OEM Spring 2021

OFFICIAL P U B L I C AT I O N O F

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SPRING 2021

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Sprocketless SSV Sanitary Series Drum Motor for food conveyor belt applications are available with profiles for a variety of belt manufacturers, including Gates®, Habasit®, Intralox®, Volta®, Wire Belt®, and Cambridge®.

(888) 326-1476 • info@vandergraaf.com • vandergraaf.com/oem

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2/19/21 10:53 AM

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2/24/21 10:29 AM

High-speed diverters

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2/23/21 10:12 AM

SOLVING EVERYDAY BUSINESS CHALLENGES THROUGH INTEGRATED AUTOMATION

It All Starts With a Solid Foundation At Mitsubishi Electric, we developed the Smart City digital experience to demonstrate how we use quality products with optimum performance to meet our customers’ biggest challenges. It represents a driving force of innovation and progress in automation. Tour Smart City and discover solutions for a variety of applications.

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2/22/21 1:55 PM

SPRING 2021

2

CONTENTS

CONNECT WITH US:

OEMmagazine.org facebook.com/OEMmagazine @OEMmagazine

VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 1

22

DEPARTMENTS BUS IN ES S IN T ELLIGEN CE

13 SIX TRENDS INFLUENCING PHARMA AND MEDICAL DEVICE INVESTMENTS

Automation is the leading trend, with personalized medicine and small batches driving demand for portable, flexible machines.

EMERGIN G LEA D ERS

15 PDC INTERNATIONAL’S RICK NUÑEZ

Rick Nuñez embraces all aspects of the OEM business as a rising star.

IN D UST RY N EWS

16 FIXING THE U.S. RECYCLING SYSTEM

PMMI joins coalition urging public policy that supports a circular economy.

MA RKET IN G FOCUS

18 5 WAYS TO USE CONTENT REPURPOSING

Learn how to make your company’s content stretch by repurposing it for different audiences.

SA LES FOCUS

20 HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE DEAL COACH

FEATURES

Learn how to shift from sales manager to deal coach.

O E M P ROFI L E

AS S OCIAT ION N EWS

22 NITA LABELERS ARE HUMAN-LIKE

Check out the new and interactive 2020 Highlights report.

When it comes to inline pressure sensitive label applicators, Nita adds sentient traits into the science of labeling.

EXHIBITOR’S CORN ER

M A N AG EME NT

29 UNDERSTANDING THE RESHORING EFFORT Supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 have manufacturers rethinking where they make products and get parts.

T E CH N OLOGY

46 THRIVE ON LIVE

Is your exhibit program ready for the return of live shows?

VOICE OF T HE CUSTOMER

49 CANNABIS CPGS ARE RELYING ON OEMS

Find out how cannabis CPGs procure equipment and what you should know about the industry as an OEM partner.

37 UNIVERSAL I/O

Universal I/O provides users and builders with the opportunity to scale systems quickly in global markets, but traditional I/O still holds an important role.

29

43 PMMI HIGHLIGHTS: 2020

37

PERS PECT IVES

58 READY TO STEP-UP YOUR AUTOMATION?

Speed, precision, and payload are the three core requirements you need to evaluate in detail to achieve “Automation 201” project success.

A PPLICAT ION B RIEF

60 DELIVERING DIGITAL WORK INSTRUCTIONS ON DEMAND

ABB turned to SwipeGuide to provide engineers working on variable speed drives in the field with up-to-date training and maintenance instructions.

WORKFORCE D EVELOPMEN T

64 APEX FILLING SYSTEMS EXPANDS ITS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY To deliver the best equipment and service to customers, the OEM realized it required an investment in the workforce, as well.

N EW PROD UCTS

105 MACHINE COMPONENT INNOVATIONS

Be the first to see the latest in controls, components, and robotics.

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2/24/21 10:29 AM

Honey, I’m home!

Tired of working nights and weekends on motion control projects? It’s time to contact an automation specialist at SEW-EURODRIVE! We provide as little or as much help as needed, including a complete package from start to finish with project planning, software, components, commissioning, troubleshooting, and worldwide support.

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seweurodrive.com | 864-439-7537

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2/18/21 11:07 AM

WE REDUCE FRICTION

The official publication of PMMI OEMMAGAZINE.ORG

E D ITOR IA L

Why do OEMs choose Slideways again and again?

Stephanie Neil Editor-in-Chief sneil@OEMmagazine.org / 781 378 1652 Natalie Craig Senior Managing Editor ncraig@OEMmagazine.org / 312 205 7917 Sean Riley Senior Director, Media and Industry Communications sriley@pmmi.org / 571 266 4419

ART & PROD U CT ION Jonathan Fleming Associate Art Director David Bacho Creative Director George Shurtleff Advertising Production Manager

PU BL IS HING Jim Chrzan Publisher/VP Brand Development Ricky Angel Associate Publisher (Sales) rangel@pmmimediagroup.com / 630 805 3892 Kim Overstreet Senior Content Strategist, Alignment Sharon Taylor Director of Marketing Amber Miller Senior Marketing Manager Janet Fabiano Financial Services Manager

PMMI Media Group 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: 312 222 1010 | Fax: 312 222 1310 www.pmmimediagroup.com Joe Angel President Kelly Greeby Sr. Director, Client Success & Media Operations Elizabeth Kachoris Senior Director of Digital Infrastructure Sarah Loeffler Director of Media Innovation Jen Krepelka Director of Website Product Management

We Produce Plastic Parts for Conveyors and Machinery.

Depth of Experience Application Knowledge Quality Products Superior Service Trust WE REDUCE FRICTION

www.slideways.com

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PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies 12930 Worldgate Dr., Suite 200, Herndon VA, 20170 Phone: 571 612 3200 | Fax: 703 243 8556 www.pmmi.org Jim Pittas President and CEO Glen Long Senior VP David Newcorn Senior VP of Digital & Data Tracy Stout VP, Marketing and Communications Laura Thompson VP, Trade Shows Andrew Dougherty Senior Director, Membership

SU BS C R IPT IONS

To subscribe to OEM visit:

www.OEMmagazine.org/subscribe

To change or modify a subscription, please contact circulation@OEMmagazine.org OEM EDI TORIA L A DV IS ORY BOA R D Lisa Hunt CEO, Plexpack Greg Berguig VP, Sales and Marketing, PAC Machinery Jeff Bigger President-CEO, Massman Automation Designs Rick Fox III Director, Engineering Services, Fox IV Technology Stacy Johnson Director of Marketing & Strategic Planning, Dorner Brian Ormanic Lead Applications Engineer, ARPAC Martin Prakken CEO-Owner, BluePrint Automation Colin Warnes Director Sales Engineering & Project Management, ADCO Manufacturing Tom Ivy, President, F.R. Drake

2/24/21 10:29 AM

NEW PRODUCT EZGUIDE ADJUSTABLE GUIDE RAIL The most notable feature of the EZ Guide™ system is it does not have any protruding brackets or shafts which could be a major safety hazard. The EZ Guide™ system does not have any mechanical components which protrude from the sides of the conveyor during adjustment. All the mechanics are done without the need to protrude past the conveyor, keeping everything safe for those walking close by.

Another feature of EZ Guide™ is it is designed to remain adjustable through curves. That is, the radius of the guides can change as the guide width is increased/decreased in the curve. While there are many traditional guide rail systems which can be made to adjust their width in straight sections, there are very few that can truly be adjustable through a curved portion of conveyor. The reason is because changing the radius of a section is difficult – the guides must bend, and the length of the guide has to increase/ decrease as the radius is changed. The EZ Guide™ system handles both of those problems with its unique design.

SEE EZGUIDE IN ACTION

WWW.SPANTECHCONVEYORS.COM | 270.651.9166

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2/18/21 11:07 AM

Your Best Partner in Automation

AirTAC Provides variety of high quality pneumatic components, Actuators, Valves, FRLs, Fittings, Tubing and customized products.

North American Sales branch/ warehouse in Houston, offers prompt service and fast lead time.

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AirTAC USA Corporation Houston, Texas

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2/18/21 11:19 AM

SPRING 2021

8

FOR OPENERS

STEPHANIE NEIL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Think Differently If we’ve learned anything from the last year, it’s that the status quo sits on shifting sands.

What works today won’t necessarily work tomorrow. And, we must always be prepared to pivot with poise. But that requires leadership.

So who better to ask about the best way to reposition a company for growth during a crisis than Jan Tharp, president and CEO of The Bumble Bee Seafood Company, who is known as a transformation leader. Jan took over during a corporate scandal and bankruptcy. Not only did she succeed in keeping the company on track, but she completely changed course, navigating a sale of the company’s assets, adding plant-based products, rebooting the brand with a progressive marketing campaign, and changing packaging to reflect the tastes of today’s consumers.

In a series of interviews, Jan articulately explains that leadership is a skill that anyone can master. And it’s needed FeedersConveyorsAd.qxp_Layout 1 2/22/21 9:28 Page 1 Flip to page 29 to read because manufacturing is PM changing.

about a reshoring effort that will impact OEMs. Or page 16 to read about how the packaging industry is outlining a policy that will fix the recycling problem in the U.S. All of this portends a very different future, so be prepared to continuously swivel to lead your company.

Speaking of swiveling, I want to point out that here at PMMI Media Group, we too are adopting new approaches in order to meet the needs of our audience. Everybody consumes information differently. We’ve added video interviews, podcasts, and more. You can start by flipping to page 53 to read excerpts from my latest interview with Jan. Or, follow the links below to watch or listen to the conversation: Watch the interview: oemgo.to/pecjantharp Listen to the podcast: oemgo.to/jantharp Stephanie Neil is Editor-in-Chief of OEM Magazine.

She can be reached at sneil@oemmagazine.org or linkedin.com/in/stephaniesneil

Feeders & Conveyors for

Every Challenge

Compact Feeders • Energy efficient electromagnetic drives • High Speed models for rapid On/Off cycling • High Deflection models for fine powders, leafy, and sticky products

Mechanical & Electromagnetic Conveyors • Low profile models • Wide range of screener options • Models for every application

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2/24/21 10:30 AM

Built for Integration Introducing the cutting-edge HERMA 500 label applicator. Powerful, Flexible and Highly Connected.

The HERMA 500 features a faster, more convenient user interface with touchscreen and intuitive menu guidance.

Improved performance correlates to up to 25% faster labeling speeds. The HERMA 500 is also highly flexible and built to accommodate virtually any label size. And you’ll be connected with intelligent controls and browser-based operation.

Thousands of HERMA labelers are integrated every year, WHY? • No external control box • Stopping accuracy +/- .008 inches • Speed up to 600ft per minute • Ethernet connectivity • Compact size

The HERMA 500. No compromises. Absolute performance.

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2/9/21 11:08 9:31 AM AM 2/18/21

SPRING 2021

10

FOR THE RECORD

NATALIE CRAIG SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR

Machines Are Becoming Human They say, “One day robots and machines will take over the world.” As if they already haven’t, especially in this industry and many others.

But during a machine demo at PACK EXPO Connects in November, I came across a piece of equipment that was touted as having human elements because it could feel and predict its condition and communicate that to its operators.

Now, of course, machines that can predict maintenance or send error signals to the HMI aren’t relatively new, but the technology behind these innovations is evolving rapidly. Still, I have never seen any kind of equipment described as being “sentient” or having the ability to perceive or feel, which is exactly what they call an inline pressure sensitive label applicator from Nita.

The labeling system intrigued me so much that I decided

WORKFORCE CHALLENGES?

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to interview Nita Labeling, the creators of the “first sentient labeling machine,” for this issue’s OEM Profile. Flip to page 22 to find out what makes this equipment capable of feeling and how the manufacturer came up with the idea to build these features into its labeler. The OEM also gave us a look into its innovative approach to marketing, which is currently a hot topic among manufacturers looking to make an impact on current and potential customers while socially distanced.

I will continue to be on the lookout for more humanlike equipment. After all, machines almost need to become smarter and more human in order to meet the demands and needs of the world today.

Natalie Craig is the Senior Managing Editor of OEM Magazine.

She may be reached at ncraig@pmmimediagroup.com or at www.linkedin.com/nataliedcraig.

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2/22/21 10:50 AM

MANAGEMENT

SPRING 2021

13

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

Six Trends Influencing Pharma and Medical Device Investments Kim Overstreet, Senior Content Strategist, Alignment, PMMI Media Group

A

ccording to a new report by PMMI Business Intelligence, three out of four pharmaceutical and medical device respondents say their companies are looking to make capital investments in the next 12-24 months, either to refurbish their old tooling or to purchase new equipment. These decisions will be driven by technology, automation, and regulation, as well as by cost and return on investment (ROI). Regulations and disruptions due to COVID-19 have also driven demand for innovative, advanced equipment.

Download a free copy of this white paper by visiting: oemgo.to/ pharmatrends2021 Here are the six industry trends shaping capital investments: Automation: More than 60% of companies in pharmaceutical processing and related services said that if given the opportunity, they would choose to automate their operations, and remote access has become more of a necessity.

Companies are investing in advanced machinery to increase the speed of packaging and improve efficiency.

Examples of automated line equipment include: • Labeling systems that apply wraparound film or paper labels onto a container at speeds up to 600 per minute.

• Form-fill-seal technology, which uses a single piece of equipment to form a plastic container, fill the container and provide an air-tight seal for the container.

• Automatic blister packing machines are becoming increasingly more popular due to the anti-tampering value and individual tight seals. Automatic blister packing improves efficiency on the production line, while maintaining consistency and quality.

• Digital technology, Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain are helping companies connect their machinery to smart devices, troubleshoot and report errors, optimize operations, gain insights into data across machines, and record across the supply chain.

Self-administration of medication has become more common, and therefore the production of self-injection devices and prefilled syringes has risen. Companies are investing in assembly and filling equipment that allows fast

0121_BusinessIntel.indd 13

changeover time for various auto-injectors.

Personalized pharmaceuticals are driving demand for machinery that can package smaller batches with shorter lead times. These batches often require agile and fastpaced scheduling from pharma manufacturers.

Digitalized packaging that communicates directly to the consumer to ensure medical monitoring and improve patient outcomes.

Flexible production where machines can change from one product size to another is becoming increasingly desired by packaging companies as product variations continue to proliferate. Respondents pointed out that machines that are portable or suitable for small batches will trend, as the pharmaceutical industry moves towards more personalized drugs, and more batches have more unique sizes, dimensions, and formulations.

Sustainability is a key focus for many companies as they look to reduce waste and improve cost efficiency. Packaging is becoming more environmentally friendly, with a greater focus on material and recyclability.

Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/newpharma

2/24/21 10:30 AM

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2/18/21 11:09 AM

HR | SALES & MARKETING | MANAGEMENT

SPRING 2021

15

EMERGING LEADERS

Rick Nuñez Embraces All Aspects of the OEM Business Natalie Craig, Senior Managing Editor

R

ick Nuñez started his journey in the packaging field right out of college as a junior design engineer at PDC International Corp., a manufacturer of shrink sleeve labeling and tamper-evident machinery. After 13 years of holding various roles at the company, Nuñez is now the sales engineer for North and South America. When he entered into the packaging space, it was all new territory to him as a college graduate, but Nuñez finds himself intrigued and inspired by the ability to create and innovate. As he keeps rising through the ranks, Nuñez is setting his sights on holding more of a leadership role in the future.

OEM Magazine: What has your time at PDC been like?

Rick Nuñez: I started as a junior design engineer right out of college. And then, I worked in engineering for multiple years until I was promoted as a sales application engineer, which was focused on supporting the sales team. In that position, I worked for a few years and learned about the sales side of the business. From there, I was also promoted to sales engineer, which is my current role now. I handle multiple accounts, specifically, in the Latin American market. Because of my engineering background, I can effectively explain our system to customers as a salesperson.

OEM Magazine: What is the most fascinating part of your job?

Rick Nuñez: I love traveling and meeting with people. With this new role, I get to visit different places and customers. It’s always fascinating to learn about other processes.

The packaging industry is huge, and I find that there are new technologies and processes at every company. With COVID-19, the traveling got scaled down, and while I wasn’t able to travel, I was able to still keep in touch and work with my customers in Latin America through different apps that allowed us to chat, share video, and call each other. In regard to tradeshows, not being able to engage with people in person has been more challenging. But we are looking

0121_EmergingLeaders.indd 15

forward to attending PACK EXPO Las Vegas in September.

OEM Magazine: What are some industry trends or demands you are coming across?

Rick Nuñez: A lot of customers are looking for a more modern look with their machine. Technology is always advancing and moving forward and there are so many options for PLCs and HMIs. Our customers are really focused on incorporating new PLC and HMI screens because they want to patch them into a network so they can monitor data. These PLCs and HMIs also make it easier to have fewer machine operators on the floor.

OEM Magazine: How are the North American and Latin American markets different from one another?

Rick Nuñez: They are definitely different. The difference in language is important to note. I speak Spanish so I am able to reach these customers as they feel more comfortable with someone who knows their language. The Latin America market is looking more at the cost rather than the benefits or value of the equipment. Cost is one of the biggest issues we come across.

OEM Magazine: Do you enjoy being a part of PMMI’s Emerging Leaders Network?

Rick Nuñez: I do. I have been involved in the network for two years now. I love meeting new people and learning about what they do and how they do things on a daily basis.

I’m always motivated to learn because we always share new ideas and best practices with each other.

OEM Magazine: As a rising star in your organization, what is next for you?

Rick Nuñez: I want to continue to evolve within the company. We are in the process of bringing up the next generation who will run the company, and hopefully, my name is on the list.

Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/ricknunez

2/24/21 10:31 AM

SPRING 2021

16

MANAGEMENT

INDUSTRY NEWS

PMMI Joins Recycling Leadership Council to Debut Blueprint for Fixing Recycling in the U.S. Stephanie Neil, Editor-in-Chief

I

n February, the Recycling Leadership Council (RLC), a broad coalition of stakeholders brought together to identify the federal government’s role in fixing the U.S. recycling system, released the Blueprint for America’s Recycling System. The report provides a vision for ambitious policy action that will move the U.S. toward a circular economy.

“Recycling in the U.S. is at a breaking point due to thousands of disparate systems, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the massive fractures in its foundation,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association. “The time is now to solve this crisis, and Americans overwhelmingly want federal leadership. The Consumer Brands Association is proud to convene the Recycling Leadership Council and present its blueprint for how the federal government can be a positive force in modernizing and standardizing recycling across the country.”

As a part of the RLC and a large influence in packaging, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, pledged to work with the coalition on this effort.

“Packaging is vital to safeguard our food, protect our medicines, shield our purchases, and transport our goods, essentially protecting what keeps us happy and healthy,” said Glen Long, senior vice president, PMMI. “Because of packaging’s central role in our world, our industry has a responsibility to limit its environmental impact. The Blueprint for America’s Recycling System addresses the critical issue of recycling, by proposing ways to harmonize laws for clearer understanding, allowing consumers to do their part and the government to capitalize on technology and scale.”

The RLC’s blueprint outlines three areas where the federal government can make a meaningful difference in America’s recycling future, including data collection, standardization, and financing: 1. Create clear data collection and reporting require-

0121_IndustryNews.indd 16

ments to further understand the problem and inform the creation of a system that works. There is a lack of standardized, quantifiable data across the country, leaving policymakers in the dark. We cannot manage what we cannot measure.

2. Develop national standards and definitions across the nation’s nearly 10,000 recycling systems, providing clear guidance to states and municipalities and taking confusion out of the process for consumers and packaging producers. Through standardization and harmonization, more and different types of materials can be collected, processed, and sold for value-added products or packaging.

3. Support states with targeted infrastructure investments, tax credits, and grants. Funding must be dedicated to the systems themselves, such as enhancing recycling infrastructure or educating consumers.

“Without focused leadership from the federal government, the system will remain fragmented, with waste becoming increasingly unmanageable and hopes for a cleaner, more sustainable future becoming impossible to realize,” said Meghan Stasz, vice president of packaging and sustainability at Consumer Brands. “There is a real opportunity for federal legislators to take this consensus, which is years in the making, and put it into actual legislation. These are ideas we can all get behind.”

The diverse members of the RLC, brought together by Consumer Brands in early 2020, represent organizations from consumer-facing industries, packaging companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the recycling ecosystem, united by their belief that sweeping change is imperative to fixing recycling in America and integral to the long-term health of the planet.

“When we were putting together the blueprint and thinking about what the federal government can do now

2/24/21 10:32 AM

MANAGEMENT

to take this issue forward faster, we were able to identify a range of tools, but it doesn’t stop there,” Stasz said during a live virtual media event. “It’s not just the federal government that can do these things and everything gets fixed. Everyone needs to lean into the wheel here in a host of ways.”

Kate Krebs, director of industry affairs at Closed Loop Partners, a New York City investment firm focused on the circular economy, echoed Stasz’s comments during the live event, noting that this is a unique collaboration that is far more far-reaching than any current recycling initiative.

“I think the unique aspect of the blueprint work is that [it brings together] the trade associations that represent a broad array of America’s businesses, with the NGO perspective from the Ocean Conservancy, and the recycling partnerships that are invaluable and keep our work honest.

To me, the infrastructure we address, whether it is data, incentives, or changes in public policy, is a collaborative effort that I don’t think we’ve [ever] seen take place. That is the exciting part, and I think the next step of direct engagement up on Capitol Hill will be vitally important to make this real.”

0121_IndustryNews.indd 17

SPRING 2021

17

For the launch, the RLC was joined by bipartisan members of Congress, several of which were present for the launch of the Recycling Leadership Council.

“For our country to move forward and successfully address protecting our environment, we have to have a targeted approach,” said Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH-16).

“I am pleased to see innovative policy ideas included in the Recycling Leadership Council’s Blueprint for America’s Recycling System. Congress must take a bipartisan approach when considering ways to minimize waste and protect our environment. I look forward to working with my colleagues in this Congress to encourage bipartisan and innovative approaches to recycling policies.”

For more information on the Blueprint for America’s Recycling System report, visit: oemgo.to/blueprint

Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/pmmirecycle

2/24/21 10:32 AM

SPRING 2021

18

SALES & MARKETING | MANAGEMENT

MARKETING FOCUS

5 Ways to Use Repurposing to Get More Out of Your Marketing Content

Learn how to make your company’s content stretch by repurposing it for different audiences.

Sarah Loeffler, Director of Media Innovation and Marketing Insights, PMMI Media Group

C

hallenged with creating new content? You’re not alone. Developing new content was ranked as marketers’ biggest pain point in a recent PMMI Media Group survey, ranking even higher among respondents than finding fresh names or the cost of new leads. (Packaging Supplier Marketing Trends and Best Practices: oemgo.to/ research) The irony is that many OEMs are sitting on a potential wealth of new marketing content that wouldn’t take nearly the time, talent, and budget to produce that one might suspect—if only they would build in the often-overlooked step of repurposing.

Whenever a marketer creates a long-form piece of highvalue original content, such as a webinar, whitepaper, or product demo video, it’s important to examine whether mild modification or excerpting can fill additional content needs.

Where to begin with repurposing? The next time you’ve created a significant piece of content, consider the following five questions.

