate dual material options,” said Greg Berguig, PAC Machinery President. “These new solutions not only offer versatility but also future-proof investments against changing plastic regulations. With this latest group of innovative solutions, companies can seamlessly transition to paper packaging as regulations and consumer preferences evolve, ensuring they don’t waste time or money on new investments,” Berguig said.

PAC Machinery entered the NEW Rollbag R985 auto bagger for an MHI Innovation Award in the category of “Best New Innovation in Sustainability” – a category PAC was a runner up in last year for its FW 650SI sustainable dual material flow wrapper.

PAC will also feature its new larger dual-material bagger at ProMat, the Rollbag® R3200 Fulfillment Paper Auto Bagger, designed for larger items and introduced in Q4 2024.This machine is available in two sizes. The R3200 version works with bags up to 16″ wide and the R3200XL version works with bags up to 22″ wide.

All of these dual material “flexible sustainability” solutions, package with PAC Machinery’s sustainable poly bags that can be made with up to 100% recycled resins and Fiberflex^® curbside recyclable paper packaging for a plastic-free material solution. Machines and materials are available through PAC Machinery.

Other versatile bagging solutions in the PAC Machinery exhibit include the all-electric Rollbag R785 Automatic Bagger with an advanced printer that eliminates labels and prints shipping info directly on poly mailers. R785 is an all-electric tabletop automatic poly bagger that is able to operate several times faster than hand build make it suitable for various industries, providing the ideal next step up from hand packaging.

Learn how to boost efficiency and reduce material costs with the R3200XL Fulfillment advanced auto bagger. It features an integrated label printer applicator for seamless, batch-less order fulfillment. Capable of handling bags up to 22″ wide and 36″ long, with a seal bar opening up to 11″, the R3200XL Fulfillment is PAC’s largest automatic bagger. Additionally, it can utilize PAC’s poly tubing, which customizes the bag length to fit the product, further minimizing material waste and lowering costs via right-sizing.

In addition to these baggers, PAC Machinery manufactures dozens of other packaging solutions, including two highly popular shrink-wrapping machines that cater to the ProMat show attendee in supply chain and manufacturing. While these shrink-wrapping solutions will not be showcased at the expo, they are recommended as top-selling machines for e-commerce and fulfillment businesses.

The 6800-CS High Speed Side Sealerforproducts up to 16” wide and unlimited lengths. Shrink wrap thousands of product/hr. for ‘retail ready’ packaging at an outstanding value! The 6750EL Automatic Intermittent Motion L-Bar Sealer , a highly efficient, all-electric shrink wrapper that delivers high-quality performance at an exceptional value and versatility! May be used for shrink wrapping (with a tunnel) or to bag various single products or groups of products into a single package (multipacking).

Visit PAC Machinery at ProMat to see versatility and sustainability in automatic bagging solutions for order fulfillment and e-commerce markets at booth S-4259. Be sure to take advantage of PAC Machinery’s ProMat show specials. You can also catch PAC Machinery President, Greg Berguig, speaking at an educational seminar at ProMat 2025 as part of a panel discussion on creating a more sustainable order fulfillment operation. Details are on our event page.

ProMat 2025, produced by MHI, the nation’s largest material handling, logistics, and supply chain association, is expected to be the premier supply chain and logistics event of the year. This dynamic exhibition will showcase cutting-edge innovations in automated packaging equipment and materials, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and sustainability – Exactly what show attendees will see at the PAC Machinery exhibit in booth S- 4259. Attendees can expect to see PAC’s wide range of solutions designed to optimize operations, reduce environmental impact, and adapt to the evolving demands of the global supply chain industry. With its focus on forward-thinking technologies and flexible, sustainable innovation, PAC Machinery will be the must-see exhibit at ProMat for businesses looking to stay ahead in the rapidly changing packaging landscape.

About PAC Machinery

As a leader in the flexible packaging industry for over 60 years, PAC Machinery is a trusted partner for businesses desiring more from their packaging capabilities. From global companies, pharmaceutical and medical industry manufacturers to online retailers, PAC Machinery can transform packaging operations with customized solutions that immediately improve ROI. Products include: versatile poly bagging, shrink wrapping, bag sealing and flow wrapping systems. PAC’s solutions increase productivity through automation, reduce return rates with superior package integrity, minimize package volume to save shipping costs, and extend product shelf life for maximum freshness. With better choices and more experience, PAC Machinery creates the ideal solution for any packaging requirement.

