OEM Machine Technology

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Budweiser Talks Remote Access, Payment Terms, and Machine Design

As Anheuser-Busch responds to consumer demand for multipacks and seltzers— generating many more SKUs—OEMs become an important part of the business strategy.

Stephanie Neil, Editor-in-Chief

OEM magazine visited AnheuserBusch headquarters in St. Louis in July as part of PMMI’s Roadshow Series, hosted by nearby Barry-Wehmiller. Here, we sat down with Ken VonderHaar, global director of the Anheuser-Busch Can Division, at the Budweiser brewery to talk packaging and partnerships over an icecold beer.

You do both a high volume in glass and a high volume of cans. How do you balance the mix?

The mix shifted a lot during COVID19, where we had about 40% glass and 60% cans, and some percentage was kegs. And of course, during pandemic, all the bars and venues shut down, so a lot more people were taking their 30-packs of cans home. That shifted the mix a little bit more, to higher than 60% cans, but predominantly cans are the higher volume. Cans are continuing to trend up in volume, even before the pandemic, and COVID-19 accelerated that. It looks like cans is going to be the biggest growth package for us moving forward.

You cited that 40% of your workforce is of an age that could potentially retire at any time. Given a tightening labor market, what are you asking of your OEM partners in terms of how they design the machinery?

Essentially, we’re asking for simplicity.

Anheuser-Busch’s Michael Higgins, NAZ Capex Director (le ) and Ken VonderHaar, Global Director, Can Division speaking at the PMMI Roadshow.

We would like for all of the complexity to be under the hood, and we would like an operator interface that’s very simple, that’s easy to understand, and that our younger employees are able to interface with some type of video screens. We also look for set-up procedures that are built into the operator screen. And we’d love it if they could help with training our operators to do that, also.

Would you allow a machine builder to remotely manage your equipment on the plant floor?

It’s always a challenge with our IT team to remote into anything in the brewery. And that’s just because of the risk. I think the trend is there, and we have to figure out how to do that. And at the end of the day, yes, we want to do that. We need to figure out how to do that safely and try to do it in a manner that doesn’t put our operations at risk. We [currently] do that on some of our equipment, but it’s very limited, and it is on equipment that is not accessible to the whole network. So, we will have to figure out how to do that more with the packaging machinery providers.

When do you bring your machine builder partners into the internal conversations about sustainability, whether it’s energy efficient machines or new materials?

There are two efforts that we’re trying to do with regards to energy efficiency and sustainability. One is to make the current operation more sustainable and more energy efficient. And we absolutely need our equipment suppliers to come in and help us figure out how to minimize compressed air usage, how to reduce gas usage, and how to limit electricity usage. That is the first step. But to your point, we are approaching our new projects with earlier involvement with the suppliers and more of a partnering mindset than we have in the past. Back then, it was really a lump sum, competitive bid type of operation. And we still will do some of that. But in some of the more complex jobs, we will start choosing partners to deal with and then start figuring out what those machines look like to maximize flexibility, minimize complexity, have the training documentation in place, and, again, make the machine as simple as possible.

You mentioned that you are doing some new things in terms of rainbow packs or variety packs. Tell us about your early experiences cutting your teeth with new multipack lines, and what the balance of that will look like going forward, between doing that yourself vs. hiring that out to contract packing.

So we’ve installed two lines now that will make a variety pack. And, of course, a variety pack translates to a lot of SKUs that we have to run. We spent years studying what’s the right way to try to install a variety pack line. Do you depalletize or palletize a bunch of product for days and days? And you only make a brand change every three or four days on the filler, and then you mix it together?

The answer, we found out, was that wasn’t really the right solution from an economics perspective. What we’ve chosen to do is make lines with large, full-can accumulation systems on them. About every four hours, we will convert from flavor A

to flavor B, and C, and D. And then once we’re running flavor D, we will merge the other three flavors together into the packer and put them together into a variety pack.

We have two operations that do that. We have two different design concepts on how that is done. And as with anything, there are pros and cons to each design concept. But essentially, it’s full-can accumulation, and then we’re running it to the packer. What we have found, of course, is that adds great complexity. It increases our changeover time, and it reduces our yield for the line because we’re constantly changing to the new flavor.

And that’s always in competition with just getting highvolume brands out the door. You can run our high-volume brands—say, Bud Light—for a week. And the question is always a balance between how much of that do I want to do? How much do I want to let co-packers manage that complexity segment, versus how much do we want to do it in-house? And it really comes down to what is the cost of co-packing. And in some areas, the cost is fairly high, and it allows us to make a pretty significant investment in-house and make a good economic return ourselves. And in some other areas, it will not.

In the current labor environment, training is key, and you’ve made an investment in a bricks and mortar training facility. But with so many production facilities, each with so many lines, and so many different pieces of equipment across your enterprise, how do you select what equipment to purchase and install in the training facility?