Five questions for inspiration

Is there an opportunity to version the content for a different audience? Many OEMs serve different verticals. An easy opportunity for these companies to make messaging more relevant is by taking the same high-value whitepaper and merely swapping out visuals and/or making minor text

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adjustments to appeal to the different market segments and target the distribution accordingly. Similarly, does your company serve a global audience? A successful use of repurposing takes the same video but create versions where audio and/or captioning appears in the language favored by each audience segment.

Packaging OEMs serving Latin America, see content tips and distribution options at: oemgo.to/latinamerica Can you excerpt direct portions of content for use on other channels? If you created a product demo video for a virtual conference, consider using shortened clips of the video in prospecting emails or on social media channels. Or perhaps you can extend use by featuring a quote from the speaker in a social media post and then linking to the video embedded on your website. The audience for high-value content almost always reaches beyond one event.

Is there an opportunity to change the content’s format? Many marketers will turn a webinar into a whitepaper or vice versa to appeal to prospects’ varying information consumption preferences. Also, many marketers will transform a detailed slide from a presentation into a brief article or blog post by merely adding light narrative.

Can any portions of your early-stage content be used elsewhere to answer the questions of late-stage buyers?

Many marketers will transform Q&A articles with technical staff into follow-up checklists or fact sheets that serve as part of sales collateral. Or a webinar where staff discuss trends and challenges can then form the basis for developing bottom-funnel content focused on how your products help address the trends and challenges discussed in the webinar.

Does your content piece have any “nuggets” of note?

Sometimes the best repurposing ideas occur simply by noticing snippets that stand out as particularly interesting or engaging. Can you extract data for a mini infographic? Is there a strong quote you can feature in social images or ad copy? Or perhaps you’ve developed a case study where the end user’s experience can translate into a testimonial.

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SALES & MARKETING | MANAGEMENT

Of course, not every content piece will align well with repurposing. That’s why the following tips are useful.

Repurposing isn’t just about containing cost Repurposing carries many benefits. Not only is the burden on original content creation lessened, but the marketer’s efforts can be more effective. Repetition and frequency can make it easier for an OEM’s messaging to cut through competing noise. And the marketer is able to leverage the strengths of content that has already proven engaging in one format and serve the needs of a broader audience by reaching those that prefer to consume information in another format.

Tips for effective repurposing

Prioritize value over volume. Some types of content work only for particular purposes or simply won’t be helpful enough to prospects to be worth repetition. Don’t put content out there simply because you have it on hand—you need to be deliberate in making sure that what you create ties to your marketing goals. Otherwise, you risk muddying your messaging.

Consider a project’s repurposing potential when weighing it against others and choose a versatile format.

Some topics will lend themselves to greater extension potential. Case studies or interviews that you can mine for

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quotes or pieces that are rich in statistics provide more “nuggets.” And content that is organized using bulleted lists or step-based sections generally lends itself to repurposing better than a piece developed in a streamlined expository format.

Don’t be short-sighted. It’s easy to get pulled into a very linear content creation process, where you’re focused solely on planning for a specific number of content pieces with designated start and stop dates and distinct distribution plans. And while this approach will shape the majority of your creation efforts, it’s also important to pause occasionally and look back to past pieces to see if they hold new value. For example, could stats shared in a presentation or whitepaper make the difference in crafting an upcoming press release that would make the content more appealing to editors? Or could a series of past articles and videos be combined to help create a new content piece of value, such as a customer onboarding toolkit? Keeping an eye toward repurposing your content is an ongoing effort.

Looking for more marketing tips for OEMs? Subscribe to PMMI Media Group’s Marketing Insights newsletter and view additional resources at: oemgo.to/marketinginsights Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/contentrepurposing

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SALES FOCUS

How to Shift From Sales Manager to Effective Deal Coach Jay Spielvogel, CEO, Venator Sales Group

T

he greatest challenge most sales managers face is the lack of time to deal with all the management, coaching, sales strategy, and operational tasks their job demands of them. Compounding this challenge are growing sales teams and territories.

Many sales managers are time constrained due to an inefficient process which includes jumping into high-value opportunities or accounts and acting on behalf of their salespeople to clean up account issues, take over difficult contract negotiations, or close business.

Add in the typical reporting, forecasting, and other internal work heaped on sales managers and you’ve got the primary culprit that keeps these individuals from being people-building leaders or “deal coaches.”

Unless a proactive approach is implemented, sales managers easily fall into this pattern since they are former “A-player” salespeople who pride themselves on their sales skills. Much like the coach of a sports team, a good sales manager must have a strategy and process for coaching their sales team from the sidelines, rather than jumping onto the playing field and running the play themselves. It

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is nearly impossible for the coach to run the team successfully while also playing the game.

Great sales coaching starts with a sales manager truly caring about the success of their direct reports and a plan for coaching them on how to achieve that success, especially when it comes to deal coaching.

Most salespeople are trained to look for positive account signals, such as having a solid internal champion with a strong interest in their product. Unfortunately, the salesperson often ignores the challenges that may exist within the account, such as a technical or financial stakeholder that is an advocate for the competition or a committee that ties its buying decisions to an existing vendor relationship.

How do sales managers effectively coach their salespeople in instances like this? At Venator, we use a process called “interrogating reality,” which digs below the surface of an account to find out what is going on behind the scenes. In other words, to discover the intangibles often not recognized that create obstacles in managing the account or closing new business.

To properly interrogate the reality of an account, a manager needs a process for debriefing the salesperson about the opportunity in an effort to uncover critical information that has yet to be discovered. When done effectively, the manager helps the salesperson gain a 360-degree perspective on the opportunity and any possible landmines that

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may exist. The ideal process entails consistent managefield to play for them. The manager can help develop wellment debriefs that examine the account realities versus structured account-specific strategies and tactics that allow what a salesperson believes is true. the salesperson to interrogate the deal reality and effectiveHere are three core components that should be involved ly close more sales on their own. With an effective coaching in a successful deal coaching process. strategy the organization can scale and everyone wins.

1. An ability to uncover critical business-driver information that may have been overlooked during a previous Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/dealcoach sales call through debrief questions.

Some example questions include: • Is the issue affecting other departmental timelines or goals?

• How is the issue impacting the company operationally and financially?

• Did they ever approach the existing vendor with their concerns?

• Is there pressure on their department to fix this? Has the issue scaled outside of their company?

2. A method to ensure that the salesperson has a comprehensive perspective on all stakeholders that will be involved in the decision, as well as a stakeholder map to discover interrelationships between all key stakeholders.

Some sample questions a manager can use to help a salesperson navigate stakeholders include: • What other departments are impacted by this?

• Have you met with these different stakeholders or obtained any information about their personal issues, concerns, and vision? And is there consensus regarding the issue?

• Have they had discussions internally about the issues or the fact that they are looking at us?

• Is there a formal budgetary process?

Who controls it?

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• What are other priorities that could in- TIMING SCREWS terfere with this initiative?

• What does the prospect see as the big- SCREW FEEDING SYSTEMS Drawing on our company’s tool and gest roadblock? Budgetary constraints?

(MODULAR DRIVE UNITS) die heritage, CSS International • If there was a possible stumbling block that they see or that their management - PRODUCT ORIENTATION has strong engineering capabilities may present, what is it? for OEM applications.

- SIDE GRIP BELT UNITS • Are they looking at alternative solutions or other providers? And if so, who?

- VACUUM REJECT SYSTEMS Using a debriefing and coaching process, a manager can coach their salespeople rather than feeling the need to run onto the playing

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OEM PROFILE

Nita Labeling Brings a Human Element to Machines When it comes to inline pressure sensitive label applicators, Nita adds sentient traits into the science of labeling.

Natalie Craig, Senior Managing Editor

W

hen you think about packaging machinery, do the words, “living, breathing, humanlike” come up? For Quebec-based labeling equipment manufacturer, Nita Labeling Corp., the answer is simply yes.

And that’s because Nita’s XP Series and Joust Series label applicators were built with “human” characteristics in mind.

In 2002, Normand Lord purchased Nita Corp., a small manufacturing company at the time. In 2005 Luc Harvey, who today is the company’s chief engineer, joined as a minority owner. After being in the printing plate business for a decade, Lord was able to launch Nita’s offering of automatic inline pressure sensitive labelers by replacing older technology with newer innovations like servo motors and software-managed programmable drives.

“When I found Nita, I saw a diamond in the rough,” Lord says. “I was a senior vice president at Bell Canada, managing 1500 employees. But my entrepreneurial spirit was calling, and Nita presented an opportunity to take a vastly underperforming company, which I could transform into a leader. We are currently one of the largest inline pressure sensitive label applicator manufacturers in the world. My dreams to be the best are being fulfilled every day.”

Now, the company creates self-diagnosing, fully automatic 100% servo labelers to handle applications that are packaged in jugs, tapered tubs, pails, bottles, clamshells, trays, boxes, and flat bags. But what’s unique is that the system actually identifies when parts need changing or servicing and notifies users. The users can then order those parts directly from the machine via the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise software-based PC control screen. The labeling system also provides users with daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance schedules and reminders, as well as an extensive problem-solving

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Nita Labeling Corp

Location: Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada Established: 2002 Leadership: Normand Lord, President and Owner; Luc Harvey, Chief Engineer and Owner; Ken Hubscher, Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Minority Owner Revenue: $20 to $50 million Employees: 50 Field service personnel: 4 Facility: 24,000 sq. ft.

Markets served: North, Central, and South America Industries served: Packaging, Chemical, Oil, Food and Beverage, and Nutraceutical Product range: Automatic inline pressure sensitive label application equipment Standard controls platform: No PLCs / Nidec smart servo drives

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OEM PROFILE

video library. A SCADA platform provides real-time OEE and performance reporting with live video tech support built into the screen.

Ken Hubscher, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing and minority owner, joined Nita in 2012 with a mission to unveil the company’s voice and story. At that time, Nita labelers were operating on the original Nita 1.0 platform, which featured the first fully synchronized all servo labeling systems made in North America. In 2015, Nita graduated to the “smart and intuitive” 3.0 platform with software capabilities that enabled users to increase production rates with quick changeovers and operational simplicity. But in 2018, an even more innovative suite arrived with the launch of the Nita 4.0 platform, which took the Nita labelers from smart to humanlike with predictive maintenance features built in.

Labelers that can feel

schedules, and video tutorials, as well as the selfmonitoring and diagnosing capabilities.

The company doesn’t use PLCs or proprietary microprocessor boards for its labelers as it opts for PC-based controls working in tandem with smart servo drives because it allows the labelers to adapt to changes and different products faster.

“There are no PLCs, microprocessor boards, or proprietary electronics in our systems,” Hubscher says. “All of the drives dictate what everything on the machine needs to do in relation to the individual speed signal. When you’re running our labelers, if you were to change the speed of the conveyor, everything on the machine would automatically adjust. It knows exactly where the container is, the speed, and the distance at all times. You don’t have to do any calculations, mechanical adjustments, or guessing. The software system we created automatically adjusts and calculates everything on the fly, regardless of speed.”

Hubscher says Nita’s completely closed servo software system that automatically calculates to the speed of the conveyor has been a large contributor to the company’s growth.

When Nita launched the 4.0 platform, Hubscher centered around the term “sentient” to describe what Nita 4.0 brought to the company’s labelers. Defined, “sentient” means the ability to feel or perceive—and it’s rarely ever used to describe a machine. But with Nita 4.0, features like predictive maintenance, speed synchronized servo technology, total replication changeovers, and open-source Since 2013, the OEM has grown 1700% because SCADA software enabled this machine to self-diagnose. of its intuitive label applicators. In 2015, Nita began But how do these technological advances relate to the incorporating lean manufacturing techniques to term “sentient?” overhaul the production environment. With annual 40% “One of the features on our systems is the selfgrowth year over year, this was essential. The current diagnosing properties that we’ve built into it,” Hubscher Nita manufacturing process is now lean and ultrasays. “This technology actually monitors the motor loads, efficient, Hubscher says. Everything at the company is sensors, and cycles and advises plant floor operators when computerized—from the quote that is submitted to the something isn’t right. It literally prevents a problem from client to the shipping of the finished machine. Every detail happening. The term sentient is the ability to perceive or feel, which in a sense is what our machines are doing now.”

For example, if there was too much pressure being put on the servo motor in the head of the label applicator, the machine would prompt the operator through the labeler’s HMI, which is a PC computer, with videos and flowcharts that show the operator where to reduce pressure.

“And once the operator hits the sweet spot, the machine will tell them that they are back in a happy zone,” Hubscher says. “It’s actually feeling itself and telling you what it’s feeling.

Sentient may be a little bit tongue in cheek, but it’s mechanically direct.”

The Nita 4.0 platform also offers 3D mapped, color coded, and ruled changeovers, in-screen parts ordering, preventative maintenance Nita’s team meets to kick off a project.

Sustaining growth

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being able to aid its core customer base—companies that deal with hand sanitizer applications—by narrowing lead times 25%, which resulted in their customers being able to churn out more product to answer to supply chain and consumer demands during the COVID-19 pandemic. A testament to its investment in lean techniques.

| AT11-19US |

flows through custom enterprise resource planning (ERP) and materials requirements planning (MRP) systems that tie into all accounting, engineering, assembly, and postcare activities. On the shop floor, Nita’s people who build the machines are guided by terminals with live AutoCAD feeds that can be modified, ensuring that any floor-level changes are recorded and standardized in the machine’s blueprints. The assembly line flow on Nita’s floor ensures that production efficiency is maximized without wasting time and resources, Hubscher says.

“When I joined Nita in 2005, Normand shared his dream of becoming the biggest and best labeling machine manufacturer in the world,” Luc says. “From the first line of code I wrote when I arrived to the incredible levels of technology infused into every Nita that leaves our shop today, I feel such an immense level of pride in everything we have accomplished. As an engineer, mine and my partners commitment to never stop innovating is a dream come true.”

In 2020 alone, Nita grew 35% while also

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OEM PROFILE

And while automation and computers handle the flow of important details throughout the company, the human approach—beyond the sentient labelers—is what has kept business coming back and growing, Hubscher says.

“A big part of our growth is because of the culture we create with our customers,” Hubscher says. “We are extremely hands-on when it comes to the planning of a project. We listen to our clients, send in local reps when applicable, gather all relevant information, and produce a tailor-made proposal.”

Culture at the core

commitment that values teamwork, accountability, integrity, honor, humility, and results,” Hubscher says. “Inclusiveness and incentive are what our culture is all about. I include everyone from every department in discussions about our goals and our mission. We take time to help them understand what’s going on in the industry and how it aligns with our customers and equipment. It creates engagement beyond just showing up to do a job.” As for incentives, every employee at Nita is a part of the company’s profit-sharing program, he says.

Nita has grown from 12 employees to more than 50 over the past couple of years. But Hubscher says there are still moments where the company feels like a small, tightknit family. For example, Lord, the company’s president, holds routine meetings on the shop floor where everyone gathers around to learn about the latest innovations and to recognize each other’s achievements.

“We have employees that have been here since Nita opened, and that speaks to the culture that we have created

Since the inception of Nita, the company has always offered “forever-free” customer support. Hubscher coins it “NitaCare.”

“Our customers have to be running,” Hubscher says. “It doesn’t matter what your job title is, at our company, everybody’s job is to ask the question, ‘Is what I am doing right now conducive to making sure the customer is running?’

And NitaCare is really just an extension of that.”

NitaCare comes standard—and at no extra charge—with every machine.

Nita customers can get service and support through Nita’s video app, phone calls, or internet login to the inherently connected Wi-Fi PC HMI’s for the entire lifetime of the machine.

“Sure, customers can call us on FaceTime or WhatsApp, but through our app, they can scan the barcode on the machine, and it will automatically pull up their machine. Then, they can connect directly with one of our technicians to resolve the issue on the spot,” Hubscher says.

Nita has also built in the capability to conduct remote maintenance on their labelers so that if the technician needs to get inside the machine and diagnose the problem, they can. And because of the app coupled with the equipment’s intuitiveness, Nita can perform maintenance and service almost exclusively remotely.

To offer services like NitaCare, Hubscher says the people at the center of their company need to be on board, too. And not only does the company’s culture and reputation speak to customers, but it also transcends to Nita’s shop floor.

“Nita’s success truly does rely on the strength of our people. We Nita’s XP Series machines in the OEM’s “Marketing Room” are being promote a culture of innovation and prepared to be filmed for the company’s YouTube channel.

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Growing Business Digitally During COVID-19 For a whole year now, the entire industry has been at a standstill when it comes to meeting up with potential business connections or making routine sales trips to meet with customers. So how has Nita continued to foster and nurture the very relationships that contribute to its bottom line? Hubscher says not being able to meet with customers at tradeshows or during normal meetings has been a big adjustment.

“I can’t get out there and show our partners and customers how much I love them and show them the excitement I have about where we’re going,” Hubscher says. “So as a result, we are leaning heavier on content creation that creates a personalized narrative for people.”

Leveraging content that positions OEMs as thought leaders is a marketing strategy that has long existed but is even more effective today as Hubscher points out.

And while Hubscher can’t be out on the road making sales calls, he says one of Nita’s greatest selling tools is its website.

The OEM puts a lot of time, effort, and money into search engine optimization (SEO) techniques that help position the manufacturer in front of its customers and potential users online.

SEO keywords—when applied correctly—can help manufacturers have a favorable position on Google so that customers can find the manufacturers they are looking for quickly and more efficiently.

Nita has also leveraged YouTube with informative and visually appealing videos that convey what their technology and equipment can do, which is also a great sales technique, Hubscher says, noting that some of their videos have garnered thousands of views.

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here,” Hubscher says. “Working with people who actually love what they do for a living changes the entire supplier and client experience. We all love what we do and that resonates in the product and in the brand.”

Nita 5.0?

Three years ago, the company doubled the size of its Terrebonne, Quebec facility’s footprint with its sights set on big future plans to expand into the European markets.

“We didn’t want to jump into the European arena until we were manufacturing there, but the demand is so large that we’re actually being pulled in,” Hubscher says.

As Nita embarks on the European market, the team is also in the process of developing their Nita 5.0 platform, which is currently top secret. But Hubscher tells us, “The next generation of Nita is underway. And it’s a gamechanger.”

Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/nitalabeling

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Understanding the Reshoring Effort Supply chain interruptions related to COVID-19 have prompted manufacturers to consider bringing operations back to the U.S. But success depends on new ideas and new technologies.

Stephanie Neil, Editor-in-Chief

I

n January, President Joe Biden ordered government agencies to take action and require the wearing of masks in airports, on commercial aircraft, ferries, and all public transportation, while encouraging “masking across America.” And, if we are going to be buying more face masks, why not purchase products that are also “made in America?”

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When the pandemic reached the U.S. early last year, According to Wellener, automation and robotics play a about half of the world’s disposable masks were produced significant role as a way to offset labor costs, but machine overseas in China. And as COVID-19 became a global learning, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, 3D healthcare crisis, face masks became essential and counprinting, and supply chain management (SCM) are also aidtries imposed restrictions on exports, which increased ing in the effort to reshore manufacturing. the worldwide shortages of masks and raw materials, acIntrepid Protect, for example, uses servo motors and cording to the U.S. National Institute of Health’s National absolute and relative encoders on the assembly line and Library of Medicine. relies heavily on AI and machine learning to ensure quality “All it took was stopping the supply of disposable masks control and predictive maintenance to optimize operations produced overseas from coming to the U.S. for us to be and accelerate the delivery of mask inventory at the lowest critically impacted,” says Raphael Kryszek, founder and cost. “There are a lot of moving parts on the assembly line, CEO of Intrepid Protect, a manufacturing start-up foand they fail due to wear and tear. But we’ve seen huge imcused on producing face coverings that are made at a new provements due to AI and predictive maintenance cycles, state-of-the-art facility in Los Angeles, Calif. It was the PPE which has increased productivity, efficiency, and reduces shortage, a dependence on foreign sourcing of goods, and a pricing due to our ability to minimize waste and minimize lack of quality-control standards that prompted Kryszek to faulty products,” says Kryszek. “We didn’t reinvent the make manufacturing in the U.S. a viable option. It is also his production of three-ply masks, what we did was streamline small way to create jobs and help bolster the U.S. economy. and automate it by adding technology to improve different And Kryszek is not alone when it comes to setting up parts of the assembly line.” shop stateside. According to a recent Thomas Industrial Survey assessing the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on North American manufacturing, there is heightened interIn recent history, the U.S. has had an $800 billion/year est in reshoring and hiring—mainly as a result of rethinking trade deficit. The U.S. has been dependent on imports supply chains. primarily because the cost to manufacture here is just too Of the 746 manufacturing companies surveyed in May high. According to Harry Moser, founder and president of and June of 2020, 69% are looking into bringing production the Reshoring Initiative, his data shows that U.S. manuback to North America, 38% are actively hiring, and 55% facturing costs are too often 20% higher than European of the participants said they are likely to invest in automation, specifically as it pertains to production performance, process control, and product testing and quality.

“With the growing appetite of reshoring and onshoring, respondents shared the top products they are looking to source domestically: metals (15%), machining tools and parts (13%), fabricated materials (13%), and PPE (12%),” the Thomas report states.

“Clearly, the pandemic has been an accelerant to reshoring, as well as nearshoring,” notes Paul Wellener, a vice chairman at Deloitte LLP, and the leader of the company’s U.S. industrial products and construction practice. “Nearshoring is getting into your time zone, like utilizing manufacturing in Central or South America if you are in the U.S., and reshoring is bringing production back into your country. But as things come back to the U.S., it is not coming back in the same way as it’s being done in another part of the world.

There is technology being added to help continue to drive the cost targets, quality targets, and safety targets that manufacturers have.”

Bright Machine's Microfactory at work.

The high price of production

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manufacturing technology startup that is transforming manufacturing and 40% higher than China and other low this space with its modular system for electromechanical labor cost countries, which makes offshore manufacturing product assembly. more appealing from a cost-competitive standpoint. And the price is too high mainly because the dollar is too high, Read about the rise in demand for sustainable and flexible packaging he said. in the contract packaging industry in the PMMI report “Contract In addition, in the U.S. there aren’t enough engineers Packaging and Manufacturing Packaging Operations, Trends and and the country lacks the quantity and quality of skilled Challenges” by visiting: oemgo.to/contractpackagingtrends manufacturing trades people relative to the opportunities, hindering productivity growth that could overcome the impact of the U.S. dollar, Moser says. Plus, the U.S. has too many regulations, high corporate tax rates—which until 2017 were 35% when most of the world was around 22%—and there’s no value-added taxes (VAT) here, whereas other countries apply it. “These are important things that we concentrate on and reversing those over 10-to-20 years would balance the trade deficit and get us out of the problem we’re in,” Moser says. “We call it leveling the playing field, and if you do that then it is a lot easier to get companies to decide to bring work back.”

With that said, Moser agrees that the latest interest in reshoring is driven significantly

by COVID-19. “From March 2020 through the end of the year, about 60% of cases of reshoring mentioned COVID-19 as one of the factors causing them to reshore. Some of those cases were COVID-19-related products, like masks, and gowns, and ventilators, and others were related to the company recognizing that whatever it makes, it is too dependent on China or offshore sources, and COVID-19 has educated it to not be so dependent.”