PAC Machinery’s globally recognized machine brands include: Packaging Aids, Vertrod, Clamco, and Rollbag produced out of San Rafael, California and Berea, Ohio facilities. PAC Machinery also makes Bags and Material for automated packaging systems from its Milwaukee, WI location.

Maruho Machinery Solutions (MMS) – the U.S. subsidiary of Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo Co. Ltd, a Japanese company with subsidiaries in Asia and the U.S. – has promoted longtime sales manager Tomoki Kishi to the position of General Manager. Moving forward, Mr. Kishi will oversee all U.S. operations for the prominent blister packaging machinery supplier. MMS also has bolstered its market outreach initiatives by adding Joel Thielen as a Business Development Representative. Both executives will be based in MMS’s Erie, Colorado location.

Mr. Kishi brings well over a decade of blister machinery sales experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as a sales manager at Maruho Machinery Solutions, a subsidiary of Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo, where he focused on expanding U.S. market share for the company’s portfolio of high-quality, cost-competitive blister packaging equipment. Earlier in his career, he worked for 13 years in blister packaging machinery sales, executing the successful sales of more than 50 units to various pharmaceutical companies and consumer product manufacturers.

Mr. Thielen will be responsible for a wide range of day-to-day sales activities, including existing and potential customer engagement, market research, liaising with MMS’s dedicated equipment engineering team, and participating in trade shows and other industry events.

“As our newest General Manager, Tomoki brings extensive experience with all stages of the blister packaging machinery sales process – from initial consultation and product recommendation to installation and post-sales support – and has a proven track record of establishing and maintaining long-term client relationships,” said Yuji Abe, CEO for Maruho Hatsujyo Group US. “Meanwhile, Joel will make a terrific addition to our growing sales force as we continue to gain market prominence in North America.”

Among the latest MMS machines that Mr. Tomoki and Mr. Thielen will promote is the Eagle-LP. Short “Lab Pack,” the unit joins the company’s extensive blister packaging equipment family as a reliable, cost-effective solution for various concepting and development stages and initial small-batch production.

At a time when many pharma manufacturers have faced challenges finding blister units for stability testing, clinical trials and small batch runs that aren’t onerously expensive and unnecessarily lengthy or bulky, the modestly priced Eagle-LP measures just 1.8 meters in both length and height, and just .9 meters in width. Importantly, the module is designed to accommodate a newer generation of more sustainable blister film substrates – ones that are typically more difficult to form and seal. The unit can easily accommodate PVC, PVDC, PET, ACLAR, ALU and PP.

About Maruho Hatsujyo Group

Maruho Machinery Solutions, the U.S. subsidiary of Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo, was created in 2014. Maruho Machinery Solutions distributes the high-quality medical packaging machinery produced by Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo. With more than 220 employees, Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo has over 60 years of experience in the manufacturing sector. In addition to designing high-performance blister machinery, the company is known for high quality springs and precision medical devices. Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo is Japan’s second largest medical packaging machinery company.

Mr. Powers brings a wealth of sales and entrepreneurial experience to his role with Omega Design. Among other positions, he served as Western US Sales Manager for pharmaceutical solid-dose equipment supplier Freund-Vector Corp., National Sales & Business Head for packaging and coding machinery company Pharmapack North America Corp., and Senior Global Sales Engineer for tableting equipment manufacturer Thomas Engineering. Earlier in his career, he owned a successful water filtration and purification company.

Mr. Powers joins Omega Design at a promising time. The company is rolling out several new solutions aligning with growing market needs, including desires for increased automation. For example, Omega Design recently introduced an Automatic Robotic Bottle Unscrambler, which provides smarter sorting with a pick-and-place robot module that separates, orients, and positions bottles onto a conveyor or into stabilizing pucks. The versatile module is ideal for applications running complex or multiple bottle shapes, including a broad array of containers, bottles, tottles, jars, vials, jugs and tubes.

“Matthew has an impressive record of sales generation and customer relationship building – and an equally impressive roster of established, executive-level contacts at an array of pharmaceutical and nutritional companies,” said Glenn Siegele, President of Omega Design Corporation. “His diligence and people skills will serve him well at Omega Design, as we continue to introduce new solutions for an ever-evolving pharma and nutritional manufacturing landscape.”