We decide, for example, do we put [pneumatic scale] Angelus seamer in this training center or a Ferrum seamer? We decide that on a couple of factors. Number one, how many Angelus machines do I have versus Ferrum machines? And in this particular case, I have a lot of Angelus machines and only a few Ferrums. But it also depends on risk—if we’re having a lot of problems on a Ferrum because our people don’t know how to work on the machine, we will make a decision to put that machine into our training center. But for the most part, it’s based on where our biggest knowledge gaps are around daily operation, which means if there’s a machine that we have more of, we will tend to pick that one, since that one creates the most risk of downtime.

What’s the speed of recycling and circularity with your bottles and cans, as it relates to making your own or buying them from suppliers?

Once the consumer recycles the can, it’ll go back to the smelter. And the turnaround time with these operators is very short, or at least it can be very short. It’s at the point where smelters can turn that [recycled can] into a coil in just a matter of days, and a few days later get that coil back to us. And if we make a can in our can plant down in Arnold, Mo., 30 miles south of here in St. Louis, we will typically fill it [with beer] within a day of it being made. And then it’ll be on the market within a couple of days after that. Obviously, it depends on the aluminum supplier and when he wants to try to put recycled product into his work stream there, but it can be a very quick turnaround, and it’s infinitely reusable.

Payment terms, especially extended payment terms, are often a sore spot at the intersection of OEM and CPG, especially with large CPGs. How do Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser packaging operations approach their equipment vendor relationships with regards to extended payment terms?

We have certain targets around weighted average payment terms that are set by our Board of Directors. And we understand that long payment terms are not popular with our suppliers and really, quite honestly, we’re not trying to make things tough for our suppliers. We recognize that that is a burden there. But what we will try to do is work with the suppliers to try to perhaps change our progress payments, to try to get money earlier into the process. Or, generally speaking, try to partner with them a little bit more to work with better overall terms and conditions. Maybe not necessarily the payment terms, but say liability terms and that type of thing. Then we can work with them to make it an easier contract for them to sign.

Seltzers were a recent big trend for beverage manufacturers small and large. Will we see them keep growing, or give way to something new?

It’s hard to say what the next trend is because the consumer defines the next trend. We think that the seltzer market still has more legs to it—more flavors and that type of thing—but our innovations team is constantly working on all kinds of different brands and all kinds of different varieties to try to figure out what the next big thing is going to be. We’ll test market that and see what sticks.

So what’s the next big thing coming out of Budweiser on the packaging side of things?

We have a lot of new innovation that’s primarily around the package and the flexibility around the different types of packages. You will see us introducing, say in the next year or so, a completely new package for a machine that was developed in-house by Anheuser-Busch. It will be introduced into the market for some secondary packaging for bottles.

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Listen in to part of the conversation with VonderHaar here

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AI Vision Inspection

Advantech, Advantech.com Overview, overview.ai

Advantech and Overview have joined forces to offer manufacturers an end-to-end, artificial intelligence (AI) vision inspection solution. Advantech is a leading provider of industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and edge hardware technology. Overview, founded by Tesla automation engineers, develops vision inspection platforms leveraging deep learning to automate and improve inspection processes. The Snap Platform from Overview is an adaptable machine vision solution that handles everything from device management, algorithm development, product quality support, and traceability. When integrated with smart cameras, such as the Advantech ICAM-500, the Snap Platform automatically inspects from a PLC trigger, interval, or—in the case of video events—continuous capture. The Snap Platform saves all relevant process data and creates a traceable visual record of every unit. Data is catalogued for easy search and analysis. This not only helps with traceability, but also allows for the discovery of yield loss sources. Users can determine the root cause of losses with data post-processing. Embedded with Nvidia Jetson Nano modules, Advantech’s new ICAM-500 AI camera combines an industrial-grade image sensor, advanced LED lighting, and a variable focus lens with acquisition and AI computing capabilities. These features enable systems integrators and so ware vendors to integrate AI and machine vision into applications, while also efficiently performing AI automated optical inspection (AOI), AI optical character recognition (OCR), and object recognition at the edge.

Multi-Axis Cobot

Festo, festo.com/us/en/

Festo is in development of its multi-axis offering for Universal Robotics (UR) cobots. The certified UR system adds up to four axes of motion beyond the UR cobot six axes. This lowers customer engineering time and speeds startup as it arrives ready to install. No programming is involved in set up and no additional PLC is required, as multi-axes are configured through the UR HMI. Users simply set position, speed, and acceleration on the HMI or, using the URCap toolbar, move the axes in manual mode to configure motion. The multi-axis system features the Festo Motion Control Package (FMCP) for UR, which is a complete motion control panel for up to four axis motion. The FMCP is fully integrated with the UR cobot control panel and HMI and features a UR safety I/O and communications interface. In addition to a seventh axis used for linear transfer, the FMCP can control turning tables, automatic storage systems, conveyors, and transfer tables, all under the UR umbrella. The FMCP has extra space within the panel for future expansion and brackets for wall mounting, which reduces footprint. The seventh axis is also used for extending the range of action for a UR cobot in such applications as palletizing and machine tending. Festo EGC belt-driven or ball-screw linear axes comes equipped with a cobot mounting plate. The EGC has an energy chain for cable management and servo motor optimized for performance. Standard EGC axes are available in lengths of up to 8 m with up to 10 m axes available by request.