In addition, from a longer term perspective, growth and productivity is the only way to raise the living standards. And the average U.S. manufacturing growth rate for the last ten years is 0.4%, Moser says. So, the lack of applying automation due to concerns that Decades of science, imagination, and commitment that help bring your best products to market robots will take jobs, for example, has not Heat and Control has been on a mission to we serve, to our process breakthroughs and the helped U.S. productivity. In contrast, China’s modernize equipment solutions since our partnerships we develop, we have always found productivity is growing at 6% per year. founding in 1950. For 70 years, our passion new approaches, believed in bold ideas, and put “If we don’t invest in automation, we don’t for advancing the food, pharmaceutical, and TISTPI Ƽ VWX 8LEX MW XLI IWWIRGI SJ [LS [I EVI increase our competitiveness,” Moser says. other industries has guided our work. From the and how we lead.

“Some people are afraid of automation bemachinery we manufacture and the customers cause they’ll lose their jobs. But throw away that statement, because the U.S. will lose more jobs to Chinese automation if we don’t automate than we will to U.S. automation if we do. Since we are competing, you have to automate the best you can just to stay even.”

But automation, too, must change to help manufacturers to compete. Moser points to Bright Machines, a San Francisco-based

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The future is bright

because there’s a need for innovative diagnostic testing and drug discovery here in the U.S., and to do it quickly The Bright Machines’ Microfactory for assembly, testing, and at scale while mitigating supply chain risk. To do that, and inspection, is designed to get products to market faster many companies will look to contract manufacturers, like by leveraging intelligent software and adaptive hardware, Argonaut. using computer vision, machine learning, cloud computing, and robotics.

The platform is first focused on hardware standardization and common interfaces that map to a common data Another technology that can speed up things in the model. On top of that, there is a set of algorithms and misupply chain and on the assembly line is additive manufaccroservices which are put together via an API gateway for a turing, otherwise known as 3D printing, which is a way to common set of apps that take the manufacturer through all fabricate an object by sequentially layering material, such of the stages of automation, line planning, configuration of as plastics or metals, in successive cross-sections. It has robotic cells, deployment, and service and support. Key to been used by manufacturers to make parts while eliminatthis is an AI-powered software layer that configures, moniing tooling costs and shortening lead times. tors, and manages machines and operations.

Part of the evolution of additive manufacturing is in“We are automating automation,” says Bright Machines’ troducing new materials, like carbon composites, a strong chief product officer Abhishek Pani. To that end, Bright lightweight material. Arris Composites, founded in 2017, is Machines will work across a variety of controllers and difa pioneer of next-gen composites for mass market appliferent components through an abstraction layer that makes cations, including aerospace, automotive, and consumer it PLC agnostic. “There are a bunch of things happening products. The company developed continuous carbon fiber through different vendors, but it is how we bring it together composites that can be combined with other materials in one common interface and one common workflow and a in a high-speed process that brings 3D printing together common software tool.” with the traditional high-volume manufacturing method of To understand how the Bright Machine Microfactory injection molding. works, and the speed at which this all comes together, one The Arris Additive Molding technology is capable of can just take a look at Argonaut Manufacturing Services, a manufacturing complex geometries using continuous fiber U.S.-based contract manufacturer for the biopharmaceutiand it can integrate hardware with advanced electronics. cal, diagnostics, and life sciences industries. With a focus So, for example, a smartphone enclosure could have the on molecular diagnostics and parenteral drug products, electronics embedded within the structure. In addition, the company currently has many active programs in the COVID-19 area, partnering with companies on the manufacturing and supply chain side.

For example, the company produces the kits for COVID-19 testing and collecting of the swabs and the liquid that preserves the sample to be tested to tell if someone has the virus.

The company does both filling and packaging of materials, which could be different chemicals in different tubes that make up a kit. “We work with Bright Machines as an enabler to significantly automate the process to increase our scalability in the areas of filling and finalizing these kits,” says Eric Blair, chief commercial officer at Argonaut. The benefit is the modularization that fits well into the operational budget. “It enables us to take what tends to be a capital-intensive process and turns it into taking the key parts and building it out for specific needs in shorter periods of time.”

This is important for reshoring Skydio's all-in-one 3D printed part from Arris Composites.

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MANAGEMENT

combining additive manufacturing and injection molding creates repeatability for production volume at lower production costs—producing parts that are stronger than titanium at about 1/3 of the weight.

Skydio, a U.S. drone manufacturer, worked with Arris to redefined airframe designs leveraging the Arris Additive Molding carbon fiber manufacturing technology. It resulted in taking 17 parts in an assembly and consolidating it into one single, multifunctional structure that performed better, as there was a 25% weight reduction to increase range and speed of the drone, had better strength and durability, and, frankly, the part just looked nicer.

“Industrial design teams at consumer products companies are excited about the cosmetic latitudes we give them to make beautiful products,” says Ethan Escowitz, CEO and founder of Arris. But the beauty of it all goes beyond aesthetics. “The ability to collaborate with customers and take the functional requirements for a single part or an assembly of parts and design something better is the key.”

Skydio is a success story in that the drone company figured out how to innovate from the ground up and manufacture on U.S. soil. A lesson other companies looking to reshore can learn from. “One of the most important things about reshoring is that it requires rethinking how something is made,” Escowitz says. Sometimes companies just

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look at a bill of materials to figure out what is made overseas that could be made here. “I think there are more disruptive reshoring opportunities that are more interesting… like taking advantage of new manufacturing technology… looking at the architecture to make a more desirable product, and picking the right location based on the customer supply chain.”

Making it in America

Deloitte’s Wellener notes that what is coming back to the U.S. shores is high-value products—not the nuts and bolts— but, like the Skydio drone, the highly engineered items, as well as even components that go into larger subsystems. So, there is a balancing act for companies considering what to reshore and how to make investments at the right time.

To that end, the Reshoring Initiative offers a free online tool, the TCO Estimator, that helps companies quantify all offshoring costs and risks. The tool helps account for all relevant factors—overhead, balance sheet, risks, corporate strategy, and other external and internal business considerations—to determine the true total cost of ownership.

Using this information, companies can better evaluate sourcing, identify alternatives, and even make a case when selling against offshore competitors. In addition, Reshoring

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Initiative created the Import Substitution Program (ISP) to convince and facilitate importing companies to produce or source more domestically. Customized versions of ISP are available for U.S. manufacturing companies, technology suppliers, trade associations, economic development organizations, and manufacturing extension partnerships.

Moser estimates that consistent use of the program would increase domestic manufacturing by about 10%.

For companies like mask-making Intrepid Protect, the labor costs, capital equipment costs, material costs, and technology costs, all factored into the equation when deciding where to build a facility. “It was a challenge,” Kryszek says. But making masks in America was always the goal. “The founding principle of the project was to help the American supply chain and the American labor force.”

Equipment is key to U.S. contract manufacturing Contract packagers and manufacturers in North America will benefit from reshoring efforts, among other trends that are growing this industry segment, including mergers and acquisitions, e-commerce, customer demands for innovation, and the COVID-19 aftereffects. And that will impact OEMs, as well, as they will be buying more equipment, according to Carl Melville, founder and chief marketing officer at Melville Group during a webinar hosted by The Association for Contract Packagers & Manufacturers (CPA).

Automation, he says, will be the key to success for a few reasons. First, the preCOVID-19 labor shortage and the current issues related to social distancing on the factory floor. Second, customer pressures for new things that require equipment adaptability. “If you look around at the machines getting attention at PACK EXPO, it is the ones with high-speed changeovers, flexibility, and easy washdowns, which work well in contract packaging and contract manufacturing environments, and they are investing in this.”

Melville notes that customers are looking into contract packagers supply chain as well and asking questions around ethical sourcing, how they are handling waste, energy usage, etc. And when it comes to sustainability, contract packagers won’t make decisions on materials. “But they need to adapt to equipment and format changes.”

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tion from contract packagers and it is a great opportunity for them—and for OEMs—to rise to the occasion and create new value, Melville says.

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ENGINEERING

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Universal I/O is Just in Time for the Digital Transformation Universal I/O provides users and builders with the opportunity to scale systems quickly in global markets, but traditional I/O still holds an important role.

Natalie Craig, Senior Managing Editor

T

he industry as a whole has moved toward more progressive technologies in the past year, in large part due to the global pandemic. But over the last couple of years, input/output (I/O) cabinets have become more modern and streamlined, too. Movement toward a standardized I/O is turning traditional I/O—which had fixed functionality and was supplier-specific—into a plug-andplay part that’s quickly configurable, as well as smart.

Whether it’s called universal I/O, flexible I/O, intelligent I/O, configurable I/O, electronic marshalling, etc., the concept of smart I/O placed in standard cabinets is enabling more flexibility for I/O changes without having to reengineer everything. The push for I/O standardization has come from large corporations, like ExxonMobil, who were asking for help in easing commissioning and enabling changes to a control system without impacting the build out. The idea behind universal I/O is to reduce customization and complexity, which helps large oil and gas companies and small machine builders, alike.

Universal I/O is said to deliver many benefits—especially when it comes to accessing data, simplifying programming, and allowing equipment and automation systems to be more flexible and communicative with older devices. For OEMs who are eyeing digitalization and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), a standard approach to I/O can help with budget and space constraints, among other things.

In a 2017 blog post published by Belden, the company noted four benefits of universal I/O modules in the smart factory of the future. “Since there is no time or budget for special tools or expensive, highly-trained engineers and electricians, machine builders need products that are easy to use, install, and maintain. This need is driving a trend in industrial automation called plug-and-produce.” An extension of plug-and-play, which means having the ability to connect something and it automatically works, plug-

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Opto 22’s groov RIO remote I/O offers more than 200,000 unique, softwareconfigurable I/O combinations in a single, compact, power over Ethernet (PoE)-powered industrial package with web-based configuration, commissioning, and data flow logic software built in. The device also includes support for multiple OT and IT protocols. groov RIO modules can be used as either a traditional remote I/O or as an edge I/O solution.

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ENGINEERING

andproduce is applying that ease-of-use expectation across an entire industrial facility, the article said.

But, while universal I/O may open more doors into data, there may still be some use cases where traditional I/O serves as more effective.

How universal I/O stacks up Input/output devices handle the communication of information between a processing or automation system and other devices within a machine. There are two types of I/O, analog, which is an electrical signal representing things like temperature level or rate of flow, and digital, which uses signals that represent two states, such as on and off

 The EK9500 Bus Coupler connects EtherNet/IP networks to the EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx), as well as EtherCAT Box modules (EPxxxx) and converts the telegrams from EtherNet/ IP to the E-bus signal representation. In EtherCAT, the EtherNet/ IP coupler has at its disposal a lower-level, powerful, and fast I/O system with a large selection of terminals. According to Sree Swarna Gutta, North American I/O product manager at Beckhoff Automation, users with older systems and machinery can implement an IoT application that collects data for machine learning and send it over to the cloud without having to write detailed programming by using Beckhoff ’s Couplers.

0121_F3_Technology.indd 38

or start and stop. Common PLC I/O can be analog and/or digital.

With a traditional, analog I/O system, there is a lot of upfront work that goes into specifying the right field I/O module, electrical panels, installation, power, distribution, and networking. Because the I/O system is typically associated with a PLC or some kind of central controller, users and builders have to iron out all of the programming that’s involved in getting those systems to communicate. These traditional I/O systems require specialized skills and other hardware infrastructure, which means they could also be more expensive to configure.

As the industry moves toward digital transformation and scalable Internet of Things (IOT) systems, network technology providers are trying to simplify the programming process as much as possible. Since computer programs use digital signals, and digital signals can be transmitted without interference by electrical noise—which can affect analog signals—and because digital processing is much cheaper and more versatile than analog, there’s a shift in this direction.

Enter intelligent or “edge” I/O, which allows builders to drop an I/O module in place—offering many different I/O options—and then plug it into a network cable to power it, as opposed to all the steps needed with a traditional I/O system. It also simplifies the machine design and building process by virtually eliminating any rework associated with I/O, and it provides data processing and network connectivity options, in addition to the flexible I/O capabilities.

“The advantage there is all of the complexity that typically goes into the frontend engineering and design of I/O could be a lot simpler than it is to the point where you can actually bypass having a PLC,” says Josh Eastburn, director of technical marketing at Opto 22, an industrial automation software and hardware manufacturer. “If your control systems, process, or manufacturing engineers are still developing the equipment, they may not know how many of a particular type of signal is needed. They have to do a bunch of change orders on the backend, revising the I/O design to meet the different signal needs that they have after the design is complete. Or they can drop in flexible or universal I/O, which will allow them to reconfigure it in the field without changing the electrical design, panel, or enclosure.

It simplifies a lot of the design process and reduces the project budget. Down the line, universal I/O also translates into easier maintenance.”

Demand for data pushes flexible I/O adoption

The demand for more flexible I/O has been growing rapidly, according to Sree Swarna Gutta, North American I/O product manager at Beckhoff Automation. Behind the demand is a push for more data and the need to be able to predict machine failure and other critical timelines that point to maintenance.

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to any network and it can be used anywhere in the world.”

“Beckhoff started offering I/O products in the 1980s, and Aside from allowing machine builders to sell globally this segment has been growing consistently by 10% every with less complexity, universal I/O is also touted as being year,” Beckhoff’s Gutta says. “That shows you the accepable to work with both new and legacy equipment. Machine tance within the industry and how happy users are with builders can retrofit existing machinery with customizflexible I/O. One of the things that they demand out of flexable modules that can include as many inputs and outputs ible I/O is gaining the ability to incorporate more diagnosneeded—rather than being confined to the eight inputs and tics and information that the OEM and customer could use to improve their designs and performance of the machine.”

Where a standard I/O device may only receive process data and signal communication from a sensor within a machine, flexible or universal I/O can provide insight into other information about the environment that the sensor lives in. This capability holds a lot of untapped potential when it comes to predictive maintenance, according to Shishir Rege, technical sales specialist, IIoT at Balluff Inc., an industrial equipment manufacturer.

“For example, if something knocked the sensor out of alignment, there is no way for the sensor to tell that to the standard I/O device,” Rege says. “So how does the sensor communicate that information to the maWe built our company with OEMs in mind. chine so that the machine can affirm it? The universal I/O unleashes that sensor or device Free Software, no subscription fees, USA based tech to provide a lot more diagnostics, not only support, and affordable industrial control equipment. about itself, but about the ambiance that they live in. So that is much richer communication.”

Compatibility opens opportunities for global markets and retrofitting

As industries become more globalized, machine builders are creating equipment for different countries around the world, meaning they are encountering different standards and protocols in every region they sell into.

According to Belden, universal I/O can work with many different PLC environments and fieldbus protocols, such as Profinet or EtherNet/IP, making it easier to sell equipment into global markets while reducing product variants and the need to replace I/O modules to meet protocol-specific requirements.

“When you choose a flexible I/O, machine builders can actually leave that technology as is. They don’t have to re-design anything when they are selling globally,” Gutta says.

“While Beckhoff created and specializes in EtherCat, our I/O supports more than 25 communication protocols. The universal I/O offers the flexibility of being able to connect

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outputs that traditional I/O devices have.

One such innovation in the area of I/O flexibility is called IO-Link, a standardized I/O technology for communication with industrial sensors and actuators. Popular in Europe and making its way to the U.S. and Asia, IO-Link is a unified point-to-point device level communication method that is easy to implement and has built-in diagnostics. IO-Link is vendor-independent. This is the reason why it is possible to combine IO-Link Masters and IO-Link Devices from different manufacturers and integrate these products easily into the same network.

“Because IO-Link is the bottommost level in the automation pyramid, it’s a device level communication,” Balluff’s Rege says. “The protocols, the fieldbuses, or networks used in today’s automation pyramid, like EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, DeviceNet, or EtherCat, are control level protocols.”

In an earlier interview with OEM’s sister publication, Automation World, Rege described IO-Link like a USB for industrial automation that is independent of control level networks and protocols. “So, all you need is a gateway or a bridge module that connects the protocols together. And that’s what we call IO-Link gateway or IO-Link master, that communicates on that fieldbus level, as well as collects data from the IO-Link devices.”

According to Rege, the advantages of IO-Link to OEMs is reduced cost of build, faster commissioning times, reduction in network nodes, and more diagnostics. “IO-Link also enables OEMs to integrate more complex devices to make their systems stand out from the crowd and be ready for the next-generation of machines.”

And Belden’s product manager Svenja Litz adds, “Because an Ethernet interface would not fit—regarding size and costs—into the smallest devices like photoelectric sensors, which are due to the trend for miniaturization, IOLink is the perfect communication protocol to make simple sensors smart. It enables to transmit a set of different parameters and not only a high/low information as in the past. This is how a simple sensor can transmit something like temperature information in addition to its standard switching signal by using IO-Link communication.”

And the compatibility aspect of plug-and-play I/O is also appealing to CPGs and end users. As manufacturers combine different machines from a variety of machine builders, there are a variety of interfaces on each of the machines with different cable lengths, which leaves the end user responsible to maintain inventory of all the different cables in different sizes and different interfaces. However, if all of the devices and machines are outfitted with universal I/O, then there is only one standard cable that fits all devices.

“Whether it’s a digital device, a smart sensor, or RFID, even the valve manifold could be brought onto the same standard interface across the board,” Rege says. “So that helps manufacturers considerably reduce their inventory, cables, and different types of interfaces they have to learn.”

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Plug and produce feature speeds time to market With a universal I/O device, you don’t have to do any of the cabling or wiring that comes with analog or more traditional I/O. Analog I/O also requires users and builders to scale the data in the PLC, which can be difficult and time consuming because the data can differ and change from sensor to sensor. With universal I/O being a digital communication device, users and builders can skip these steps, while also being able to store parameters for sensors and other devices that communicate with the I/O device.

Not only can the plug and produce features of universal I/O come in handy while retrofitting legacy equipment or branching into global markets, but this feature also alleviates pressure OEMs feel when it comes to having to provide greater machine performance and shorter lead times.

“When we talk to machine builders, they have a ‘value add’ mentality for every component, from software and controllers to drives and I/O,” says Beckhoff’s Gutta. “They want to provide the next generation of technology to their customers and they need to wire up the machines and ship them faster. So, if there is a way that they could use the I/O in a plug and produce fashion, that is more attractive to the machine builders because they can achieve ROI on their investment for the new machine design a lot faster.”

Possible drawbacks of universal I/O

And while “plug and produce” may be the future, universal I/O also comes with its own set of tradeoffs.

Because universal I/O is a form of data communication, compared to the more traditional I/O which would be signal communication, users and builders may run into speed issues when it comes to data computing.

“Signal communication is always going to be faster than data,” Rege says. “If the sensor is communicating in signal, it’s going to reach the controller faster versus if the sensor is communicating data, then it’s slower because it’s taking more bandwidth on that network communication.”

According to Rege, 95% of industrial automation applications fit well with the universal I/O platform because they can tolerate the latencies of 10 to 15 milliseconds. However, if the requirements for latencies is less than five milliseconds, Rege says they would not recommend universal I/O. Opto 22’s Eastburn also doesn’t recommend the universal I/O approach for every application.

“Typically, where we’re seeing adoption is in these kinds of IoT situations where we need to scale a system fast,” Eastburn says. “If you can spend a little bit more on the I/O to save on the frontend design and installation work and then just repeat it over and over for other machines, it can translate into a project savings, and make it easier to scale your system up. But if you’re wanting to save and get a cheaper I/O, it’s easy to beat out universal I/O in terms of per point/channel price. So, it really depends on what the

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application is and whether it makes sense from the perspective of total project cost or long-term TCO.” Traditional I/O may have a wider range of signal and power options, which would highly benefit applications that need channel to channel isolation or high-frequency counting, for example. “There’s definitely still a need for traditional I/O,” Eastburn says.

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you bring in a new device or a new I/O points. This means that we can scale up systems much larger than we have typically done while having it more tightly integrated with the rest of the organization.”

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Universal I/O’s role in IoT

The essence of IoT is data, Rege says.

And not only does universal I/O provide more opportunities for builders and users to harness the power of data, but it also brings more flexibility to machine design and compatibility.

“Having this data communication at the sensor level enables a lot more IoT-ready applications to be developed,” Rege says.

“There are so many different applications that are possible with universal I/O.” One of those applications, Rege say, is process condition monitoring, which would help users and builders enable patternbased artificial intelligence, allowing for more predictive maintenance.

“All this information and data used to be very expensive to collect,” Rege says.

“Now, it’s easily available with the industrial protocols like IO-Link. That universal I/O allows integrating different types of interfaces like RFID, barcode reading, or vision, you can collect and utilize that to create new types of applications, especially in packaging where they run a lot of small batch production.”

As cybersecurity concerns continue to grow, universal I/O may be the key to protecting legacy equipment and older control systems, Eastburn says.

“One reason you might need to connect your universal I/O in parallel with an existing control system is because that system doesn’t offer any cybersecurity protection,” Eastburn says. “In that case, it would be a bad idea to take a PLC and connect it directly to your business. But if your universal I/O has security embedded, you can wire those I/O signals and send encrypted data.”

And it all comes back to the plug and produce aspect of universal I/O. “The real key there is the long-term scalability,” Eastburn says. “By bringing down the cost and making it easier to get connected and maintain the system over time, you don’t have to do a little project every time

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PMMI MEMBERS

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Sean Riley Senior Director, Media & Industry Communications

PMMI Highlights: 2020 A Year in Review—Like No Other New from PMMI is our 2020 Highlights—a new and interactive digital annual report. Through the power of video, images, and stories, see how PMMI members stepped up to help and learn about PMMI’s COVID-19 resources, while revisiting how the industry came together in a year defined by social distance and so much more.

Through videos from leaders such as Emmanuel Cerf, PMMI’s chairman of the Board, and Jim Pittas, PMMI’s president and CEO, gain perspective on the challenges PMMI faced and how the resilience of our industry helped us to come out stronger than ever. The site showcases how PMMI’s Three Pillars—Business Drivers, PACK EXPO Portfolio of Trade Shows, and PMMI Media Group—uniquely positioned the association to support our members and our industry during these challenging times. Revisit key UnPACKed with PMMI Podcasts and our Town Hall webinar series where members, customers, and PMMI experts shared their wisdom throughout the year.

This dynamic, interactive format will allow you to see, hear, and experience our industry in 2020—a year unlike any other—in a fresh, new way.

Access this new site at: oemgo.to/ pmmihighlights 2019 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS REACHED NEW HEIGHTS

0121_AssociationNews.indd 43

2021 PMMI Scholarships Are Open Applications for the 2021 PMMI Scholarships are now open. Each year, the PMMI Foundation provides more than $200,000 in scholarships to students attending PMMI Partner Schools. These scholarships underscore PMMI’s commitment to the future of the packaging and processing industry. Visit: oemgo.to/ pmmischolarships to read up on eligibility requirements.

Congratulations to all of PMMI’s 2020 Scholarship winners.