Mr. Powers earned degrees in mathematics and molecular biophysics at the University of Illinois. He resides in Wisconsin.

About Omega Design Corporation

Omega Design Corporation is a global provider of innovative packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and consumer healthcare industries. For over 50 years, Omega has specialized in the design, manufacture, service, and support of a broad range of container handling and packaging equipment systems, including bottle unscramblers, bottle-puck handling systems, shrink bundlers, stretch banders, secondary bottle and 5th panel carton orienters, canister and pouch-style desiccant/oxygen absorber feeders, as well as coding, vision and case packing modules supporting serialization and aggregation.

Omega Design Corporation operates from a fully integrated facility in Exton, Pennsylvania, that provides product research and development, product line engineering, parts manufacture, machine assembly and testing. Come visit for a Demo.

Maruho Hatsujyo Innovations (MHI) – the U.S. subsidiary of Maruho Co. Ltd, a Japanese healthcare company with subsidiaries in Europe and the U.S. with global sales of $800 million – has introduced a blister machine specifically intended for stability testing and similar small-run applications. The Eagle-LP – short for “Lab Pack” – joins the company’s extensive blister packaging equipment family as a reliable, cost-effective solution for development stages, stability testing and initial small-batch production.

The Eagle-LP addresses two longstanding challenges in early-stage blister packaging: affordability and floorspace. Many pharmaceuticals manufacturers have faced challenges finding blister units for stability testing, clinical trials and small-batch runs that aren’t onerously expensive and unnecessarily lengthy or bulky. With this in mind, the modestly-priced Eagle-LP measures just 1.8 meters in both length and height, and just .9 meters in width.

Importantly, the Eagle-LP also is designed to accommodate a newer generation of more sustainable blister film substrates – ones that are typically more difficult to form and seal. The unit can easily accommodate PVC, PVDC, PET, ACLAR, ALU and PP.

The Eagle-LP can run up to 20 cycles per minute, with a blister format area of 110 X 60mm and a maximum blister depth of 20mm. It can handle forming materials up to 320mm in diameter, and lidding materials up to 220mm in diameter. The unit is capable of both thermoforming and cold foil forming.

“Research and development teams need a blister machine designed with their needs in mind,” said Harry Yonenaga, President of the Medical Packaging Machinery Division for Maruho Hatsujyo Innovations, and a project leader for the Eagle-LP’s development.. “Too often, they’ve been left choosing among a poor set of options, including purchasing large, expensive equipment or interrupting mass production machinery, which can limit a company’s overall output capacity. The Eagle-LP gives R&D the special considerations it deserves.”

About Maruho Hatsujyo Innovations

Maruho Hatsujyo Innovations (MHI), the U.S. subsidiary of Maruho Corp. Ltd., was created in 2014. MHI distributes the high quality medical packaging machinery produced by Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo (MHK). With more than 220 employees, MHK has over 60 years of experience in the manufacturing sector, including the design of high-performance blister machinery and high-precision metal components. MHK is Japan’s second largest medical packaging machinery company.

Automation Solutions

“Signode takes a holistic and pragmatic approach to solving our customers’ automation needs. Each customer has a different context – be it labor, equipment, space or some other constraint. We always seek to tailor a solution that delivers breakthrough performance and a quick payback while seamlessly integrating with existing systems and infrastructure. Integral to this is an unparalleled global team of professionals that ensure our customers receive timely service and support anywhere in the world,” said Byron J. Paul, Group President, Signode.

Signode’s approach delivers optimal outcomes for its customers, protecting and optimizing their automation investments. The organization’s newest offerings are the result of listening to and understanding the needs of its customers to achieve their productivity, throughput, and product protection requirements.

Highlights at MODEX

Enhanced Portfolio of Automation Solutions

The newly enhanced cart-based StorFast ASRS system now operates at twice the speed, with improved control for acceleration and deceleration of the robotic carts. In addition, StorFast components can now handle pallets weighing up to 4,400 pounds and cold environment applications down to minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit.

The innovative cart-based solution consists of powered carts and lifts that automatically move pallets in and out of storage positions in the warehouse. Signode has the capacity to design a complete operating system, with the StorFast ASRS system at its core, that manages the location of every pallet for optimal pallet flow and easily integrates with customers’ Enterprise Resource Planning, Order Fulfillment, and Warehouse Management Systems.