The 2020 Member Family Scholarship: Milena Arsic, Midwestern University Member Company: PMI KYOTO Prabhjot Bains, University of Guelph Member Company: Peel Plastic Products Ltd Emma Davidson, Brigham Young University Member Company: Kala Packaging, LLC Samuel Goldberg, Northeastern University Member Company: Econocorp, Inc. Eugene Hugus, Central Westmoreland Career Technical Center Member Company: FOX IV Technologies, Inc. Michael Kelly, West Chester University Member Company: Image Fillers, Inc. Jasmine Levy, University of Colorado Boulder Member Company: Point Five Packaging, LLC Monica Malloy, Cretin-Derham Hall Member Company: SICK, Inc. Anna Manak, University of WisconsinMilwaukee Member Company: ProMach, Inc. Kaylee Meyer, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Member Company: Aagard Joshua Navin, Milwaukee School of Engineering Member Company: Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, Inc. Brandon Niemuth, University of Wisconsin Member Company: HolwegWeber Jarod Parsons, University of WisconsinMadison Member Company: OPTIMA Machinery Corporation

Marcus Reed, Central Community College Mechatronics Caitlin Segger, Lorain County Community College MEMS, Mechatronics Technology, Bachelor of Applied Science Sarah Windisch, University of WisconsinStout, Packaging

Electrical Engineering Scholarship Jordan Wolf, Penn State York, ElectroMechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Scholarship Eric Almberg, University of Iowa, Mechanical Engineering

Processing Scholarship April Johnson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Food and Science Technology

Mark C. Garvey Scholarship Jesse Amponsah, Rutgers University

Chuck Yuska Scholarship Ethan Schonberg, Alexandria Technical and Community College

2020 Bill Zito Scholarship Max Klein, Indiana State University

Michelle Saganich, University of Notre Dame Member Company: Baumer Noah Terminella, University of Arkansas Member Company: Pacmac, Inc.

Scholarship in Memorial of Claude S. Breeden, Glenn Davis, and Art Schaefer: Will Martin, Kirkwood Community College Advanced Welding Technologies

2/24/21 10:38 AM

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PMMI MEMBERS

PMMI Member News

ProSource: The Online Directory for Customers PMMI knows how important it is for members to find new customers and seamlessly connect. The latest solution to this challenge, PMMI ProSource, will be the leading online directory of packaging and processing suppliers in North America, designed to connect buyers with verified machinery, material, and service suppliers.

Launching in August after months of research and direct input from your customers, PMMI ProSource will provide a smooth user experience while encouraging consistent usage from buyers.

How PMMI ProSource works PMMI ProSource is an online directory that will drive customers to your website by channeling traffic through search engines like Google. It will help your customers find the specific products you supply through links from our website to yours.

What PMMI members need to do right now It’s simple. All we are asking PMMI member companies to do is identify a key contact by April 1—usually someone in your marketing department. This person would work with PMMI to ensure your company’s profile and products are up to date for the directory.

You can learn more details about this exciting launch at pmmi.org/ProSource.

Duravant Launches nVenia nVenia, LLC, is a new operating company within the Duravant Packaging Solutions segment formed by combining Arpac, Hamer-Fischbein, and Ohlson into a single entity. All four companies will continue to thrive as product brands within the nVenia product offering and will be prominently featured as such on nVenia equipment.

Arpac equipment includes shrink wrappers, tunnels and bundlers, tray and case formers and packers, and robotic and conventional palletizers. Fischbein equipment includes open-mouth bag sewing and sealing systems. Hamer equipment includes industrial bagging automation, with a comprehensive portfolio of solutions including weighing, forming, filling, sewing, sealing, and complete bag management. Ohlson equipment is recognized for primary packaging lines to weigh, count, and fill all types of packages, from flexible pouches to jars to rigid containers.

“The union of these four equipment brands reflects a new

era, further strengthening Duravant’s leadership position in the North American packaging industry,” said Mike Kachmer, president and CEO of Duravant. “By bringing these brands together under one roof and one name, we are creating next-level packaging equipment, integration, and innovation solutions for our customers.” nVenia will operate from a newly constructed, 256,000 sq.-ft.-facility located in Wood Dale, Ill., just minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport; making travel convenient for global customers and partners. The facility is planned to open in April 2021 with nVenia’s existing manufacturing sites transitioning into this single location throughout the remainder of the year. “nVenia’s new home is a world-class facility with a state-of-the-art Customer Experience Center, outfitted with demonstration, lab, and training capabilities designed to welcome customers and guests to engage with the complete nVenia family of packaging brands,” said Thurman Melson, president of nVenia. “nVenia’s name comes from the Latin word invenio, meaning innovation. That word will be the driving force behind everything nVenia does while we persist to keep our customers’ needs at the forefront.”

Plexpack Appoints Lisa Hunt CEO

Lisa Hunt was appointed CEO of Plexpack Corp. effective Jan. 5, 2021. She takes over from Paul Irvine, owner and chairman, who has dedicated and cultivated the company over his 29 years tenure.

Hunt’s career with Plexpack has spanned 23 years, contributing as a key member of the leadership and executive team since 2003. From marketing and sales to production and operations, Hunt has influenced growth within the company and developed a comprehensive cross functional knowledge of the organization and the market. Her previous roles as vice president of operations and COO have positioned her well as a strategic and passionate leader.

Announcing Hunt’s appointment, Plexpack Chairman, Paul Irvine said, “Lisa has demonstrated a deep understanding of the business, as well as an analytic and strategic ability that are foundations for this role. She has also been loyal and dedicated and someone I can rely on at all times. I am confident her sense of dedication and accountability will continue to drive her to perform in the best interest of the company and its stakeholders.”

Reflecting on her appointment, Hunt said, “I am honored to have been selected to lead this company – it is with the greatest of gratitude to my predecessor and mentor that

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I am motivated to build upon the strategic, innovative, and customer-centric focus he has set before us.I am enthusiastic to continue the momentum in growth of all the Plexpack brands—Emplex, Damark, and Vacpack. Our particular blend of culture, diversity and competitive spirit makes for an exceptional advantage when combined with the strength of our product and service offerings, a focus on product development and ingenuity, and our exemplary team.”

Hunt volunteers her time to multiple associations and board memberships, including: PMMI’s Business Intelligence Committee and the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN); OEM Magazine Editorial Advisory Committee; and as current Board director and past vice chair of the Lakeridge Health Foundation.

SideDrive Conveyor Announces Use of Edge-Driven Intralox Technology SideDrive Conveyor Co., an NCC company, provides sanitary spiral and long-run transferless conveyors for virtually any application, including naked, raw, and packaged food products, as well as non-food products. Using only side

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drive, edge-driven technology from Intralox, SideDrive Conveyor helps manufacturers improve productivity and streamline production with food-safe and flexible conveyors that offer a low total cost of ownership.

“I am excited to announce SideDrive Conveyor Co. as the only company to offer helical and, theoretically, infinitely long conveying solutions that are sanitary, transferless and flexible,” said Kevin Mauger, president of SideDrive Conveyor. “The configurations are limitless and the possibilities are endless, thanks to the unique and innovative side drive, edge-driven technology from Intralox. This technology safely and gently transports any product for any application and market while truly protecting the product and improving overall production.”

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PMMI MEMBERS

EXHIBITOR’S CORNER

Thrive on Live Is your exhibit program ready for the return of live exhibitions?

Jefferson Davis, President, Competitive Edge

D

ue to the ongoing pandemic, live exhibiting programs have been “on the shelf” for a year—or longer.

I think you’ll agree that it is a long time to be out of the game.

Vaccines are making their way to frontline workers and, eventually, the general public. We have survived virtually, but we are all anxiously looking forward to getting back to live expositions.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO 2021 (Sept. 27-29) will be the only comprehensive packaging and processing event in the world in 2021. Packaging and processing professionals will benefit from everything learned in 2020 and given the first opportunity to unveil new products and develop key relationships with buyers in-person.

The question is, are you ready to make the most of your first in-person event in over a year?

Have you taken this unexpected pause to take a step back from your previous live exhibiting program and objectively look at what worked and, more importantly, what needs to be improved upon, so you can re-enter the live exhibiting arena better than ever before?

With PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging

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EXPO poised to return to an in-person event this September, here are seven strategic questions you should propose to your teams to thoughtfully answer in preparation for reentering the live exhibiting arena better than ever before: 1. What are your primary reasons for exhibiting at live trade shows, and have you put in the work to convert those reasons to specific, measurable, and actionable goals? Understanding your company’s needs helps ensure the execution of a results-focused exhibiting program.

2. Have you carefully defined your ideal customer profile and determined the specific problems, challenges, improvements, goals, and opportunities your company can help them address by visiting your exhibit? This profile provides a template that will give you highlyeffective content to drive traffic and design a compelling visitor experience.

3. Have you designed an integrated pre/post-show marketing campaign for PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO to drive traffic to your solutions?

Proper actions before and after a trade show will ensure your exhibit is highly-visible to the right people and help you drive qualified traffic to your exhibit.

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PMMI MEMBERS

4. Have you reviewed your booth layout to provide attention-grabbing graphics and A/V and ensure it accommodates proper social distancing, providing a safe and welcoming environment for attendees? These unprecedented times call for additional due diligence to ensure that your exhibit gets noticed and drives traffic safely and efficiently.

5. Have you analyzed your products/services and developed an interactive, educational, problem-solving demonstration of your latest technology? More than any other feature of an in-person trade show, attendees want to interact with live exhibits to see new types of machinery and technology in action. With 78% of attendees at PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO making or influencing their company’s purchasing decisions, you need to be prepared to show them how your new machinery, technology, materials, and containers will solve their packaging or processing challenges.

6. Have you reviewed your current LEAD qualification, capture, routing, follow-up, and reporting processes?

This will help you ensure your exhibit program supports your sales or distributor networks and will lead to higher sales conversion.

7. Have you reviewed the specific metrics your company

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will use to analyze your exhibit performance, calculate value received, and measure return on investment? This will help you look even better to your boss or manager and ensure you get the support you need from senior management.

PMMI is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and all federal, state, and local directives to ensure a safe and productive show.

For more information on ways PMMI is actively working with trade show industry leaders to put thorough and up-to-date protocols in place, visit: oemgo.to/pelvsafety Jefferson Davis, President of Competitive Edge, is North America’s leading exhibiting productivity expert. Since 1991, his resultsfocused, process-based approach to addressing critical exhibiting success factors has helped clients generate more than $800 million in combined exhibiting results. Jefferson provides highlyintensive exhibit consulting and training services guaranteed to deliver results. For a no-obligation discovery meeting, visit: oemgo.to/competitiveedge Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/thrivelive

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VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER

Cannabis CPGs Rely on OEMs Find out how cannabis CPGs procure equipment and what you should know as an OEM partner about the industry.

Natalie Craig, Senior Managing Editor

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uring PACK EXPO Connects, Healthcare Packaging editor, Keren Sookne, and PMMI Media Group’s vice president of content, Jim Chrzan, spoke with cannabis CPG company Green Thumb Industries (GTI) about the growing sophistication of the cannabis packaging market and how they are relying on their OEM partners.

On behalf of GTI, Chrzan and Sookne were joined by Greg Flickinger, senior vice president of GTI, Cristin Rudolph, vice president of consumer products, and Madinah

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Allen, vice president of engineering. They all came to GTI after working at companies like General Mills, Snyder’sLance, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Conagra. The three have taken their prior experience and applied it to the cannabis industry, which has presented its own set of challenges, but has many similarities to the food and beverage sector.

OEM Magazine condensed this Q&A to highlight equipment procurement and engineering. To listen to the full discussion and

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learn more about how GTI is approaching marketing, branding and packaging design, visit: oemgo.to/cannabisgti Keren Sookne: So Cristin, how do you approach a packaging design project?

Cristin Rudolph: I wish I could tell you it’s simple, but it’s obviously a pretty complex initiative. If we break it down, we are really thinking about three critical things as we kick off any packaging design project. First and foremost, what does the brand stand for and how can we visually communicate that through the lens of packaging? The second thing is what does the consumer actually want? And that can range from purely functional to aesthetic, but really putting that consumer mindset at the forefront. Then the last part, which is arguably the most important part, what does the business actually need? And so, combining all of those things helps to set the north star for what we are looking for because there are obviously lots of trade-offs

that can occur—and need to occur—as we are trying to find the right balance. Generally speaking, that’s how we tend to think about things, which then obviously lends itself to lots of decisions, briefs, and ultimately, the packaging that you would see in market.

Jim Chrzan: Medinah, from your perspective, how is packaging automation approached and justified with any new product launch there at GTI? Madinah Allen: Once we understand [the business need] and what the consumer needs and wants, we then take a look at volume. A lot of that business need that Cristin and her team helps to define basically helps us establish a footprint and scale. So when we are going after automation solutions, we typically look from the lens of justifiability, financially, and volume. Now, we may go after specific automation or innovation to help us introduce a product that aligns with the strategic vision that Cristin and her team has come up with and has proven that it’s going to be a business-imperative.

So it’s not just, ‘Hey the numbers all have to line up,’ but it does also have to fit the strategic portfolio.

Keren Sookne: So Greg, speaking of volume, when it comes to a rapidly scaling company, such as GTI, what are some of the key operational challenges that you face in deploying automation?

Greg Flickinger: As Madinah said, first you have to have critical mass of volume and that begins to open the door for automation. As in most companies, when we start out with a product it can be fairly small. So, I would say one of the bigger challenges is that we go from manual to semi-automated, and then there’s this white space in between before you go to full automation. One of the biggest challenges we find are some of the mainstream companies have large scale systems, and for us, they’re far too big. So we have to scale them down. And some of the companies that are in that semi-automated version, they really can’t scale up. So we kind of live in this white space of trying to figure out how to bridge from semi-manual to automation. And to me, the big challenge is finding OEMs that can provide equipment that has

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the flexibility to run multiple SKUs and then grow with us as our volumes grow.

Keren Sookne: Speaking of collaborating together and constantly thinking about that next innovation, Madinah, I was wondering is there a cross functional marketing and engineering operation strategy for CapX by brand?

Madinah Allen: So it didn’t necessarily start off as a brand strategy. It started off as, ‘Hey we have all of these pieces of equipment that are similar in technology and function. So how can we use them all?’ Now, it’s more so leaning into what Cristin stated and having that brand definition. So now, we are looking by brand and saying okay these are the products that we have, which ones are the highest volumes that we have to go after from an automation perspective? And then we’re asking the question, ‘Does that Automation already exist? Who’s willing to partner with us?’ And the reality is with some of the traditional CPG companies that specialize in automation, we’ve been able to tap into some of them slowly. Initially, there was a resistance to work in the cannabis space.

So, we did not have a lot of takers a year and a half ago wanting to trade in and say, ‘Yep, you can use this technology, we’ll help vet it out for you.’ So, we’ve been on a journey, and in some cases, we’ve had to do some white board R&D exercises with some fabricators to come up with solutions in the interim because they’re not readily available.

Jim Chrzan: Greg, let’s talk about workforce.

What challenges do you face with a rapidly scaling company?

Greg Flickinger: We face the same issues as every other company in the industry. It’s so challenging to find people with the background in the technical expertise we need, and then, of course, we are all fighting to get to the same pool of talent. So that part is the same. I’d also tell you the OpX Workforce Engagement document—that to me, is the pathway. That’s how we create our work system. So, we’re leveraging that as we build our teams. The one thing that is a little bit different is that we are in transformation. When you think about timescales in the CPG industry, even though it’s now moving very fast, you’re in six-month, eightmonth, or maybe a year by the time you’re pulling automation and you’re upscaling and transforming your workforce. Of course, they’d

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like to go faster but that’s still very fast. For us, we’re operating in one-, two-, and three-month segments because we’re going from manual to semi-manual to first automation. And the growth is so explosive that the biggest difference is time frame—months and days versus many months in a year.

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To download the OpX Leadership Network Workforce Engagement document, visit: oemgo.to/opxwfd

Jim Chrzan: Madinah, how does engineering support a product launch? What do you do to help?

Madinah Allen: It really is engagement with the crossfunctional team from the point in which we’ve gotten those consumer insights and we’ve translated that into product specifications that then translate into process specifications. And once we have those specifications, we can go out to market leveraging our procurement team to source ways to automate or make a decision to not automate. It’s based on what’s available. So that’s all a part of the decision tree. It’s not just, ’Hey, Cristin came up with this really cool package and we have all this volume that we know that it’s going to require automation to meet those goals.’ And sometimes it’s, ‘Okay what is the impact operationally?’ We look at it from a perspective of total cost of ownership.

Keren Sookne: How can OEMs that are interested in supplying solutions to this very rapidly growing industry best engage? I’m curious if there are sort of some keys to success for OEMs that really serve you guys as the brand owners?

Greg Flickinger: Solutions. If teams and companies are able

to bring solutions to us and we have the need, that’s great.

The one thing that’s a little bit of a differentiator is flexibility. We’ve got lots of different and unique products. So, we need pieces of equipment that are very flexible. We also deal with child-resistant packaging, and there are complexities involved with that, tamper strips, and all kinds of additional items that we have to put into our package. The most important thing, over and above those elements, is speed. So, when we need a solution, we need a solution in four weeks, five weeks, six weeks. We don’t have the ability to design and wait for six or eight months because then, first mover advantage goes away, and we can’t get into the market quick enough. So, speed is the key.

Keren Sookne: It’s a lot faster than in the pharma or the CPG side meeting those short lead times for machinery.

Greg Flickinger: It’s far faster, yes. Speed in business here is crazy, especially after spending 20 years in more traditional CPGs. And I think Madinah and Cristin would agree, we’re operating again on time frames of days and not months. So, it’s a fast-paced business.

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VOICE OF THE CUSTOMER

Bumble Bee CEO on Leadership, Market Changes, and the New Role of OEMs Stephanie Neil, Editor-in-Chief

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n November, during the PACK EXPO Connects Jumpstart program, Jan Tharp, President and CEO of The Bumble Bee Seafood Co., discussed how she has been able to lead the company through a corporate crisis and COVID-19. Recently, Tharp joined OEM Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Neil on the PMMI UnPACKed podcast to continue the conversation.

Stephanie Neil: The Harvard Business Review (HBR) published an article stating that women are better leaders than men during a crisis. Jan, thinking about your own journey leading the company through a corporate scandal and now COVID-19, what leadership skills have you leaned on to engage your team?

Jan Tharp: I think when you look back over our 28 months and you consider everything this business has been through, to your point, we’ve gone through a corporate scandal, we’ve gone through a bankruptcy, we’ve sold the company. And then, when we sold the company, we entered into COVID-19. So when I look at it, I would say in some ways, COVID-19 has been maybe less traumatizing to the business than some of those other earlier issues, because at least with COVID-19, everyone on the planet was dealing with the ramifications of that. Our earlier issues were really specific to our business and our team, but there still were similarities. With the issues of the past, we certainly had financial and emotional concerns that we had to deal with caused by the scandal and the bankruptcy. COVID-19 brought those same concerns, the financial concerns and the emotional concerns, but this time it layered on health concerns. I think that the tools

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and the skills that we developed and all of the things that helped us through those earlier issues, they are the same tools that we use to manage through COVID-19 and it really came down to heightened communication and transparency. I think being very open with our team members as to what’s going on, and then finally balancing the realism with optimism. So not trying to hide the fact that a situation was difficult, being pretty open about it, but being optimistic about where we’re headed.

Stephanie Neil: The HBR study said that women express more awareness of fears and concern for wellbeing and confidence in their plans. Do you feel the communication strategy that you put into place helped transition the company through a crisis and COVID-19?

Jan Tharp: I think leadership is a skill. It’s something that you develop over time. I don’t know that it’s necessarily gender specific. I think it’s a skill that anyone can have if they want it and they want to spend time developing it. I will also say though, that women tend to be a little more empathetic and perhaps, and this isn’t a broad brush statement, but perhaps their listening skills may be better. So to your point, when we were in any one of the situations that we were in, one of the leadership skills that I will say I continue to develop, because it’s something that we’re learning every day, is that listening skill. Listening to our team members, what’s on their mind, where are their concerns, how do we address those concerns? Because everybody’s are going to be different depending on where they sit in the organiza-

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tion. I think one of the ways we’ve been able to do that was just starting at the foundational level of reinforcing our values. We developed our values a couple of years ago and continuing to live those values and talk about those values, ground us in something that is common to everyone. If you can continue to show the team how what they’re doing every single day is getting us one step closer to living our purpose, then that makes all the difference in the world. It sounds simple, but at the end of the day, communicating and having that feedback is what gets you through any kind of crisis or a business challenge.

Stephanie Neil: Let’s move on to the seafood industry.

How has the pandemic impacted the general industry?

Jan Tharp: In general, I would say it’s been positive for the industry as a whole. What I would also say is there’s a lot of fertile ground for sustained growth. The reason I say that is if you look at some of the trends that we’re seeing, the macro consumer trends and how they relate back to our industry, I think you’ll see why I’m optimistic. The first one being eating at home. I don’t think that’s going away. I think that’s certainly good for retail grocery.

It’s not so good for food service, but I think that we are going to be eating more at home for the foreseeable future. Again, great for retail grocery and ultimately great for seafood. If you look at the economy, I think the economic conditions in the U.S., in my opinion, are going to push families into two extremes. One being wealth generation, and there’s people that are going to be pushed into further economic insecurity A challenged economy generally is good for people who are operating in center store grocery. E-commerce is another one. It’s going to continue to grow. Whether you’re buying your products through your local retailer on their website or Amazon or any of the abilities to do curbside pickup, home delivery, it doesn’t matter.

If you look at it from our perspective, digital is actually good. It gives us an opportunity to connect with our consumer at a much deeper level than we can if a consumer is walking down center store grocery, and they’re spending two seconds looking at shelf stable seafood and deciding what they’re going to buy. So the engagement, actually, with e-commerce utilized correctly could be significantly better.

I mentioned people spending less time in the grocery stores. People are not going to the store as often, [but] they’re buying more. So that’s good for maybe larger formats. That’s good for multi-packs, ready-to-eat items, maybe some value-added items, but figuring out what products fit now in this changing retail landscape becomes important. Then finally for our industry, protein. Protein was on trend before the pandemic. It’s still growing. So as I look at those macro trends and how they relate back to the seafood

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sector, I’m extremely optimistic about our industry growth.

We’re seeing it in the numbers. In general, the industry’s up in shelf stable about 17% and frozen seafood’s up about 30% to 35%. So all positive signs for the industry.

Jan Tharp and Stephanie Neil discussed workforce development and leadership during PACK EXPO Connects. Watch the full interview at: oemgo.to/pecjantharp

Stephanie Neil: The industry in general is up, but you still have to capture your market share. How do you make Bumble Bee Seafood the tuna of choice when somebody is walking down the grocery aisle or shopping online?

Jan Tharp: It’s essentially how do you de-commoditize something that could be viewed as a commodity. So the question is really, what’s your reason for being? What is it that Bumble Bee has that others don’t have? If you look at our shelf stable products, where we excel is in albacore, so it’s a premium product. We’ve looked at the consumer trends. As you may have noticed on the shelf, we’ve changed our packaging, trying to [appeal] a little bit more to today’s shopper. Convenience is key.

Whether you’re talking about a pouch or ready-to-eat, or what we call valueadded and value-added just means that there’s been a flavor or some enhancement to our products already put in there. So as we listen to our consumer, which we’re doing a lot more of, and that’s manifesting itself in the products that we are putting out into the marketplace. And when we talk about thinking about seafood differently, one of the things that Bumble Bee has done in the last year is we’ve partnered with a plant-based seafood company by the name of Good Catch. We were the first ones to enter into a distribution agreement with a plant-based seafood company. Again, I look at that as very complementary and a demonstration that we are thinking about the category differently and meeting the diverse consumer needs.

Stephanie Neil: Were there some lessons learned over the last year that will influence the way the company conducts business in the future?

Jan Tharp: I think that every business on the planet is probably doing a bit of self-reflection in early 2021 on what happened in 2020. Speaking for our industry, we have a very global industry. I would say that we are extremely adept at managing episodic supply chain interruptions, but this one was very different because it was the entire globe at the same time. So it challenged everybody to keep up with demand. So when you talk about what are we going to do differently, I think the word flexibility certainly comes to mind right away. Flexibility in operations. How do you ramp up and ramp down? You need to be able to do both,

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Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, Market Development, PMMI jizquierdo@pmmi.org | 571.612.3199

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MANAGEMENT

almost like an accordion. We would have been looked at like we were crazy if in 2018 or before the pandemic in ‘19, if we said, “Oh, well, let’s put in another line, even though we don’t have sales for that line.” People just generally don’t do that. But with the influx of demand, we found ourselves having to make production changes, meaning it was whichever products could run the fastest and most efficient are the ones that we actually focused on. Labor was an issue in manufacturing well before the pandemic and the pandemic just made it even worse, even though COVID-19 has displaced all these service industry workers, and created on the opposite side, on the manufacturing side, this tremendous need for labor, we still are experiencing labor shortages and trying to fill a void because of the impacts of COVID-19. So we’ve had to rethink that.

I think obviously, being in seafood, we do understand that the world is interconnected, but we keep seeing examples of it. So you look at what’s going on in logistics today, specifically ocean freight. I mean, ocean freights are up over 200%. It’s because it is a global industry and everyone is fighting for containers as consumers [want] for more products versus services. It is something that the industry has to work through. Risk mitigation becomes huge in areas that were sole sourced, whether that was packaging or raw material. I would say a positive of COVID-19, as we reflect back, is we have onboarded over 20 individuals in the last year. What’s different now is these individuals are not necessarily based in San Diego where we are headquartered. We have been able to break down the barriers of physical location. You can be anywhere as long as you’ve got a computer and access to data. So we have found that from an HR perspective, we have been able to attract talent that isn’t San Diego based and almost seamlessly move them into our organization because we’re essentially virtual. So that’s been something that we’ve learned as a business. It’s actually, I think, a positive.

Stephanie Neil: Let’s talk about partnerships, in particular machine builders. What can OEMs do to help companies like Bumble Bee in the future? Are there things that they can start thinking about and implementing?

Jan Tharp: Yeah, I think as I look at the OEMs and you look at some of the changes that are going on in the food sector right now, I think the OEMs are sitting in a great spot for growth. Again, you look at some of the trends that we talked about earlier. They’re going to impact everybody in this category. I mentioned grocery. Well, grocery is going to change forever in my mind. We aren’t going back to pre-COVID-19 situations where you’ve got self-service salad bars and people grabbing food in a community way.

That, to me, is gone. So you need more pre-packaged goods.

We talked earlier about e-commerce and e-commerce is going to continue to grow. Labor is going to continue to be a challenge. I think lastly, food safety is going to be on the top of consumer’s minds for a long, long time. So what does that mean to OEMs and food processors? It means packag-

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ing and it means different packaging formats. Everybody is looking at how do we get our products into different formats that will be more useful for e-commerce, that is, how do you pre-package something without it being a sustainability nightmare? How does automation come in to the workforce in an affordable way so that we can reduce our reliance on labor, keeping in mind some parameters around physical distancing and so forth. How does that change the way equipment is built? Finally, what changes will we see coming down the pike in food safety? All of those packaging changes have ramifications and needs that will be put on the OEMs as we move forward. I think it’s fantastic for them, as far as working with industry to find ways to meet these needs.

And in a perfect world, we would be able to reduce the lead time. Lead times sometimes were challenging before COVID-19. Now I’m sure that OEMs are having the exact same issues we are with raw material and labor. Flexibility in design. I mean, the time it takes you to figure out what package you want, go out and do a bid, you get the equipment in, do your factory acceptance test. In today’s world, you could have marketing come back and say, “Oh yeah, that was last month’s design. Now we want something totally different.” So how do you adjust your manufacturing—which takes a long time—to the changing needs that are in marketing?

Stephanie Neil: Bumble Bee has won a lot of awards recently. One of the latest being the Natural, Organic, Sustainable, and Healthy Products, NOSH, best of awards, in the category of new packaging. What does this packaging award say about the direction of Bumble Bee? Jan Tharp: First of all, I can’t let the opportunity go to say, obviously we’re winning these awards because we have a fantastic team. I’m honored to be able to lead them. We have three strategic pillars of people, product, and planet.

I think if we focus in on the product side, listening to the consumer, making sure that our products are resonating with them and hitting on that protein trend, elevating and amplifying protein as a snack, a meal, a convenience occasion, there’s so much there. I’d say lastly, celebrating the ocean. I don’t know that we do enough of that. I mean, the ocean is just such a magnificent resource. So it’s a matter of how do you protect it and highlight it and nurture the ocean and celebrate all that comes from it? I think that’s where we got such a unique opportunity at Bumble Bee. We’ve been historically, for 120 years, focused in on tuna. Tuna is a fantastic protein, but when you think of the diversity in the ocean and all of the food products that could come out of the ocean, to me, that’s just a huge innovation opportunity.

To listen to the full conversation on the UnPACKed podcast, visit: oemgo.to/jantharp Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/oemnewroles

2/24/21 10:45 AM

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PERSPECTIVES

Ready to Step-Up Your Automation?

Speed, precision, and payload are the three core requirements you need to evaluate in detail to achieve “Automation 201” project success.

Kim Overstreet, Senior Content Strategist, Alignment, PMMI Media Group

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application will assist with understanding what is possible. hese three elements: speed, precision, and payload, Marsic also notes that the robotics manufacturer specificawill also come with trade-offs, according to Scott tion of a cycle time should not be equated to the cycle time Marsic, senior product manager at Epson Robots, who of your own project. presented Automation 201 at the PACK EXPO Connects InThroughput is another aspect of the speed requirement, novation Stage in November. and it is the quantity of output produced within a specific When evaluating these requirements in order to develop period of time. This takes into considan automation system, you are uneration, said Marsic, “How peripheral likely to get everything you need due components interact with the robot, to inevitable trade-offs, said Marsic, how parts are picked up, late delays and if you don’t know the ins and outs with PLCs and the robot vision.” So, it of your current process—and where is important to know if you are trying your bottlenecks are—you won’t be to improve cycle time or throughput able to determine where to invest in your process. Introducing indepenfor the best return. “This is why it’s dent parallel processing can also procritical to understand up front what vide big gains in overall throughput your goals are and clearly define your instead of using sequential processexpectations,” Marsic said. ing, he said.

For those who may be thinking, Layout also affects speed, as it can “Wait, where do I even start an autoimpact reach and cycle times. Marsic mation project?” Epson offers a white said to consider if the layout is fixed paper called Automation 101, which Scott Marsic, Sr. Product Manager at or can be adjusted. For example, movcan be found at: oemgo.to/epsonwp.

Epson Robots ing the payload and end arm tooling, Marsic said the white paper is a great or optimizing weight of the payload. place for automation beginners, and Peripheral interaction is the final element of speed provides an easy to use framework with five simple steps: considerations, and Marsic said there are some low-cost, 1. Ask: Why does your organization need to automate? high-benefit wins with small component adjustments. This What are your goals? could mean optimizing code, improving tool activation, or 2. Define and document your current process. bringing valves, and vacuum generators, etc., closer to the 3. Identify your requirements. system to improve cycle time.

4. Identify the automation components you need.

And the final word on speed is to plan ahead. “Docu5. Understand who will do the work. ment your process, look for the low-hanging fruit and plan Automation 201 focuses on the third step of identifying ahead,” Marsic said. requirements. Speed, being the first of the three requireThe second requirement is precision, or the robot’s abilments, is “One of the most important justifications in a ity to return to the same position and orientation repeatbusiness case for a robotics implementation,” according edly. to Marsic. But what does improving speed mean to you?

“The entire system is often referred to as the “stack,” What part of the manufacturing process needs to be set and each element of the stack has its own precision and up to achieve that time, and what are you willing to give up respective tolerance,” Marsic said. “So, in addition to the to achieve those changes? A simulation or mockup of the

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robot, make sure to evaluate the elements attached to the from professionals and rely on vendors and integrators for robot, such as the end of arm tooling, cabling, its rigidity, support. It’s too easy, and we see it all too often, people buy your vision system and its field of view, as well as periphthe wrong equipment, spend too much or too little and they eral equipment, [including] things like manufactured parts, miss the target.” conveyors, and pallets. Like musicians in a symphony, all the components in an automation system need to work in Easily share this article with your peers: harmony to arrive at a desired output. The overall tolerance oemgo.to/stepupautomation of the stack will have an impact on your ability to achieve a desired precision.”

Additionally, Marsic offered some pointers from Epson: • Evaluate your robot type. Are you using the right robot for the job? Only use what you need.

• Localize your workspace to maintain precision. The further out the arm extends, the more precision degradation you may experience. So, get a robot that optimally moves within the designated workspace.

• Look at fixtures and tooling. Pneumatics or air will potentially not get the same precision as a mechanical gripper. A molded vacuum tool that is formed to When you call EPC, you talk to real engineers the shape of the part can improve speed and encoder experts who can help you spec and precision, but the trade-off is increthe right encoder for your application. mental cost.

And we’ll get it to you fast – • Peripheral feedback. The addition of peripheral feedback, such as a vision sysStandard lead time is just 4-6 days, tem or force feedback, can help improve with same-day expedite on the precision of the system. many models.

The last requirement is payload, and Marsic said there can be more than meets the eye with this topic.

Call or visit us to get started.

“When selecting a robot, look at the entire payload that will be moved by the arm. This includes not just the weight of the product being picked up, but also the end of arm tooling,” he said. “And this can include mounting plates, grippers, air valves, cameras, etc.

Make sure to consider all payload weights up front. They all get added together as part of the payload.”

Also, consider inertial effects, or the resistance to velocity change, on the robot.

“Too much inertia [can] dramatically effect robot cycle times,” he said, “And this has the potential to decrease your overall system throughput.”

Knowing these requirements will enable you to optimize your automation. Know your current process. Know your trade-offs. “Not everything you implement is going to have a big trade-off,” Marsic said. “Do your homework, buy the appropriate tools, get input

For Motion Feedback in Industrial Automation, EPC has your solution.

1-800-366-5412 | encoder.com 0121_D7_Perspectives.indd 59

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APPLICATION BRIEF

Delivering Digital Work Instructions On Demand ABB turned to SwipeGuide to provide engineers working on variable speed drives in the field with up-to-date training and maintenance instructions.

Stephanie Neil, Editor-in-Chief

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ver the last year, as manufacturers move toward more automation and digitalization, it’s becoming very clear that paper is part of the past, especially when it comes to work instructions.

The ability to deliver knowledge to an evolving—and sometimes revolving—workforce who face constant pressure to keep pace with new technologies and procedures, is of the utmost importance in today’s manufacturing environment.

That’s why when ABB, a global automation technology supplier to manufacturing, utilities, transportation, and infrastructure industries, was looking for a way to improve customers’ experience with its products, the company started by looking at the way it distributes actionable knowledge about its products. In particular, training and work instructions for end users and ABB engineers.

In its variable speed drives (VSD) business, for example, maintaining peak operational performance for all ABB VSDs is a top priority across its global market. ABB employs field service engineers (FSE) in over 50 countries that install, commission, and maintain the VSDs. As the front line in providing customer support and maintaining the effectiveness of ABB VSDs worldwide, these engineers depend on having correct, up-to-date information at the moment of need.

If work instructions are difficult to use, out of date, or inaccessible, it can cause unnecessary and expensive downtime for customers.

As a result, ABB turned to SwipeGuide, a workforce excellence platform with a focus on digital work instructions, to bring standards of efficiency to the way they capture and distribute knowledge to engineers who use smartphones and tablets

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in the field. Based on a software as a service (SaaS) platform for easy collaboration, SwipeGuide uses an intuitive drag-and-drop editor to create and publish instructions in minutes. This allows users to deliver standard operating procedures across a value chain with one click, as well as integrate with custom application programming interfaces (APIs).

“Our tool delivers clear and immediate benefits to both the operators at the lines and the companies that depend on them,” said Willemijn Schneyder, CEO and co-founder of SwipeGuide. “Simply put, we’re passionate about making food and beverage manufacturing more sustainable through digital knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.”

L H

Bidirectional continuous improvement

The ABB Drives support team uses SwipeGuide’s userfriendly interface to easily create instructions for their engineers. The platform, which automatically updates, and is available on any mobile device, gives ABB engineers in the

Th 7K • • • •

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field access to information at their fingertips. For example, as part of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), ABB’s intelligent, cloud-connected VSDs collect vast amounts of data. This data provides ABB with essential information about the causes of faults in their equipment. Specifically, VSDs can record data on each specific fault message, including name, code, time, and the date it occurred. With this information, engineers can use the SwipeGuide platform to access the specific and most relevant fix.

In addition, engineers can provide real-time feedback through the app to improve instructions, which can be updated and revised regularly on the SwipeGuide platform.

This is very helpful to ABB customers—be it manufacturers or machine builders—who have a self-service option available to them, as well.

The SwipeGuide instruction platform gives ABB’s customers step-by-step installation and commissioning guides in a user-friendly app available on any device. With these instructions, customers are able to correctly install, troubleshoot, and maintain their VSDs. The ability to deliver digital work instructions directly to a smartphone, as well as enable user feedback, creates a dynamic flow of up-to-date information that not only eases the job of the engineers and operators responsible for the operational efficiency of ABB VSDs, but it increases overall

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productivity and continuous improvement.

The bottom line: everyone has the right instructions and training at their fingertips, instantly. And that is why ABB is expanding the scope of the project.

After a successful proof-of-value pilot project, the initial roll-out of instructions for ABB variable speed drives took place in April 2019. ABB took SwipeGuide global in the summer of 2019 for both internal work instructions and end user installation guides, in up to 100 countries around the world.

Currently, production of SwipeGuide digital work instructions lies with ABB’s support teams and product experts. However, there is a plan in place to create a truly flexible instruction community—a collaborative network of marketing, technical, and customer support professionals who provide unique insights into optimizing the instruction experience.

As the collaboration develops, ABB will incorporate the SwipeGuide platform beyond its VSDs, expanding it to a wide range of ABB products and services in a variety of languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian.

Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/swipeguide

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APPLICATION BRIEF

L’Oréal Replaces Five Machines with One Smart System Facing SKU proliferation and shorter runs, the L’Oreal Group replaced an outdated production line with a new track-based system of movers that brings fast changeover and high output.

Pat Reynolds, Editor Emeritus, Packaging World

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n its Caudry plant in the north of France, the L’Oréal Group produces high-quality skin care products, mascaras, and foundation makeup for its Luxe division.

Faced with trends such as increasing individualization and smaller production quantities that present challenges in the growing luxury segment, the L’Oreal managing board set the strategic goal to make the company’s production operations more agile. That’s why three production lines in the plant are based on the Beckhoff eXtended Transport System (XTS). One of these lines is the new Agile F24 filling and capping line for the production of foundation makeup, a system that combines fast format changes with increased output.

Previously, the line on which these products were made consisted of multiple machines from different vendors that were connected in a conventional material flow by way of conveyor systems and product buffers. But its lack of flexibility meant that it was no longer able to support the growing bandwidth of product variants and the cost-effective production of increasingly smaller lot sizes. That’s what led to the development of the Agile F24 line, a fundamental realignment that accommodates the production of all formats while also permitting rapid changeover.

The new line was planned by a L’Oréal team of nine under the leadership of Franck Lefort, project manager at L’Oréal Luxe. The system specifications were developed in cooperation with machine builder Secad. Following an evaluation, the parties decided to replace the existing machines with a single line based on Beckhoff’s intelligent transport system XTS. According to Lefort, the biggest challenge of the new implementation was to make the overall production process independent of rigid machine cycles. “While we previously solved this problem with conveyors and product buffers between the machines, one of the key advantages

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of the XTS lies in the individual control of the movers,” says Lefort. “This capability enables machine cycles to be decoupled from the duration of individual processing steps, for example, by installing multiples of the more timeintensive processing stations along the transport route to function simultaneously. This optimizes material flow and improves productivity.”

The new system layout is based on an XTS with a circumferential track length of 22 meters and with 40 movers as its core element. The various stations for filling the foundation containers are arranged along the intelligent transport system. The filling process includes six work steps: infeed of the bottles, filling, adding dispenser pumps, adding caps, labeling, and outfeed of the finished products.

Infeed occurs via a handling robot that, like other robots in the sophisticated line, is a Fanuc robot. It takes two

The new flexible Agile F24 line combines the functionality of five previously separate machines, optimizes material flow and increases throughput.

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ENGINEERING

or three empty bottles from a tray and places them into transport pucks fastened on the movers. In the following stations, robots or handling systems fill the bottles, insert dispenser pumps or droppers (depending on the product), screw them on, and place a cap on top. Next, a laser code with the product color, lot number, and expiration date is printed on the bottle and a label is applied. At the end of the XTS circuit, the filled bottles are placed onto trays and forwarded to a cartoner.

A key advantage of the XTS is the individual control of its movers, with each bottle transported through the processing stations by a single mover. Depending on the required processing time, the mover is able to stop for as long as it takes to execute an action and then carry its bottle forward in the direction of the next process step. This eliminates the necessity to execute differently timed processing steps on separate machines and to provide complex interfaces and product accumulators between them. Instead, the XTS integrates the previous five machines into a single system.

XTS lets L’Oréal do more with less.

Through this integration and the compact design of the XTS, the system footprint was reduced by 30%. In combination with the increased throughput of the system, the productivity per unit area was increased significantly. This means that L’Oréal will be able to meet the increasing demand for luxury cosmetics in the future without having to expand its production floor area. The resulting investment security is also protected by another key benefit of the XTS, which is increased flexibility.

Through Beckhoff’s software-based TwinCAT control, the XTS can switch between different product variants by means of the corresponding parameter sets. This capability makes it possible to process different formats on a single line instead of having to use several machines. Another benefit is provided with regard to the production of minimum lot sizes. “In terms of flexibility, the XTS is the core of a new solution that allows us to switch to another color within seconds,” says Jean-Yves Vey, plant manager at the Caudry site. “This means we can both reduce lot sizes and meet changing customer requirements.”

The time needed for format changeovers was cut in half and the system availability was increased. The same line can now produce lot sizes ranging from a few hundred to millions of pieces as well as seven different format types with only 40 instead of 300 transport containers. Vey also recognizes other advantages of the TwinCAT-controlled XTS in connection with quality assurance.

“The centralized control principle of the XTS system makes operation, and quality management tasks in particular, much easier,” he says. “These include sample removal, running the line empty if necessary, and checkweighing. All these tasks are fully automated including RFID support.”

In addition to the XTS, further automation tasks are

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The Agile F24 line employs a total of 39 AM8000 series servomotors from Beckhoff, here in a handling station that closes the bottles.

implemented in TwinCAT, resulting in a uniform and centralized control platform for the entire system. Such tasks include: Sequence control using PLC software and integrated axis control, cloud connectivity, robotic functions, and HMI based on TwinCAT. Additional Beckhoff components used in the Agile F24 line include the space-saving high-density (HD) EtherCAT terminals installed in the control cabinet and the IP67-rated EtherCAT P I/O modules. The EtherCAT P components, which can be positioned close to the various sensors and actuators, transmit communication and power via just one cable, which simplifies wiring considerably.

Beckhoff also supplies 39 servomotors from the AM8000 series for the system installation, which together with EL7211 EtherCAT servomotor terminals or AX5000 servo drives serve as drive axes in various handling devices.

Here, too, One Cable Technology (OCT) reduces cabling requirements significantly by transmitting power and feedback signals over a single standard motor cable.

With the help of XTS and PC-based control, L’Oréal and Secad developed a future-proof production line for the flexible manufacturing of cosmetics that meet high quality requirements and new consumer expectations. Operators can control the entire process, including all quality checks and sampling, on their own, and they can execute format changeovers quickly and easily. After this initial success, the L’Oréal Group decided to continue its cooperation with Beckhoff in a long-term partnership to implement more of the modular and agile production lines.

For video footage of the Agile F24 line, visit: oemgo.to/lorealvideo Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/beckhoffxloreal

2/24/21 10:50 AM

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Apex Filling Systems Expands Its Commitment to Quality To deliver the best equipment and service to customers, the OEM realized it required an investment in the workforce, as well.

By Stephanie Neil, Editor-in-Chief

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tart-up Apex Filling Systems may just be a four-yearold company, but it has decades of experience in the packaging industry. Based in Indiana, the OEM and systems integrator is led by a team of engineering and business professionals who understand that success hinges not only on delivering quality filling, capping, and conveyance equipment, but also on culture and service. That’s why company executives put emphasis on accountability to

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customers and building trustworthy partnerships. To that end, Apex Filling Systems’ core values include: create raving fans; excellence in all you touch; and attitude is everything.

“Apex Filling Systems stands out from our competition for our commitment to our clients,” says Alicia Cannon, the company’s CEO. “Our goal is to partner with [customers] to deliver turnkey solutions from project inception through completion and beyond. We are here to help ensure their

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goals become a reality.”

Cannon acknowledges that Apex Filling has set some ambitious sights for itself as a young, growing company.

Couple that with the fact that the manufacturing industry is facing a skills shortage, and Cannon realized the company may need help developing processes for continuous improvement within the existing and future workforce. That’s why, as a member of PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Apex Filling turned to the PMMI U Skills Fund, which offers financial and educational support to association members.

For current employees, the PMMI U Skills Fund will match a member company’s contribution of up to $10,000 per year for work-related, multi-employee corporate training initiatives, such as certification, risk assessment, field service, and lean workshops, for example. For the future workforce, the Skills Fund acts as a resource to help members form partnerships with regional colleges, universities, technical schools and other educational programs. To that end, the Skills Fund will match a company’s contributions up to $50,000 per year to the regional education programs of their choice.

Cannon said Apex Filling took advantage of the Skills Fund as soon as they became a PMMI member in 2019. “We had a need for leadership development and this was a great way for a young company with limited resources to get the training we needed,” she says.

With the help of the $10,000 matching funds, the Apex Filling leadership team attended a business program called “Plan or Get Slaughtered,” designed to give business owners the tools, strategies, skills, and techniques needed to grow the company. In addition, the funds were used to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS),

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a business model for establishing vision, traction, and healthy leadership across an organization.

“We learned what we needed to do from Plan or Get Slaughtered, and how to implement it with EOS,” Cannon says. “We have a very strong leadership team and we continue to work on developing ourselves and our entire team.

The help we got from the Skills Fund set us up for success.

Our company is doing excellent based on every measurable we have in place.”

In addition, with new leadership initiatives established on top of the company’s existing quality products and strong work ethic, the Apex Filling revenue has grown 60% year over year, the cost of goods sold (COGS) is down 9%, and the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) is up 17.5%.

Less quantifiable is employee satisfaction, but employees are much more effective in their roles, which results in an empowered—and happy—workforce. “I attribute a great deal of our success to the training we were able to provide our team very early on,” Cannon says, referring to the PMMI U Skills Fund. “We had access to resources that a company our size would not typically have.”