The Signode automation portfolio has also expanded to include the Simplimatic brand of advanced robotics and vision systems, autonomous mobile robots, and a vast line of conveyors.

New Multi FleX1 Electric Stretch Hood Technology

The Multi FleX1 Electric is the latest addition to Signode’s popular Lachenmeier brand of stretch hooders used around the globe for load containment. The newest offering features an electrically operated stretch frame and film handling system. Its overall smaller footprint means that the Multi FleX1 Electric can also maximize valuable production floor space and be placed closer to a facility’s perimeter.

New LDX-RTB 4.0 Semi-Automatic Random Case Sealer

With belt speeds up to 155 feet per minute, the LDX-RTB 4.0 features patented technology that enables processing of void-filled and over-stuffed cases with a pneumatic top cartridge. Routine maintenance is simplified with easy access to motors, electrical components, and belts. The robust design, featuring case-hardened rollers and nonmechanical side rail actuation, delivers long-performance and durability in the most demanding applications.

BXT3 Plastic Strapping Tool

Boasting a lightweight and balanced design, the drop, dust and moisture-resistant tool features a full-touch, three-color display for intelligent operation. The BXT3 is designed for all types of strapping applications, including heavy-duty products requiring high tension force and extreme environmental conditions, as well as sensitive applications requiring fine tension control.

With quicker and simpler operation than comparable tools, the BXT3 can be used for various recurring packaged goods with different setting requirements. The tool is also equipped with the ability to switch between standard and favorite settings, including tension force, welding time, and operating mode.

“Automation needs are going to vary by company size and industry segment, but the overall drivers of automation continue to exert pressure for increased efficiency, productivity, and product protection,” said Mike Stein, Vice President, Marketing and Product Management, Signode. “The growth of e-commerce really accelerates the need for automated solutions, even for the smaller or more regional businesses.”

Stein will be leading an educational session on March 29 from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. Entitled Why Small and Mid-Size Manufacturers and DCs Can and Should Automate, it will be held at the Micro-Fulfillment area on the MODEX show floor. Stein will present on the benefits of automation, including how it can help manufacturers address challenges with labor, expanding throughput requirements, and growth in e-commerce.

Companies of all sizes benefit from Signode’s Packaging Plus Reliability Services Team. Employing more than 500 field service engineers and technicians around the world, they have the expertise provided by ongoing training and the latest technology tools to keep them efficient, effective, and engaged on behalf of the organization’s customers. As in the holistic approach to devising automation solutions, the Packaging Plus Reliability Services Team engages with customers to develop preventive, protective, and comprehensive care using a specially designed Performance Assessment Report.

In addition to its global support capabilities, the organization creates added value with Signode’s Packaging Lab, the industry’s marquee transit packaging testing facility. Replicating real-world transit packaging conditions to predict and adjust load containment practices enables the delivery of customized and cost-effective solutions. Signode’s Packaging Lab includes Random Vibration Simulation, Rotary Motion Vibration, and Incline Impact machines; Rough Handling, Compression, and Drop tests; a Conditioning Chamber; and is certified by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA).

About Signode

Signode is the $2.5 billion global Transit Packaging Division of Crown Holdings, Inc., with more than 95 manufacturing facilities and 7,000 employees worldwide. The breadth and depth of Signode’s experience and product portfolio allows the company to offer the resources, reach, and vision to provide transit packaging solutions for the smallest local customers to the largest global customers.

PAC Machinery, Leaders in packaging with one of the most diverse ranges of machinery, has entered the Rollbag® R3200 Fulfillment Automatic Bagger in the MHI Innovation Award competition in the “Best New Innovation”category. Winners will be selected at the 2022 MODEX show in Atlanta, GA at the World Congress Center held March 28-31, 2022.

The MHI Innovation award serves to educate and provide valuable insights on the latest manufacturing and supply chain innovative products and services to MODEX attendees. The award is promoted on the MODEX website and is a great lead generator and booth traffic driver for exhibitors with NEW technologies. Modex states that 48% of attendees that visited the MHI Innovation Awards page, visit the finalist’s booth. PAC’s Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment Automatic Bagger will be packaging products LIVE in booth #C7291 at MODEX.

“The Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment Automatic Bagger is an exciting development that combines environmentally-sourced material, with automation, less material usage, and the shorter lead times that this industry demands,” said Greg Berguig, VP Sales & Marketing, PAC Machinery.