For more on the Entrepreneurial Operating System, visit: eosworldwide.com The “Plan or Get Slaughtered” program is part of Keys to the Vault, a business school for entrepreneurs taught by Keith Cunningham, an American entrepreneur, international speaker and acclaimed author who is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on business mastery. For more information on the program and upcoming events go to: keystothevault.com Easily share this article with your peers: oemgo.to/apex

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SPRING 2016

Controls Products

Page

Drives and Motors

2021

Company Index www.oemmagazine.org

T

features profiles of leading packaging and processing automation suppliers that stand to

Encoder Products Company

75

98

FlexLink Systems Inc.

78

70

VDG (Van der Graaf)

101

IAI America, Inc.

81

ERIEZ

76

Wipotec North America

102

Mitsubishi Electric

88

Festo Corporation

77

Zero-Max

103

Kollmorgen

83

LENZE

85

Machine Control

Mitsubishi Electric

88

AirTAC USA

67

Coding/Marking

97

SEW-EURODRIVE, INC.

Integrated Equipment

Page

B&R Industrial Automation

69

Novanta

92

VDG (Van der Graaf)

101

Beckhoff Automation

70

Paxton Products

94

Zero-Max

103

Carleton Helical Technologies

71

CSS International

72

Conveying

EAM-Mosca Corp

74

Carleton Helical Technologies

71

Encoder Products Company

75

CSS International

72

igus®

82

Dorner

73

Leister Technologies, Inc.

84

EAM-Mosca Corp

74

PATLITE (U.S.A.) Corporation

93

section, Partner Leaders,

97

Slideways, Inc.

Beckhoff Automation

Networking

he following

SEW-EURODRIVE, INC.

HMIs and Operator Interfaces Beckhoff Automation

70

LENZE

85

ERIEZ

76

LENZE

85

Maple Systems, Inc.

87

FlexLink Systems Inc.

78

Maple Systems, Inc.

87

Morrison Container Handling

90

Heat and Control, Inc.

79

Multi-Conveyor

91

Pro-Face America

95

Leister Technologies, Inc.

84

Pro-Face America

95

SEW-EURODRIVE, INC.

97

mk North America, Inc.

89

Morrison Container Handling

90

deliver value to you, the OEM. These companies

Linear Motion

Multi-Conveyor

91

specialize in bringing

AirTAC USA

67

AirTAC USA

67

QC Conveyors

96

you the innovative

Encoder Products Company

75

Festo Corporation

77

Span Tech Conveyors

100

products and services

Festo Corporation

77

VDG (Van der Graaf)

101

that you need, such as

IAI America, Inc.

81

Sensors & Vision

controls, components,

igus®

82

ATI Industrial Automation

68

Inspection & Detection

integration, and

Kollmorgen

83

B&R Industrial Automation

69

ERIEZ

76

more. Plus, you’ll

mk North America, Inc.

89

FlexLink Systems Inc.

78

Heat and Control, Inc.

79

find a companion Partner Leaders box prominently featured on

Zero-Max

Pneumatics

103

Wipotec North America

102 Labeling

Machine Components

80

Paxton Products

94

71

Technologies

CSS International

72

Machine Safety

EAM-Mosca Corp

74

mk North America, Inc.

89

Weighing

org), with a drop-

igus®

82

PATLITE (U.S.A.) Corporation

93

Heat and Control, Inc.

down menu of the

Kollmorgen

83

participating companies

Leister Technologies, Inc.

84

Marketing & Trade Show

listed by product

Maple Systems, Inc.

87

Management

category.

Mitsubishi Electric

88

The Sourced Collective

Morrison Container Handling

90

Novanta

92

Robotics

PATLITE (U.S.A.) Corporation

93

ATI Industrial Automation

68

Pro-Face America

95

B&R Industrial Automation

69

the homepage of OEM (www.oemmagazine.

2021_PL_Index.indd 88

Page

HERMA US Inc.

Carleton Helical Technologies

Wipotec North America

99

Other

79 102

Page

Lubricants Lubriplate Lubricants Company 86

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Linear Motion Machine Control Pneumatics

2021

SPRING 2021

67

AirTAC USA 21201 Park Row Dr, Katy, Texas, 77449 USA Phone: 281/394-/7177 Email: sales_us@airtac.com www.airtac.com AirTAC International Group with its HQ located in Taiwan, established in 1988, is one of the top five pneumatic components manufacturers in the world. Annual sales revenue reached 520 million USD in 2018. AirTAC specializes in producing pneumatic actuators, control valves, air prep, and accessories that use along with the components.

Sales Branches: AirTAC USA Corporation is the one of the sales branches of AirTAC in United States.

Located in Houston Texas with 80,000 square feet warehouse. Other branches of AirTAC located in Taiwan, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Italy.

Production: AirTAC production bases are located in Taiwan and China, in total of more than 5 million square feet of production ground. AirTAC produces more than 90% of its products, from material extrusion, die cast, injection, to machining then assembling, packaging, AirTAC makes its own products in house.

Pricing and Quality: Due to the vertical integration of production, highly automatic manufacture and assembly line, and ISO 9001 certificate, AirTAC is able to produce high quality products with very competitive pricing which give AirTAC a very strong growth and position in pneumatic world.

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68

2021

SPRING 2021

Robotics Sensors & Vision

ATI INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION 1031 Goodworth Drive, Apex, NC 27539 USA Phone: 919/772-0115 www.ati-ia.com/packaging ATI INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION is the world-leading engineering-based developer of robotic accessories and robot arm tooling. ATI offers a wide variety of robotic end-of-arm products that can improve the flexibility, productivity, and safety of your robots. Robotic Tool Changers, Robotic Collision Sensors, and Force/Torque Sensors from ATI are ideal for packaging applications.

ATI’s Robotic Tool Changers enable robots to quickly and automatically change endeffectors. Designed for easy integration, ATI offers a wide selection of Tool Changer models to fit any size robot and pass any type of utility through to your tooling. ATI also offers custom and food-handling models.

ATI’s Robotic Collision Sensors are a rugged economical way to prevent costly damage to robotic end-effectors resulting from robot crashes. The Collision Sensor’s automatic reset feature eliminates the need for an operator to enter the robotic work cell and manually reset the tooling after a crash or stop. This reduces machine downtime and increases safety by keeping personnel out of the work cell.

ATI’s Force/Torque (F/T) Sensors provide a link between the robot and its environment.

Typically mounted between the robot wrist and end-of-arm tooling, ATI F/T Sensors allow the robot to feel and quickly react to changes in surroundings while flawlessly managing a tight workspace. This robotic force control can be used to weigh, load-balance, and stack irregularly shaped boxes in real time.

More information on ATI’s products can be found at www.ati-ia.com/packaging.

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Machine Control Robotics Sensors & Vision

2021

SPRING 2021

69

B&R Industrial Automation 1250 Northmeadow Parkway, S-100, Roswell, GA 30076 USA Phone: 770-772-0400 Email: marketing.us@br-automation.com https://www.br-automation.com B&R is an innovative automation company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. On July 6, 2017, B&R became a business unit of the ABB Group. As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and factory automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With Industrial IoT communication standards like OPC UA, POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automation Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering.

B&R automation solutions enable modular, reliable, high performance mechatronic designs: • Distributed, sealed motion and I/O that reduce cabinet size and allow plug-and-play, modular design • Scalable, simplified software development with built-in diagnostics preferred by developers and maintenance technicians • A deep knowledge of packaging machinery and processes • Extensive involvement in PMMI, OMAC and global packaging machinery standards, education and safety initiatives • Solutions ranging from components to improve the performance of your legacy PLCs to turnkey packaging line automation • The latest productivity enablers -- networked safety, energy monitoring, machine condition monitoring, IIoT and OEE data acquisition

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70

2021

SPRING 2021

Drives & Motors HMIs and Operator Interfaces Machine Control

Beckhoff Automation 13130 Dakota Ave, Savage, MN 55378 USA Phone: 952/890-0000 Email: beckhoff.usa@beckhoff.com www.beckhoffautomation.com System-Integrated Solutions for Packaging Automation and IoT Beckhoff Automation is a global provider of open automation systems based on advanced PC Control technology. The “New Automation Technology” philosophy at Beckhoff represents universal and open automation solutions used in a wide spectrum of high-tech applications around the world. These applications range from control of machines and robots used in packaging, to Internet of Things (IoT) systems, intelligent building automation and much more. The world headquarters of Beckhoff Automation is in Verl, Germany while the US headquarters is in Savage, Minn. (Minneapolis area).

The comprehensive Beckhoff system architecture for machine and plant automation promotes control hardware consolidation by advancing powerful PC-based control technology. This approach takes the best from automation technology (AT) and IT, making the most powerful tools available to engineering teams in one universal environment. All the benefits from the early days of this effort remain from the integration of PLC, motion control and HMI, while adding other high-value functions for robotics, safety, high-end measurement, condition monitoring, and of course, cloud connectivity and IoT. Revolutionizing mechatronics yet again, Beckhoff has unlocked entirely new possibilities in packaging machine design with XPlanar. In this innovative system for flying motion control, planar movers float freely above planar tiles arranged in customizable layouts and enable extremely flexible, precise and highly dynamic positioning. The XPlanar system combines the individual arrangement of planar tiles with multi-dimensional positioning capability of the planar movers floating above them. The movers enable jerk-free and contact-free motion in two dimensions at up to 4 m/s with 2 g acceleration and 50 μm positioning repeatability – completing movements without any noise or abrasion.

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Conveying Machine Components Machine Control

2021

SPRING 2021

71

Carleton Helical Technologies 30 South Sand Rd., New Britain, PA 18901 USA Phone: 215/230-8900 Email: Sales@feedscrew.com www.Feedscrew.com Carleton Helical Technologies has served the packaging industry since its inception in 1979.

Originally operating as a custom engineering facility, Carleton has built a reputation for manufacturing quality products for this industry.

Carleton Products are now used worldwide specializing in Feedscrews, Feedscrew Drives, HP Invertor/Revertors, Belt Drive Systems, and Container Cleaning Systems. As our company grows it is our top priority to continue to innovate our existing custom machinery, as well as expand our boundaries to work with projects that make us a more ecofriendly company. In 2020, we introduced the Green Invertor. This Invertor is made of 100% recycled plastic and performs just as well as the traditional HP Invertor. Our goal is to offer a “Greener” version of our entire product line.

Technology is not only part of our company’s name, but it is truly at the core of every piece of machinery that leaves our facility. Utilizing the latest in specialized CAD/CAM technology our team of engineers diligently designs all packaging machinery parts for exceptional performance on the production line.

As a member of PMMI, Carleton provides solutions for the integration of equipment to original equipment manufacturers. We welcome the opportunity to serve you by providing machinery and components designed to incorporate new and proven technology.

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72

2021

SPRING 2021

Machine Components Machine Control Conveying

CSS INTERNATIONAL P.O. Box 19560, 2061 E. Glenwood Ave Philadelphia, PA 19124 USA Phone: 800/278-8107 Email: sales@cssintl.com www.cssintl.com CELEBRATING OVER 75 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY! CSS IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR OEMs With tool and die shop heritage our highly experienced workforce, great engineering expertise and commitment to quality materials provides the best solution for OEMs. PROVEN “OUT OF THE BOX” DEPENDABILITY — Timing screws — Bottom code and inspection diverters (unique with CSS) — Quick change parts — Drive units — Side grip belt units — Vacuum reject systems We are committed to providing the most cost-effective engineered solutions using quality materials to ensure long-term reliability. We customize our equipment and materials to suit line conditions. We test components prior to shipment to assure hassle-free installation as well as follow-up with our customers to guarantee satisfaction.

With over 75 years of experience you can be confident of the long term reliability of our products.

To learn more about our products, visit www.cssintl.com.

To place an order, contact sales@cssintl.com or call (800) 278-8107

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Conveying

2021

SPRING 2021

73

DORNER 975 Cottonwood Ave., Hartland, WI, 53029 USA Phone: 262/367-7600 Email: info@dorner.com www.dornerconveyors.com At Dorner, our mission is to Transform Conveyor Automation by providing cutting edge solutions with best-in-class support. It’s that commitment and history of proven excellence that has made the Dorner Brand a recognized leader in product handling for over 50 years.

With our complete line of customizable stainless steel and aluminum conveyor automation systems, Dorner can provide solutions for almost any conveyor need.

Dorner conveyors are designed to simplify conveyor integration for packaging & processing equipment manufacturers. Purchasing conveyors from Dorner allows you to expand your product offering while continuing to focus design and manufacturing resources on what you do best! Dorner is ISO 9001-2015 certified, which means that all equipment is built consistently and backed by rigorous quality control processes. Dorner quality ensures that the conveyors you provide will compliment the quality of your brand Our conveyors move product to the exact location, at the exact time and in the exact position it needs to be for the next phase of the production line. With benefits such as industry best product transfers and in-house belting capabilities, Dorner is leading the market in precision conveyance. This extremely accurate product control allows Dorner conveyors to easily integrate with robots, workers and equipment.

Using Dorner’s Online Configurator, you can design and engineer simple or complex conveyors to meet your needs in minutes. The industry leading tool delivers a complete 3D CAD assembly model for instant validation of fit.

Dorner’s Engineered Solutions Group is transforming product handling with innovative solutions that easily integrate into your designs. We can provide systems for applications such as accumulation, indexing, positioning, product flow and much more. With a customdesigned conveyor system in place, products are built faster, services are delivered quicker, and profits are increased with the help of highly specialized engineering technology.

To keep up to date with what is happening at Dorner, visit us at www.dornerconveyors.com.

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74

SPRING 2021

2021

Conveying Machine Components Machine Control

EAM-Mosca Corporation 675 Jaycee Drive Hazle Township, PA 18202 Phone: 570-673-0650 Email: info@eammosca.com www.eammosca.com Working together for the best solution Finding the right system partner can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With over 35 years of experience, we have reliably optimized our entire line of strapping systems. We regularly partner with North American and global system suppliers to integrate a strapping capability into multi-function systems.

Working together with you, our team of expert engineers aims to provide the correct solution for your unique application. From simple “drop-in” strapping machines to a more complex customized solution that integrates into a more extensive system, we can provide a reliable, high-performing integrated solution.

At EAM-Mosca, we believe the strength of a system is about more than just the strapping machine. Our aftermarket services include technical support with highly trained technicians for on-site or remote troubleshooting and problem-solving, customer service for fast, easy strap and parts orders, and strapping materials designed to run smoothly and reliably with strong seals.

Industry-leading technology that delivers superior performance: •

Mosca’s proprietary SoniXs® sealing technology provides long component life, low, on-demand electrical consumption, and consistent, reliable seals for both PP and PET strapping with low emissions.

•

Customizable controls ranging from simple zone control to a fully customized package management - utilizing a machine-to-machine communication and data transfer capability.

•

A “performance first” emphasis throughout the project. Design, installation, and startup issues are managed cooperatively with all partners.

•

Electronic DC brushless direct drives simplify mechanics and provide clean, quiet, longlasting performance.

Herma 400 Label Applicator

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Linear Motion Machine Control Robotics

2021

SPRING 2021

75

Encoder Products Company 464276 Highway 95, PO Box 249, Sagle, Idaho 83860 USA Phone: 800-366-5412 Email: sales@encoder.com www.encoder.com At Encoder Products Company (EPC), we specialize in the encoders that provide you with motion feedback. Our Accu-Coder™, Accu-CoderPro™, and Tru-Trac™ encoders come with an industry-leading three-year warranty, and our standard delivery is just 4 - 6 days on most orders, with expedite options on many models.

EPC has been a leading designer and manufacturer of motion sensing devices for more than 50 years, and we understand that each industrial automation application is different, and you need encoders that fit the needs of your applications. That’s why our encoders are highly configurable, offering a wide array of shaft or bore sizes, output types, connector types, mounting options, and resolutions as high as 65,536 CPR. Our encoders also offer: • Advanced Opto-ASIC and phased-array sensor design for reliable, stable signal output over a wide range of conditions • Programmable encoder options, giving you the flexibility to program them to your exact specifications • Robust mechanical housings for your harshest environments • Magnetic-based multi-turn absolute encoders that operate in the absence of power, without the need for gear trains or batteries • Magnetic encoder modules with sealing to IP69K • Programmable and Absolute linear measurement solutions • The all-in-one Tru-Trac™ family of linear measurement solution encoders, offering an integrated encoder, measuring wheel, and pivot arm in one unit EPC’s corporate headquarters is right here in the USA, housed in our vertically-integrated, 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility. When you call EPC, you’ll talk to real engineers and encoder experts who can help you find the right motion feedback solution for your application. Call us today.

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76

2021

SPRING 2021

Conveying Drives & Motors Inspection & Detection

ERIEZ 2200 Asbury Road, Erie, PA 16506 USA Phone: 814/835-6000 Email: eriez@eriez.com www.eriez.com Eriez’ equipment for the Packaging + Processing industries includes metal detectors and magnetic separators for metal contaminant removal, as well as a full line of vibratory feeders, conveyors and screeners.

Eriez’ compact Vibratory Feeders handle high-speed packaging, difficult products like flour, leafy and gummy products, and high material flow applications. These electromagnetic drives are energy efficient, low maintenance with no moving parts, and can be mated with a range of sanitary and non-sanitary trays.

Eriez Xtreme Metal Detectors offer best-in-class performance to safeguard against both ferrous and nonferrous metal contaminants. This equipment is very effective for identifying and removing stainless steel fragments in conveyed, gravity flow and liquid line sanitary processing applications. Detectors are positioned at different locations throughout the process from bulk and raw material through final package inspection. There is no better solution to ensure your product is metal-free than using Eriez magnets for steel removal and using Eriez Xtreme® metal detectors to reject nonferrous metals like aluminum, brass, stainless steel and more.

Visit Eriez.com for FREE downloadable guides packed with information to help you choose the equipment you need to fit your unique application. Eriez.com features more than 250 packaging solutions, from our best-in-class vibratory feeders, conveyors, screeners, and metal detectors, to our wide selection of magnetic plates, grates and traps.

Xpress Delivery - Eriez Xpress offers the most popular magnetic separators, vibratory feeders and controls are available for next day shipment.

Download our Market and Product Selection Guides at www.eriez.com to see our complete line up!

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Drives & Motors Linear Motion Pneumatics

2021

SPRING 2021

77

Festo Corporation 1377 Motor Pkwy. Ste 310 Islandia, NY, 11749 USA Phone: 800-99-FESTO Email: customer.service.us@festo.com www.festo.us Festo is a leading global manufacturer of pneumatic and electromechanical systems, components and controls for process control and factory automation solutions, with more than 61 national headquarters serving over 175 countries.

Why Festo is a Leader in Engineering With over 40 years of innovation in the United States and over 80 years globally, Festo has continuously elevated the state of manufacturing with innovations and optimized motion control solutions that deliver higher performing, more profitable automated manufacturing and processing equipment. Our dedication to the advancement of automation extends beyond technology to the education of current and future automation and robotic designers with simulation tools, teaching programs, and on-site services.

To win, manufacturers need partners they can trust to help them build better products. To streamline production. And of course, to continuously cut costs. It’s all about innovation.

Our passion is automation — intelligent automation solutions that transform the way people work — and the way companies compete. Ultimately, it’s about continuously stimulating progress. In big ways and in small ways.

We are driven by a desire to always be helpful.

We observe. We analyze. We inspire. We engineer with an intense focus on every last detail.

We operate with a simple, yet powerful manifesto: That intelligent automation isn’t just about movement - it’s movement with purpose. And it’s not just about innovative products. It’s about products that come with expert advice and differentiated customer support. Our aim is to help our customers make their products faster, smarter and more precisely. That’s how they thrive instead of just survive. And when our customers win, we win.

We are Festo. And our purpose is to help people turn the power of intelligent automation into a catalyst for transformation.

Award-Winning Technology With a comprehensive line of more than 30,000 automation products, Festo can support the most complex automation requirements. And for OEMs looking for an electric alternative for simple movement and positioning tasks, our award-winning Simplified Motion Series offers electromechanical actuators designed for quick and easy commissioning and operation.

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78

2021

SPRING 2021

Conveying Robotics Sensors & Vision

FlexLink Systems Inc. 6580 Snowdrift Road, Allentown, PA 18106 USA Phone: 610/973-8200 Email: info.us@flexlink.com www.flexlink.com Factory automation solutions from FlexLink increase the overall efficiency of production by minimizing throughput time and non-value added operations. Our standardized solutions have a strong impact on factory performance and capability to meet future demands. Our solutions are reconfigurable, reusable and requires minimal maintenance with low power consumption.

FlexLink serves a wide customer base, from local producers to global corporations, and from end-users to machine manufacturers. Our customers are lead players within the food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and electronics industries. Global support is provided by our operating units in 30 countries and network of Strategic Partners.

Our partner network is an important strategic element for FlexLink’s business model since our start in 1980, enabling us to enhance efficiency at factories in more than 60 countries.

We invest in long-term relationships with customers and partners to develop and refine value adding products and solutions, geared for low cost of ownership.

For more information about FlexLink visit www.flexlink.com.

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Conveying Inspection & Detection Weighing

2021

SPRING 2021

79

Heat and Control, Inc. 21121 Cabot Boulevard Hayward, CA 94545 USA Phone: 510/259-0500 Email: info@heatandcontrol.com www.heatandcontrol.com Heat and Control®, a world-leading equipment manufacturer, offers the latest technology and the highest quality equipment for processing, coating and seasoning, conveying, weighing, packaging, inspection, and controls and information systems, and develops innovative solutions for production challenges.

Established in 1950, Heat and Control is a privately-owned company and has 11 manufacturing facilities, 12 testing centers, and more than 30 offices around the world.

Heat and Control has partnered with other global manufacturing leaders, including Ishida (weighing packaging and inspection) and CEIA® (metal detection), and their brands include FastBack® (horizontal motion conveyors and on machine seasoning), Mastermatic (fryers), and Spray Dynamics® (coating and seasoning application systems). Heat and Control can offer a single machine or can integrate several components into a complete system and assume single-source responsibility.

Heat and Control is also able to assist manufacturers with equipment for all types of food, pharmaceutical, and non-food products, as well as provide pre- and post-sale technical support, including applications assistance, engineering, installation, parts, service, and training to maintain peak efficiency.

Heat and Control has built an extensive knowledge bank and developed a wealth of experience and expertise with access to production and technical support from a network of engineers, food technicians, field service technicians, skilled tradespeople, and support teams to provide food and non-food manufacturers with the ability to achieve their production goals. Contact us to visit one of our demonstration centers to test products on the latest equipment.

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80

SPRING 2021

Labeling

2021

HERMA US Inc. 39 Plymouth Street, Suite 300, Fairfield, NJ 07004 USA Phone: 973.521.7254 Email: info-usa@herma.com www.herma.us HERMA US Inc. is a subsidiary of HERMA GmbH, a Germany-based provider of labeling machinery and self-adhesive labels and materials to the global packaging marketplace.

HERMA GmbH’s comprehensive range of products spans the labeling production process to include labeling machinery, a variety of adhesive materials, and finished self-adhesive products.

The HERMA 500 label applicator offers machine builders an ideal solution for integration into automation machinery. Its compact size and absence of external control box, combined with exceptionally high levels of precision and reliability, give the HERMA 500 significant advantages over competing modules.

Capable of achieving labeling speeds up to 200m/min, the HERMA 500 can handle label widths between 80-320mm and roll diameters from 300–600mm. A wide range of interfaces are available, including Ethernet IP for seamless integration into Allen Bradley-based control systems. A 4.3” on-board touchscreen provides localized control, if required.

Herma 500 Label Applicator

HERMA also offers a “tamp” version of the HERMA 500, which incorporates a patented moving dispensing beak that allows the unit to achieve placement accuracy of better than +/- 1/64, even with very small labels. This iteration is widely used in assembly machines for medical devices and similar applications.

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Linear Motion Robotics

2021

SPRING 2021

81

IAI America, Inc. 2690 W 237th Street, Torrance, CA 90505 Phone: 800/736-1712 Email: info@iaius.com www.intelligentactuator.com Founded in Shimizu, Japan in 1976, Intelligent Actuator Incorporated (IAI) has over forty years of experience in the design and manufacture of customized medical and industrial robotics. Built on “Quality and Innovation,” IAI is a leader in the research and development of advanced energy efficient and affordable Electric Actuators, Cartesian, SCARA, and Tabletop robots. From entry-level to high-speed models, IAI provides complete programmable systems and components to fulfill all of your medical testing and industrial production needs.

IAI expedites delivery by stocking hundreds of electric actuator components that are easily combinable to meet precise customer specifications. This production method reduces turnaround time to a minimum and provides complete pre-assembled products ready for use upon delivery. Customizable options based on specified applications include: Size/ footprint, speed/acceleration, payload, XYZ-ZR-axis configurations, and orientation of actuators. Straight forward programming language and pre-formatted products make it easy to integrate all IAI products with other components and to be up and running quickly.

IAI is proud to be in the forefront of technology that supports the medical community in the fight against disease and future health crises. Please contact IAI today to see how we can help you move forward with advanced innovation.

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82

2021

SPRING 2021

Linear Motion Machine Components Machine Control

igus® PO Box 14349 • East Providence, RI 02914 Phone: 800/521-2747 Email: sales@igus.com www.igus.com igus® has been manufacturing engineered plastics for more than 50 years, and develops each of the materials and all technology behind its products. Committed to using its innovative polymer materials to develop products that provide creative solutions and exceed customer expectations while delivering fast, accurate service, igus’ polymer blends are used throughout its range of product lines of cable carriers, plastic bushings, spherical bearings, and linear bearings, guides, and slide tables. With constant advancement and technological breakthroughs, igus is continually expanding its range of materials, and performs rigorous testing to ensure every product meets and exceeds industry standards. igus engineers develop more than 100 new polymer compounds each year for use in its self- lubricating linear guide systems and bearings. Each of these materials is tested extensively in the igus lab in Cologne, Germany. More than 10,000 tests are conducted on each material to analyze tribological properties, wear resistance, and more, and all results are placed into an extensive material database. Using this data, igus engineers can offer a precise prediction of the lifetime for bearings and linear systems in nearly any given application. igus for packaging and processing manufacturers: drylin® linear solutions and iglide® plastic bearings offer 100% self-lubricating, maintenance- free, and oil and grease-free operation at an overall cost savings when compared to metal linear and plain bearing systems. From single bearings, lead screws, or carriages, to custom motorized systems and with stainless, FDA and EU compliant options available, there is an igus® bearing solution available for nearly any application in the packaging and processing industries.

Contact our team of product experts for help with your application, or choose from a selection of online tools to select your ideal system, calculate lifetime, download CAD files, and more.

White papers, application examples, videos and more available at toolbox.igus.com/packaging

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Drives & Motors Linear Motion Machine Components

2021

SPRING 2021

83

Kollmorgen 203 Rock Rd W, Radford, VA 24141 USA Phone: 540/633-3545 Email: support@kollmorgen.com www.kollmorgen.com Kollmorgen is a brand of Altra Industrial Motion with more than 100 years of motion experience. We deliver breakthrough solutions to help food and beverage OEMs and processors create more ambitious hygienic machine designs with more capable engineering and more confident delivery to every facility around the globe.

More Ambitious Design for Hygienic Motion.

Food and beverage producers are under constant pressure to maximize uptime and minimize product giveaway while ensuring food safety. Among Kollmorgen’s hygienic motion solutions are AKMH 316L stainless steel servo motors; AKD-N IP67 decentralized servo drives; and vented, washdown-ready cables. These solutions and more enable better control over filling and slicing accuracy, faster and more thorough washdown, and longerlasting performance for a more resilient and profitable production line.

More Capable Engineering for Every Machine.

Kollmorgen provides the widest range of standard products to meet the needs of your entire product line, and we can easily modify products to achieve special requirements. Our products are compatible with the leading control systems and drives used throughout the food and beverage industry. And we offer the know-how of senior engineers with decades of proven food and beverage experience.

More Confident Delivery for Every Facility.

Kollmorgen products meet the highest national and international safety standards. Our selfguided design tools, co-engineering expertise, and personalized support help you realize your project exactly as envisioned. And with our global footprint of manufacturing, design, application and service centers, you always have dependable access to the industry’s most highly respected motion solutions.

Engineer the Exceptional with Kollmorgen.

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84

2021

SPRING 2021

Conveying Machine Components Machine Control

LEISTER TECHNOLOGIES LLC 1275 Hamilton Pkwy., Itasca, IL 60143 USA Phone: 630/760-1000 Email: info.usa@leister.com www.leister.us Leister Technologies offers affordable and reliable industrial heating solutions like heaters, blowers and hot air blowers for manufacturers. The company’s products can aid users in increasing cost- effectiveness and efficiency of their process systems. Whether for activating, heating, deflashing, melting, shrinking, sterilizing, drying, or warming, Leister has a solution for your industrial process. Try a MISTRAL or HOTWIND hot air blower with a nozzle to serve as an air knife to blow water off your products during production or to create a simple shrink tunnel when applying tamper evident seals prior to packaging. Pair one or multiple Leister air heaters with a high pressure blower to provide additional heat to a larger area within your production line. Is gate vestige, flash or problematic stringing an issue for you? No problem, place a Leister hot air blower in your process to quickly and easily deflash or remove any remnant plastic.

Hot Air for Industrial Processes - Wherever you need heat, Leister Technologies provides high quality hot-air blowers, air heaters and blowers, including a new line of air recirculation equipment. With a wide range of applications—include activating, heating, curing, melting, shrinking, welding, sterilizing, drying and warming to name a few, Leister offers the appropriate solution.

Quality Management - As an innovator, Leister commits to transparent and consistent quality management. Leister Technologies AG is certified to comply with ISO9001 quality standards. All processes are regularly audited and improved upon to comply with all quality-relevant criteria; therefore, our products enjoy a reputation of providing reliable service even after years of use and/or adverse conditions.

Testing and Certification - Our products are designed and developed to comply with nationally and internationally recognized standards. These include both product-specific— ISO, IEC, EN or UL—as well as application-specific standards. For our clients’ protection, tests are carried out by accredited, independent, test institutes.

Application and Laboratory Testing - Leister’s internal applications’ laboratory allows for comprehensive testing of all manufactured tools and equipment.

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Drives & Motors HMI and Operator Interfaces Machine Control

2021

SPRING 2021

85

LENZE 630 Douglas St., Uxbridge, MA, 01569 USA Phone: 800/217.9100 Email: info.us@lenze.com www.lenze.com “The best machines and production facilities around the world use Lenze.”

Lenze is a leading automation company for the machine-building industry, and a specialist in Motion Centric Automation. As a systems supplier with solutions competence, Lenze works with you to create high-quality mechatronic products and packages, powerful systems consisting of hardware and software for machine automation, as well as digitalization services in areas such as big data management, cloud or mobile solutions, and software for the Internet of Things (IoT). We are a reliable partner with the knowledge and expertise to provide you with the best overall solutions reducing machine development times and enabling faster time-to-market.

If you are looking to implement cutting-edge machines and plant concepts, or modernize existing installations, you can trust Lenze. We help you choose the best solutions, providing energy efficient drive dimensioning, and are with you through the steps of project planning, implementation, and commissioning. We make it easy for precise implementation of your machine tasks.

As a global manufacturer of electrical and mechanical drives, motion control and automation technology, we provide automation solutions to the following industries: consumer goods packaging, automotive, material handling and logistics, robotics, and commercial pumps/fans. With a global network of engineers, sales representatives, and manufacturing facilities, Lenze is well-positioned to meet the motion control needs of customers worldwide. Lenze Americas, a subsidiary of German-based Lenze SE, is headquartered in Uxbridge, Massachusetts.

See all the Partner Leaders at www.oemmagazine.org/leaders

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86

2021

SPRING 2021

Lubricants

Lubriplate Lubricants Company Newark, NJ 07105 / Toledo, OH 43605 USA Phone: 800-733-4755 Email: LubeXpert@lubriplate.com www.lubriplate.com Lubriplate Lubricants Company Advancing Lubrication for Over 150 Years.

Back in 1870, Lubriplate’s founders set out to make the highest quality, best performing lubricants available. In doing so, they helped pioneer the use of anti-wear additives that significantly increased lubricant performance through the years. Today, that innovative tradition continues with their complete line of ultra high-performance, 100% Synthetic, NSF H1 Registered, Food Grade Lubricants. Manufactured under strict NSF/ ISO 21469 Certified and ISO 9001 Registered quality control standards, these lubricants are formulated to deliver a number of significant, cost effective advantages, including; extended lube and fluid change intervals, multiple application capability, lubricant inventory consolidation and improved performance. Clean, safe and non-toxic, their use can eliminate lubrication as a critical control point in HACCP programs.

All Lubriplate Lubricants come with Lubriplate’s ESP Extra Services Package at no additional charge. Services include; a complimentary plant lubrication survey by a factory direct representative, color coded lubrication charts and machinery tags, a toll free technical support hotline and email, and follow-up lubricant analysis.

For more information contact: Lubriplate Lubricants Company Newark, NJ 07105 / Toledo, OH 43605 Phone: 800-733-4755 E-Mail: LubeXpert@lubriplate.com www.lubriplate.com

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HMIs and Operator Interfaces Machine Control Machine Components

2021

SPRING 2021

87

Maple Systems, Inc. 808 134th St., SW, Suite 120, Everett, WA 98204 USA Phone: 425/745-3229 Email: Sales@maplesystems.com www.maplesystems.com Founded in 1983, Maple Systems began as a small manufacturing company that built controller boards and embedded control systems. From that beginning, we’ve become a global leader in the operator interface industry, providing solutions for industrial, OEM, automation, and municipal applications.

Maple Systems is committed to quality, reliability, and affordability. Our products deliver the quality you deserve, the reliability you demand, with a value that will drive your growth.

Whether you create custom automation and integration solutions, or manufacture products that require 21st century control - We have the solutions and products you need to meet today’s demanding requirements.

Why Industry Leader?

Over the past 35+ years, we have continued to add new product lines and are proud to offer Basic, Advanced, and Smart HMIs, HMI+PLC models, Industrial Box and Panel PCs, and PLCs to our customers. With over three decades in business, and thousands of industrial applications under our belt, we have the solutions your business needs to be successful in 2020. Along with FREE technical support for our customers, FREE configuration software for most product lines, FAST in-house repairs, DEDICATED sales engineers, a 2 YEAR warranty on most of our products, and NO long-term service agreements required, we are proud to offer our customers the best value and customer service in the industry.

We will continue to offer new HMIs with the latest features (think IIoT, Wi-Fi, MQTT, OPC UA), continue to additional product lines, and offer new ways to serve our customers automation needs, including an updated eStore, reorganized support center, and online and in-person training.

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88

2021

SPRING 2021

Drives & Motors Machine Components Robotics

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC 500 Corporate Woods Pkwy., Vernon Hills, IL 60061 USA Phone: 847/478-2100 Email: Mitsubishi-Electric@meau.com us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en Mitsubishi Electric has a clear, defined goal behind its products and services: innovate smarter. With precision and performance-based servos and VFDs, advanced controllers, HMIs, and a complete line of smart factory robots, we can provide OEMs and end users with the most advanced machines or complete lines on a single automation platform.

Our commitment to quality and performance means machines built with our controls and drives run in top operating condition for a long lifetime. With real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance analytics, and continuous tuning, producers are able to run for extended periods without unplanned stoppage. In addition, we offer services to keep your equipment running at peak performance and to upgrade machines to bring new life to old equipment.

We empower innovators to create superior solutions by providing products that have unmatched levels of precision and ease of integration. We care about the success of your business; combine that with our know-how, products, and services, and you have the foundation for a trusted partnership that values quality, performance, and compatibility.

See all the Partner Leaders at www.oemmagazine.org/leaders

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Conveying Linear Motion Machine Safety

2021

SPRING 2021

89

mk North America, Inc. 105-125 Highland Park Drive, Bloomfield, CT 06002 USA Phone: 860/769-5500 Email: info@mknorthamerica.com www.mkNorthAmerica.com mk North America offers a wide range of automation products from t-slot aluminum extrusions to robotic guards, and piece-handling conveyors to complete conveyor systems. mk believes in offering not only a better product, but also a better solution. At mk we engineer and design our solutions with this credo in mind, ensuring that the mk products provided meet and exceed the customer’s expectations.

Conveyor Solutions mk offers a wide range of piece-handling industrial conveyors for nearly any application in every industry. mk’s broad product offering includes flat belt and incline belt conveyors, curve belt conveyors, flexible flat top chain conveyors, as well as roller conveyors – powered and gravity, timing belt conveyors and a wide array of chain conveyors. mk also specializes in offering modified standard and truly unique one-of-a-kind conveyor solutions.

At mk we can provide single one-off conveyor solutions as well as an entire conveyor system capable to accumulating, singulating, transferring, rotating, and elevating products or pallets.

Aluminum Extrusion Solutions mk’s conveyors are unique in that they are built using the company’s very own line of t-slot aluminum extrusion. This ensures that all conveyor designs and builds are the most rugged, durable and long lasting in the industry. mk’s t-slot aluminum extrusions are stand-alone products ideal for guards, workstations, planning boards, storage systems and so much more. With more than 270 different cross sections mk has an aluminum extrusion for just about every industrial application.

Working with mk When you work with mk North America you are simply working with a conveyor or aluminum supplier, you are working with a partner. mk will work with you to develop the best possible solution and provide the best possible products for your unique application.

See all the Partner Leaders at www.oemmagazine.org/leaders

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90

2021

SPRING 2021

Conveying Machine Control Machine Components

MORRISON CONTAINER HANDLING 335 W. 194th Street, Glenwood, IL 60425 USA Phone: 708/756-6660 Email: info@morrison-chs.com www.morrison-chs.com Morrison Container Handling Solutions Designs Innovative Packaging Solutions – That Are All About Your Unique Container Handling Needs!

Innovation in pursuit of greater line efficiencies has kept Morrison Container Handling Solutions the leading manufacturer of custom container handling equipment for nearly 50 years. Utilizing a variety of our product lines to create a custom system for our customers unique container handling needs, we continue to manufacture timing screws, drive units, change parts, can openers, and auto adjust rails to address a variety of line related efficiency and productivity issues.

With PMMI Certified Trainers on staff, we fully back our customers with Support Built In®.

From design to manufacturing and installation, our team backs yours with support every step of the way, even years down the line. We’re your productivity partner.

Ask yourself: where does this container need to go? That’s where Morrison steps in, innovating the best path so you can focus on reducing changeover time and increasing overall line efficiency.

FEEDING | TURNING | GROUPING | TWISTING | INVERTING | COMBINING | DIVIDING Morrison has one clear objective: supplying you with the best custom solution to move your container where it needs to go, perfectly, every single time. No two containers are the same, so your handling systems shouldn’t be either.

Each custom designed solution never arrives for installation in your plant until it has been tested and approved. Leading the industry in fast service and expert follow-up, our experienced engineers often make “house calls,”working alongside your team to: diagnose problems, design and install solutions, and ensure smooth operation.

We look forward to engineering your next container handling solution!

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Conveyors HMIs and Operator Interfaces

2021

SPRING 2021

91

MULTI-CONVEYOR 25 Windustrial Road, P O Box 10, Winneconne, WI 54986 USA Phone: 800/236-7960 Email: info@multi-conv.com www.multi-conveyor.com As both a custom and standard plastic chain and belt conveyor equipment manufacturer, MultiConveyor’s products are multiple and unique. We specialize in OEE engineered products with complete concept, design, mechanical and electrical engineering or integration. We are a leader in the industry for what we do, that is not an opinion or a debate, just a humble fact.

Our goal is to provide a more functional, affordable conveyor while maximizing productivity or saving essential floor space in the process. When you work with Multi-Conveyor, you work with a team of experts including: Concept/Design: Our Designers and Mechanical Engineers factor in safety, ease of use, maintenance, space, longevity, sanitation and agency compliance (as required) using quality components, making sure to meet or exceed project scope requirements. We put new ideas in motion daily; each week we strive to improve department efficiencies; and each month we review equipment to build a better, more cost-effective product. That proficiency translates to quality, reliability and savings to our customers.

Engineering/Electrical: Our Electrical Engineers promote U.L. control panels, HMI’s, VFD’s, servo systems and are experts at OEM ancillary equipment integration. We bring technologydriven operator-to-controls communications for more efficient changeovers to feed various line, process, packaging, case packing and pallet forming configurations. Flexibility in product shapes, weights and sizes are matched for increased throughput and future expansion.

Project Management: Concise approval drawings clarify design and function of equipment prior to fabrication. We strive to facilitate the entire project, including unforeseen customer changes mid-stream, welcoming FAT’s during the entire process.

Even if you’re satisfied with your existing conveyor supplier, let us quote your next project.

Chances are we’ve already designed, engineered and built a system that’s similar to the project you’re working on right now ... or made one pretty damn close.

Visit www.multi-conveyor.com. Then, call us: 1-800-236-7960.

We look forward to working with you soon.

See all the Partner Leaders at www.oemmagazine.org/leaders

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92

2021

SPRING 2021

Coding/Marking Machine Components

NOVANTA 125 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730 USA Phone: 781/266-5700 Email: photonics@novanta.com www.novanta.com/technologies/photonics Novanta is trusted technology partner to medical and advanced industrial OEMs, with deep proprietary expertise in photonics, vision and precision motion technologies. We engineer mission-critical core components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance, enabling our customers to improve productivity, achieve breakthrough performance and enhance people’s lives. Through our globally recognized Novanta brands in advanced photonics, ARGES, Cambridge Technology, Laser Quantum and Synrad, we deliver tailored laser and beam delivery solutions to OEMs in a broad range of industrial and medical markets.

Novanta develops photonics solutions, specializing in cutting-edge components and subsystems for laser-based diagnostic, analytical, micromachining and fine material processing applications. Powerful lasers, coupled with advanced beam steering and intelligent subsystems incorporating software and controls, deliver extreme precision and performance, tailored to our customers’ demanding applications. Unlike other laser or beam delivery providers who are limited to one technology and cannot offer integrated solutions, we deliver optional solutions through collaborative approaches, developing pivotal laser-based components and seamless sub-systems.

Through our photonics technologies, we deliver finely tuned laser sources and beam delivery systems that enable customers to improve their process, increase productivity and achieve breakthrough performance. We bring unprecedented value to our customers through engineer-to-engineer collaboration, a wide range of application expertise, and state-of-the-art application labs.

To learn more about Novanta visit www.novanta.com.

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Machine Components Machine Safety Networking

2021

SPRING 2021

93

PATLITE (U.S.A.) Corporation 20130 S. Western Ave., Torrance, CA 90502 USA Phone: 310-328-3222 Email: sales@patlite.com www.patlite.com Equipment Monitoring Made Easy Since 1947, PATLITE has been committed to providing safety, security, and comfort to facilities throughout the world with innovative signaling devices. Some of the product offerings include programmable signal towers and audible alarms, IO-Link and PoEenabled devices, and wireless data acquisition systems which indicate statuses remotely and in real-time. Putting a focus on quality, PATLITE products are designed to be rugged and versatile, while considering IP-ratings and conformity to industry standards, as well as the ease-of-integration with existing infrastructure.

Effortless Setup with IO-Link Devices Standardizing factory devices into IO-Link allows for increased visibility of the overall production status, helping to enhance predicative maintenance and overall equipment effectiveness. It also eliminates the need for complex wiring or expensive interface converters, because the signaling devices can be installed and configured directly through an IO-Link master. PATLITE offers a range of IO-Link compatible devices such as the NE-IL and LR6-IL series.

The NE-IL is a multi-color beacon featuring a capacitive touch sensor. The 56mm-diameter compact beacon can display 7 colors in either a continuous or flashing pattern, as well as an 88dB buzzer tone. Its rugged housing is built to withstand harsh and demanding environments, and can even be operated with wet or gloved hands. The easy-to-control and versatile functions make these indicators ideal for pick-to-light and call button applications.

The LR6-IL is the IO-Link compatible version of PATLITE’s signature LR series signal tower. It has a completely modular design, making it easy to configurate with a full range of mounting options and accessories, including clear globe LEDs, a buzzer unit, and mounting brackets and poles. Additionally, the transmitter unit of the Wireless Data Acquisition System can be attached to the signal tower, enabling you to monitor your machines remotely and in real-time while also collecting the data for further analysis.

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94

2021

SPRING 2021

Coding/Marking Labeling

Paxton Products, an ITW Company 10125 Carver Road. Cincinnati, OH 45242 USA Phone: 800/441-7475 Email: sales@paxtonproducts.com www.paxtonproducts.com Paxton Products manufactures high efficiency centrifugal blowers and custom- engineered air delivery devices, used for drying, blow off, air rinsing and debris removal to improve product quality through better cleaning, labeling, marking & coding, and coating.

Centrifugal Blowers by Paxton are highly efficient, providing 150 - 1500 cfm of air at pressures of 30 - 100 inches of water. The new PX-series blowers achieve efficiencies up to 80%, generating more air power per horsepower than any other blower on the market, and reducing the horsepower required to do the job, with typically 5 - 10 hp reduction. Available in sizes from 3 - 20 hp, all Paxton blowers carry a full three-year warranty.

Air Delivery Devices are custom engineered to maximize drying, blow off and cleaning of products or surfaces. From a Cap Dryer and Can Dryer to an air knife design to air manifolds to our Pouch Dryer that effectively removes water from the top, bottom, and gusset, we’ll configure what’s needed for your application.

Paxton’s Ionized Air Rinsing System efficiently removes particulates, dust and contaminants using powerful ionization coupled with Paxton’s blowers and air delivery devices. Ionized air provides static control and elimination, so that dirt and dust do not adhere to surfaces. Paxton’s Ionized Air Rinsing System has been configured for a variety of applications: bottle and can rinsing for high and low speed lines; glass or PET bottles and jars, including the hard to clean narrow mouth PET and 2-liter bottles; removal of dust, debris, cuttings or shavings prior to coating, rolling or packaging. Using the Ionized Air Rinsing System’s innovation, Paxton improves cleaning quality of dairy cups and snack trays by eliminating dust and debris. Unlike other air rinsing systems, the Ionized Air Rinser Vac cleans the containers effectively without inversion of the containers.

The Power Dry Drying System is a pre-configured drying system, originally designed for date coding applications, but now setting the standard for a complete Air System that can be used for drying and blow off for a wide variety of cans, bottles and jars.