Summary of Innovation

Increase efficiency and lower material costs with the RollbagTM R3200 Fulfillment automatic bagger, an elite mail order fulfillment bagging system. This auto bagger works with poly tubing as well as bags on a roll. The R3200 Fulfillment can either be equipped with a label applicator that applies a direct thermal label onto the bag (no need for ribbon) or with a thermal transfer printer that prints directly on the bag using ribbon. The standard Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment works with bags up to 16 wide x 24 long and has a seal bar opening of up to 6”. The XL version for larger products, works with bags up to 22” wide x 36” long and features a seal bar opening of up to 11”.

The Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment bagger is equipped with a label printer applicator, to create a fully integrated batch-less order fulfillment bagging solution. A thermal transfer printer option is also available, allowing you to print directly on the bag material.

Innovation Statement

This system is the first one on the market to use pre opened bags on a roll as well as poly tubing in order to make a bag. The benefits of poly tubing include lower material costs as well as right-sizing of the bag to the product by changing bag length on the fly, lowering shipping costs, reducing material usage, and shorter material lead time.

Be innovative and green when you package with improved sustainable materials for this machine by using our Recylene® poly mailer made from up to 90% recycled content (20% ocean bound plastic, 20% consumer and 50% Industrial possible).

Applicability

This bagger is ideal for e-commerce, order fulfillment and distribution facilities that require the highest level of performance in their order fulfillment packaging operation.
This automatic bagger will save you money, improve your branding and customer satisfaction with right sized bags and helps you to be more flexible when packaging items of various sizes. An additional benefit includes using the latest in sustainable packaging materials, which is better for the environment and makes for a more satisfied consumer.

About PAC Machinery

As a leader in the flexible packaging industry for over 50 years, PAC Machinery is a trusted partner for businesses desiring more from their packaging capabilities. From global companies, pharmaceutical and medical industry manufacturers to online retailers, PAC Machinery can transform packaging operations with customized systems that immediately improve ROI with versatile poly bagging, shrink wrapping, bag sealing and flow wrapping systems. PAC’s solutions increase productivity through automation, reduce return rates with superior package integrity, minimize package volume to save shipping costs, and extend product shelf life for maximum freshness. With better choices and more experience, PAC Machinery creates the ideal solution for any packaging equipment need.

PAC Machinery’s globally recognized brands known for long-lasting, flexible packaging equipment include: Packaging Aids, Vertrod, Clamco, Rollbag, and Converting Technology. Headquartered in San Rafael, California with additional manufacturing facilities in Berea, OH. and Milwaukee, WI. Contact PAC Machinery at 25 Tiburon Street, San Rafael, CA 94901. 1 (800) 985-9570.

Signode’s StorFast Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) is an innovative cart-based solution consisting of powered carts and lifts that automatically move pallets in and out of storage positions in the warehouse. The newly enhanced cart-based StorFast system operates at twice the speed with improved control for acceleration and deceleration of the robotic carts. In addition, StorFast components can now handle pallets weighing up to 4,400 pounds. Visitors will be able to see the technology in action at booth B2013.

The StorFast ASRS delivers an intelligent logistics management solution integrating with order management, warehouse management, and order fulfillment systems. The system offers a fully customizable logistics solution to enhance throughput to meet customers’ demands and optimize operational resources and improve inventory management.

Signode’s StorFast ASRS delivers a fully integrated warehouse automation system solution to maximize operational savings for the supply chain,” said Byron J. Paul, Group President, Signode. “Our customers are increasingly looking to invest in smart automation solutions. Signode is responding, as our organization has for the past 100 years. We’re collaborating with our customers to help them achieve greater profitability by delivering new technologies and equipment that provide faster throughput, uptime and operational efficiency.”

In addition to the ASRS, the Signode automation product portfolio includes a full range of robot-based depalletizing, palletizing and material handling solutions, all providing cost and performance advantages over other traditional warehouse systems.

About Signode

Signode is the $2+ billion global Transit Packaging Division of Crown Holdings, Inc., with more than 95 manufacturing facilities and 7,000 employees worldwide. The breadth and depth of Signode’s experience and product portfolio allows the company to offer the resources, reach, and vision to provide transit packaging solutions for the smallest local customers to the largest global customers.