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HMIs and Operator Interfaces Machine Components Machine Control

2021

SPRING 2021

95

Pro-Face America 1050 Highland Drive, Suite D, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108 USA Phone: 734/477-0600 Email: customercare@profaceamerica.com www.profaceamerica.com

Pro-face is a leading global HMI supplier and offers the most reliable touchscreen operator interfaces and industrial computers in the automation solutions market.

Our core product offer includes Pro-face brand HMI software and hardware, and both panel and box style Industrial PCs. Pro-face offers dedicated and PC-based, open architecture, visualization and control systems. Our high powered, but easy to use software allows for a clear and functional operator interface.

An extensive connectivity to PLCs and industrial devices make Pro-face the best choice for your control solution. Our renowned product quality, start-to-finish support, and global reach are unsurpassed. Training, customization and solution design: our experience makes the difference.

Pro-face brand products have been installed on factory floors and in field operations worldwide. Today Pro-face still sets the HMI standard with state-of-the-art technology, efficient manufacturing, unparalleled testing, and global distribution and support.

We continually upgrade our offerings to help keep your HMI applications on the cutting edge.

Visit www.profaceamerica.com for more information.

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96

2021

SPRING 2021

Conveying

QC CONVEYORS 4057 Clough Woods Drive, Batavia, OH 45103 USA Phone: 513/753–6000 Email: sales@qcconveyors.com www.qcconveyors.com QC Conveyors, the industry leader in conveyor automation, strives to exceed the expectations of automation, packaging, medical/pharmaceutical and food processing professionals by offering superior design, products of the highest quality and world-class service. They provide a wide range of products based on aluminum, steel or stainless steel frames, offering single-source convenience for every application. Their products include flat belt conveyors, modular plastic chain conveyors, sanitary conveyors, and timing belt conveyors, with most offering a profile smaller than two inches, making them an ideal fit for almost any application.

QC Conveyors focuses on providing innovative, customer-focused solutions designed to make the jobs of end users easier. Their Automation Series belt conveyors feature tool-less Tension Release Tails that flip up with a push of a button to make belt changes and cleaning easier. Flextrac Series conveyors feature a modular design that tackles the curves and elevation changes of nearly any factory application, allowing space savings over straight conveyors. HydroClean Series conveyors can be completely disassembled for cleaning without any tools thanks to a unique series of pull pins.

All QC Conveyors’ products offer an industry-leading 10 Year Warranty. Their most popular products are available with a five day lead time through their Quick Ship program. QC Conveyors is also dedicated to leading the industry with customer-centric ordering and quoting technology. Customers can quote and configure conveyors online 24 hours a day with an easy-to-use configurator built around engineer-developed rules that ensure proper sizing and compatibility. Users can access manuals and generate replacement part quotes by simply looking up the conveyor’s serial number online.

See all the Partner Leaders at www.oemmagazine.org/leaders

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Drives & Motors Machine Components Machine Control

2021

SPRING 2021

97

SEW-EURODRIVE, INC. 1295 Old Spartanburg Hwy., Lyman, SC 29365 USA Phone: 864/439-7537 Email: cslyman@seweurodrive.com www.seweurodrive.com • www.ptpilot.com About SEW-EURODRIVE: As a world leader in drive technology and a pioneer in drivebased automation, SEW-EURODRIVE has established a reputation for quickly solving the most difficult power transmission and motion control challenges. They introduced the gearmotor in 1931. Since then, they have been bringing the best in drive technology to customers worldwide.

SEW-EURODRIVE offers much more than just components. They provide a complete solution from start to finish, including design expertise, project planning, software, commissioning, and worldwide support. SEW-EURODRIVE’s team of automation experts can solve even the most complex motion control challenges. Their knowledge and expertise is a huge advantage, especially for equipment manufacturers who have a difficult time recruiting or retaining engineers. Even companies with their own engineering team can benefit by allowing their engineers to be home with their families at nights and weekends instead of troubleshooting applications.

TorqLOC® Hollow Shaft Mounting System: SEW-EURODRIVE’s patented TorqLOC® mounting system is the premier choice for a hollow shaft connection. Its keyless, taper bushing design allows easy installation and removal, even after years of operation in a chemical or wash-down environment. It is perfect for applications where safety prohibits the use of belts and chains. Plus, its corrosion resistance and non-fretting design make it the perfect solution for wet environments. No need to cut the drive shaft to remove the gear unit! Unlike a shrink disc that requires a ground shaft with very high tolerance, TorqLOC can use standard stock material without additional machining. TorqLOC offers advantages to both the OEM and the end user by reducing costs for machining, inventory, and installation.

No wonder it is SEW- EURODRIVE’s best-selling shaft design!

Machinery in the food industry must endure harsh environments, and SEW-EURODRIVE has engineered a motor built specifically to meet those challenges. The DRN Series motor with an encapsulated stator and conduit box meets the demands of the food processing industry, where damp conditions and chemical washdown are standard. From customer experience, this design outlasts the competition in facilities such as poultry processing.

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98

2021

SPRING 2021

Machine Components

SLIDEWAYS, INC. 705 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605 USA Phone: 508/854-0799 Email: info@slideways.com www.slideways.com Slideways was founded in 1994 as a manufacturer of superior quality machined plastic components for the conveying, packaging and processing industries. We have built a reputation for reliable and responsive service with the flexible delivery of the correct part when it is required.

Our core products are used in food and beverage, pharmaceutical & bakery applications providing solutions that increase productivity and reduce cost. We specialize in conveyor equipment upgrades with quick turn-around providing increased productivity.

We provide solutions to your unique needs through: Engineering and Design support, precision Machining with state of the art CNC equipment, offering a Full Line of Standard Components, Wear Components and Guides, Structural and Support Conveyor Components, Bearings & Leveling Feet, Plastic Extrusions, Guide Rail and Adjusting Components Pre and Post Build Support & Service Including: Field Measurement and Templates, Review of Mating Parts, Delivery Assurance Slideways works with a wide array of machinable plastics offering the most advanced friction reducing, wear reducing, corrosion resistance and broad temperature range materials to suit most environments. We offer long and short run production with quick turn around.

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99

Marketing & Trade Show Management

2021

The Sourced Collective 4756 Banning Avenue, Suite 218, St. Paul, MN 55110 USA Phone: 612/940-5111 Email: hello@TheSourcedCollective.com www.TheSourcedCollective.com The Sourced Collective is a brand and marketing agency made up of packaging industry insiders. We work with our clients to develop and implement marketing strategies and collateral that enhance their messaging, improve engagement, and protect customer perception. From specific projects and marketing campaigns to fully outsourced services or fractional CMO work, our clients realize the benefits of working with professionals that already know the industry.

Brand Development: Knowing who you are provides guidance for all of your communication. It’s discovery, definition, positioning and strategy. It’s the identity, visual language and messaging that embody who you are as an organization, unique from your competition.

Services: Strategy - Brand Discovery, Brand Definition and Positioning, Brand Architecture Visual - Visual Language, Logo, Identity System Verbal - Message Platform, Naming, Tagline Support - Brand Guidelines, Brand Implementation Support Marketing: Brand expression is motion. It’s communicating who you are; marketing aligned to your brand strategy. It’s the consistent presentation of your organization through the channels and platforms that best reach your audiences.

Services: Strategy - Audience, Objectives, Tactics and Channels, Season of Content Campaigns - Brand Launch and Awareness, Product Support, Content Marketing Digital - Web Development, Social Media, Advertising, Email, SEO, Presentations Print - Brochures, Sell-Sheets, Collateral, Packaging, Advertising, Office Forms

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100

2021

SPRING 2021

Conveying

Span Tech Conveyors 1115 Cleveland Ave. Glasgow KY, 42142 USA Phone: 270/651-9166 Email: info@spantechllc.com www.spantechconveyors.com Span Tech leads the industry as an innovative material handling company. We are known throughout the world for our quality, reliability, and excellent customer service. Today we are recognized as a global leader in developing unique and customizable solutions for conveying applications.

Our customized solutions ensure that your products get where they need to be when they need to be there and with countless number of chain configurations the possibilities are endless. From changing elevation while curving to transferring, our conveyor solutions have been proven effective time and time again.

Need to integrate? No problem. Span Tech conveyors can be designed to integrate with almost any type of machinery, work station, or robotics. We do not shy away from your challenges, we embrace them. If solutions do not exist yet, we create them.

Our Core Industries Include: • Food & Beverage Production, Pharmaceuticals, Packaging, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Distribution, E-Commerce, Cosmetics Through product evolution and innovation, we provide our customers with the lowest total cost of ownership, as well as the longest service life available.

Contact us and let us show you how together we can Outlast, Outperform and Outdeliver the competition. We are committed to building the best conveyor systems possible. It’s more than a goal. –It’s how we do business.

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Conveying Drives & Motors Machine Components

2021

SPRING 2021

101

VDG (Van der Graaf) 13771 Cavaliere Drive, Shelby Township, MI 48315 USA Phone: 888/326-1476 Email: info@vandergraaf.com www.vandergraaf.com VDG is the industry leader in the design and manufacture of drum motors for all types of belt conveyor applications such as in packaging, warehousing, food processing, mining, aggregate, automotive, and airline, among others. VDG Drum Motors are available from 0.25hp to 500hp, with a wide range of belt speeds and lagging options to suit all types of material handling and processing systems.

The VDG Drum Motor encloses all drive components, including the motor, gear reducer and bearings inside the drum, eliminating hazards posed by external drive parts of conventional conveyor drives, increasing mechanical and electrical efficiency, increasing workforce safety, and maximizing space utilization. All components are designed for 80,000 hours of continuous operation under full load before maintenance. VDG Drum Motors do not require routine adjustments or regular maintenance cycles typically associated with conventional external belt drives.

VDG’s strong focus on sanitation and foreign material contamination concerns have placed the SSV Series Drum Motor at the forefront of food handling conveyor designs where sanitation is paramount. The SSV Drum Motor is manufactured with the belt profile machined directly onto the 316-stainless steel drum to drive modular, wire mesh, and monolithic thermoplastic conveyor belts without requiring sprockets. The innovative sprocketless SSV Drum Motor, features an IP69K rated sealing system that withstands up to 3,000 psi washdown pressure, and exceeds industry expectations in sanitation and operator safety.

The IntelliDrive™ Drum Motor with the i-Controller, has an integrated Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), provides conveyor drive data feedback, and controls belt speed either remotely or directly at the drum motor. It simplifies belt speed selection without the loss of torque or belt-pull, increasing the efficiency and the life of the electric motor. Most recently, VDG developed and patented the IronGrip™ lagging that has redefined the durability of the lagging and the belt, further extending the lifespan of the conveyor systems.

All VDG drum motors are manufactured in the USA and Canada since 1985, using cuttingedge production technology, ensuring quality, fast delivery and after sales support. With global representation and service centers throughout the USA, VDG offers customized conveyor drive solutions to a wide customer base.

See all the Partner Leaders at www.oemmagazine.org/leaders

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2/24/21 3:54 PM

Advertisement

102

2021

SPRING 2021

Sensors & Vision Machine Components Weighing

WIPOTEC NORTH AMERICA 700 Old Roswell Lakes Parkway, Suite 200, Roswell, GA 30076 USA Phone: 770/971-5414 Email: info.wipotec.usa@wipotec.com www.wipotec-wt.com WIPOTEC North America – weighing technology at its best: WIPOTEC North America is a subsidiary of the German weighing technology specialist WIPOTEC GmbH based in Kaiserslautern, Germany. WIPOTEC is a technology leader in the production of weighing and inspection systems. The company has a worldwide staff of over 1,000 employees, and subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and USA. The core business of WIPOTEC is the development, production and integration of ultra-fast precision Weigh Cells and high-tech weighing systems for high-speed applications.

WIPOTEC Weigh Cells are used in a wide range of industrial production processes.

Application examples include check weighing, product filling, dosing and price labeling systems, as well as integration into packaging machines. Furthermore, highly specific solutions, tailored to the needs of the customers, are implemented for the pharmaceutical industry to weigh capsules, tablets, syringes and vials, and in dry or wet food processing and packaging.

WIPOTEC Weigh Cells work according to the principle of Electro Magnetic Force Restoration (EMFR). They are based on the monoblock technology which makes them extremely precise and fast and enables them to render accurate weighing results even at highest speeds and under the most adverse conditions. Vibrations can be actively compensated within the weigh cell. The product range includes models which can weigh a mere microgram and others which can deal with loads up to 120 kg.

The heart of all WIPOTEC Weigh Cells is the monoblock, and it is manufactured in our in-house machining center using state-of-the-art CNC milling machines. The in-house development and project engineering departments enable the company to support unique customer requirements. For example, numerous combinations of infeed, outfeed and weighing conveyors are avialble for use with our weigh cells to provie complete weighing kits designed to easily integrate into OEM machines.

Certified to DIN EN ISO 9001.

See all the Partner Leaders at www.oemmagazine.org/leaders

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2/24/21 3:55 PM

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Drives & Motors Linear Motion Machine Components

2021

SPRING 2021

103

ZERO-MAX 13200 Sixth Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55441 USA Phone: 763/546-4300 Email: bmishuk@zero-max.com www.zero-max.com Redefining Innovation & Leadership. For over 70 years, Zero-Max, Inc. has been a leading provider of motion control and power transmission solutions worldwide. With strategic distribution points located throughout the world, Zero-Max can deliver your motion control component solution.

The Zero-Max brand is known throughout the world for its high quality and premium performance.

The Zero-Max team is committed to providing best in class service with passion. If the extensive standard product offering doesn’t provide exactly what you need, Zero-Max application specialists can engineer a solution to meet your unique requirements.

With many years of application experience Zero-Max excels in these areas: • Customized Solutions • Experienced Practical Application Advice • Responsive to our Customers Needs • Predictable High Quality • ISO 9001: 2015 Certified • Fast Delivery Zero-Max Primary Product lines are: Flexible Shaft Couplings and Torque Limiters for Servomotors, Linear Actuators, Wind Turbines, Printing Presses, Label Printing, Convrting Machines, Machine Tools, Test Equipment, Feedback devices, Packaging Machines, Process Equipment, Dynamometers, and other high performance applications. Variable Speed Mechanical Drives for Agricultural, Printing, Peristaltic Pumps, Food Processing, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, and many other applications. Overhung Load Adaptors for Timber Processing, Brush Clearing, Road Construction, Marine, and other rugged applications that need overhung load protection for hydraulic pumps and motors. Keyless Locking Bushings for Packaging, Processing, Tooling, Automated Assembly, and applications that would benefit from the unique qualities of a keyless locking bushing.

Contact us for more information regarding quality motion control components that can solve your most demanding motion requirements. Configurable 3D CAD downloads at www.zero-max.com

See all the Partner Leaders at www.oemmagazine.org/leaders

ZeroMax_2021.indd 1

2/23/21 3:05 PM

Having trouble keeping up with the latest packaging and processing trends?

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2/22/21 4:29 PM

NEW PRODUCTS

SPRING 2021

105

Robot Braking Distance Simulator ABB, new.abb.com/products/robotics

ABB’s RobotStudio offline programming and simulation software has been upgraded with a new virtual robot braking distance function designed to create an exact simulation of the real-world stopping distance of a robot. The new function uses ABB’s motion control technology to predict the robot’s movements with millimetric precision. This allows the exact movement of the robot to be simulated in RobotStudio, enabling the user to determine the correct size of the safety zone required, and the ideal location of features including light curtains, safety fencing, and controllers.

Ball Splines Eliminate Backlash NB Corporation, nbcorporation.com

NB Ball Splines have recirculating steel balls on the side of the outer race that are designed for high-speed rotation to eliminate backlash for applications that may require both linear motion and superior torque transmission. There are 6 different nut styles and the large surface area of ball contact with grooved shaft results in high load capacity.

Servo Drives

Beckhoff Automation, beckhoff.com/en-us Beckhoff’s ELM72xx EtherCAT servo drives deliver an output current (Irms) of up to 16 A at 48 V DC for the power supply. The ELM72xx modules’ metal housings provide optimum heat dissipation even at high output power as well as optimal shielding against electrical interference. The terminals can connect to other EtherCAT Terminals as a component of the Beckhoff I/O system. The functionality includes the direct connection of the motor, feedback, and brake via the convenient connector front end, an integrated absolute value interface and One Cable Technology (OCT).

Clean, safe conveying FlexLink’s high-performance production flow delivers results. Our solutions for the food and dairy industries are safe and modular with a one-week shorter ramp-up compared to the competition and reduced cleaning time by over 25%. The FlexLink offer, including conveying solutions, handling functions and line control, lowers your total cost of deployment, increasing your overall equipment effectiveness by one percent or more.

For more information call FlexLink on +1 610-973-

flexlink.com

FlexLink is part of Coesia, a group of innovation-based industrial solutions companies operating globally headquartered in Bologna, Italy. www.coesia.com

0121_Products.indd 105

2/24/21 10:52 AM

Strengthen your current team and build your future workforce.

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PMMI will match its member companies’ contributions up to: $10,000 per year for your North American multi-employee corporate training initiatives $50,000 per year to support educational programs in North America

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2/22/21 10:31 AM

AD INDEX

COMPANY AirTAC USA

SPRING 2021

107 PAGE # 6-7

ATI Industrial Automation

42

B&R Industrial Automation

Cover-2

Beckhoff Automation

25

Carleton Helical Technologies

33

CSS International

21

EAM-Mosca Corporation Encoder Products Company

108 59

ERIEZ Festo Corporation.

FlexLink Systems Inc. Heat and Control, Inc.

8 61 105 31

HERMA US Inc.

9

IAI America, Inc.

47

igus®

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Leister Technologies LLC

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Lenze

Cover-4

Lubriplate Lubricants Company

48

Maple Systems

39

Mitsubishi Electric

1

mk North America, Inc.

52

Morrison Container Handling

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Michigan State University School of Packaging

51

Multi-Conveyor

35

Novanta

19

Patlite (USA) Corporation

27

Paxton Products, an ITW Company PMMI

12 45

SEW Eurodrive, Inc.

3

Slideways, Inc.

4 28

Span Tech Conveyors

Wipotec North America Zero-Max

5 Front Cover 107 11

OEM Magazine (ISSN# 2377-293X) is a trademark application of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. OEM Magazine is published four times annually by PMMI with its publishing office, PMMI Media Group, located at 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60611; 312.222.1010; Fax: 312.222.1310. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL, and additional mailing offices. Copyright 2021 by PMMI. All rights reserved. Materials in this publication must not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Applications for a free subscription may be made online at www.oemmagazine.org/subscribe. Paid subscription rates per year are $80 in the U.S., $125 Canada and Mexico by surface mail; $200 Europe, $400 Far East and Australia by air mail. Single copy price in U.S. is $20. To subscribe or manage your subscription to OEM Magazine, visit www.oemmagazine.org/subscribe. Free digital edition available to qualified individuals outside the United States. POSTMASTER; Send address changes to OEM Magazine, 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 606113789. PRINTED IN USA by Quad Graphics. The opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of PMMI. Comments, questions and letters to the editor are welcome and can be sent to: support@oemmagazine.org. Mailing List: We make a portion of our mailing list available to reputable firms. If you would prefer that we don’t include your name, please write us at the Chicago, IL address.

Spring2021_OEM_AdIndex.indd 1

3$;721352'8&76 &20

34, 36, 55, 57, 104, 106, Cover-3

QC Conveyors

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107

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wipotec-wt.com info.wipotec.usa@wipotec.com

2/24/21 1:20 PM

108

SPRING 2021

FINAL THOUGHTS Jim Pittas, President & CEO, PMMI

Members Continue Rolling with the Punches We can see light at the end of the tunnel, but despite the rapid development of a vaccine, we are not yet out of the woods that are the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please take a few minutes and listen to Healthcare Packaging’s Director of Content Keren Sookne’s appearance on unPACKed with PMMI for a good overview of the vaccine process and the many ways packaging and processing contributed to its accelerated approval. Listen to the episode here: oemgo.to/vaccine Due to local restrictions in Mexico City, we have been forced to cancel the in-person EXPO PACK México 2021 (June 8-11, 2021 Expo Santa Fe), moving it to June of 2022. An online platform, Enlace EXPO PACK (June 8-9), will offer a robust Spanish-language education program, brought to you by Mundo PMMI, as well as alternative access to leading industry suppliers.

While it will not allow the opportunities we are used to from an in-person event, Enlace EXPO PACK will be the most comprehensive online event for the packaging and processing industry in Latin America, featuring product presentations on-demand and an extensive catalog of suppliers. Exhibitor showrooms will allow attendees to explore what’s new and connect with exhibitors to learn more about each product.

In February, we conducted our second virtual Vision 2025, bringing together OEMs, CPGs, and contract packagers to strategize and collaborate on priority packaging and processing operation goals in 2021. Our industry came together virtually and discussed their problems and how they are addressing them. We will follow a similar model for our Joint Committee Meeting in March, meeting virtually to accomplish our goals.

In the meantime, we continue to explore every opportunity to hold a hybrid Executive Leadership Conference. Still, we have plans in place for a hybrid Board of Directors meeting in mid-April. I applaud your continued willingness to roll with the punches while continuing to work together.

Our mission at PMMI has always been about supporting our members, and over the past year, you have been remarkable in your willingness to support our attempts to try new ways of approaching our staple offerings. So much so that despite a once in a century challenge, PMMI’s membership grew by 53 companies, and we now have 943 members working together to help ensure each other’s future.

We are determined to keep our industry moving forward and are excited as we prepare for the return of in-person events in 2021, with PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO 2021, Sept. 27-29 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO 2021 will be the only comprehensive packaging and processing event in the world in 2021 and PMMI is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and all federal, state, and local directives to ensure a safe and productive show.

I want to thank you again for your continued support and for sharing your learnings, and most importantly, your time with your peers and with us. It’s the collaboration amongst our members that have kept this industry strong.

Jim Pittas is the President & CEO of PMMI. He may be reached at jpittas@pmmi.org or at linkedin.com/in/jim-pittas-162ab79.

0121_FinalThoughts.indd 108

2/24/21 10:52 AM

THERE’S POWER IN

MEETING FACE TO FACE PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO 2021 Ǟ ɯȌɐ ˛ Ȍ Ȍ ɐȁǞ ɯ Ȍ ɐȁɨƵǞ ȁƵɩ ȌƮɐƧ ƊȁƮ ƧȌȁȁƵƧ ɩǞ ǘ ƦɐɯƵ Ǟȁٌ Ƶ Ȍȁ‫ ة‬Ɗ Ɗ ǘȌɩ ɐȁ ǞDzƵ Ɗȁɯ ƦƵǏȌ Ƶ‫ خ‬0ɮ ƊȁƮ ɯȌɐ ƵƊƧǘ Ɗ ǘǞ ɯƵƊ ᘦ Ȍȁ ɯ ƧȌǿ ƵǘƵȁ ǞɨƵ ƊƧDzƊǐǞȁǐ ƊȁƮ ȌƧƵ Ǟȁǐ ƵɨƵȁ ‫خ‬

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2/18/21 11:13 AM

NEW i550 protec frequency inverter for decentralized operations.

The i550 protec is exceptionally tough. Its NEMA 4X (IP66) protection rating makes it suitable for even the most demanding applications. Whether dusty or wet, indoors or outdoors – it can handle it all. The housing protects the technology – and performance remains excellent no matter the conditions. Offering a compact design, it’s also the first decentralized drive in the market with IO-Link Device Interface. www.Lenze.com

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2/18/21 11:12 AM