Compact Controller

Emerson, emerson.com/en-us/

Emerson recently release its PACSystems RSTi-EP CPE programmable automation controllers (PAC). This new family of compact PACs helps OEMs meet customer requirements by minimizing the need for specialized so ware engineering talent. CPE 200 controllers will deliver large programmable logic controller (PLC) capability in a small, cost-effective, IIoTready form factor so machine manufacturers do not need to sacrifice performance for price. To stay competitive, today’s OEM machine builders must provide equipment that is ready to support analytics and give end users competitive advantage through increased efficiency, speed, and quality. But they can struggle to program and deliver machine control systems on time and within budget with the performance, security, and flexible connectivity required. The secure-by-design controllers offer open communications through native, pre-licensed support for OPC UA Secure and other common industrial protocols for flexible connectivity over high-speed Gigabit Ethernet. IEC 61131 and C programming languages help engineers write and run the high-performance algorithms that enable proprietary production strategies and advanced automation technologies.

Servo Amplifiers

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en Made for OEMs designing machines with energy conservation in mind, Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s Melservo-J5D servo amplifiers are ideal for medium to large servo applications that require multiple drive units capable of managing regenerative energy. Available in 400V and 1kW to 7kW capacity, the amplifiers expand the existing drive capabilities for the Melservo-J5 portfolio and are compatible with Melservo-J5 servo motors (HK-KT/ST/RT/MT). In a typical common DC bus servo system, Melservo-J5D servo amplifiers are connected on a DC bus bar connected to a MR-CV power regeneration converter unit. The MR-CV converts 400VAC power to DC. Regenerative energy can then be shared among the different servo drives or recaptured and returned to the power supply, improving overall energy efficacy of a machine. When multiple MR-J5D-G4 drive units are connected to an MR-CV_4 power regeneration converter unit by a common DC bus connection, the regenerative power of one axis can be used for driving other axes, contributing to energy saving. The MR-CV can also return regenerative energy to the power supply for other power requirements. Common DC bus connection reduces overall wiring requirements and eliminates the need for multiple MCCB or MC branch protection devices. Cables are managed above and below the servo amplifier, enabling a clean panel design.

ASK Couplings

Miki Pulley, mikipulley-us.com

Miki Pulley stainless-steel ASK couplings feature a unique “sliced” body structure, making them an effective corrosion-resistant solution that can accommodate many types of misalignment. The one-piece ASK coupling design compensates all types of system misalignment in a sha -to-sha connection. The sliced design handles high rotation speeds in high temperature ranges experienced in food. The coupling offers exceptional torsional stiffness and strength and is designed to assure accurate sha rotation with precise control. The coupling is available in different materials that dampen conductive heat transfer from motor to output sha . Also important, the coupling provides limited sha misalignment to alleviate premature system bearing wear. The coupling’s aerodynamic profile decreases noise while optimizing performance at high speeds. Simple yet reliable, the ASK coupling is easily configurable to accommodate a wide range of distance between sha ends (DBSE). Bores can be arranged with clamp, taper-lock, or keyed styles for specific application requirements. Basic ASK coupling specifications are: • Maximum rpm: 11,500 • Maximum allowable torque: 295 -lbs (400 Nm) • Bore size range: 0.118 in. to 2.17 in. • Backlash: Zero • Ambient operating temperature: -40°F to 248°F

Shown: USI-Sonixs island system featuring SoniXs sealing technoloy, indexing head and strap lance.

Your Turn Key Strapping System Partner

When considering an end-of-line strapping system partner, choose the industry leader with 40 years experience.

Our machines easily integrate with other equipment in the packaging process, and our engineers collaborate with you for a hassle-free solution providing optimum performance and value. We’re committed to after-market service and support, continuing the relationship beyond the machine purchase.

Call today for a free in-plant survey or virtual consultation.

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Smart Pneumatic Indexing Plungers

JW Winco, jwwinco.com

JW Winco expands its indexing plungers’ range while adding new technical functionality. The latest addition, type GN 817.7, is pneumatically actuated and can be integrated seamlessly into automated processes thanks to state-of-the-art sensors. In addition to being pneumatically actuated, the part also detects both end positions with just a single sensor. The GN 817.7 can replace the manually operated indexing plunger, GN 817.6, without changing dimensions or signal processing. The new plunger can also be used in hard-to-reach locations and integrates into automated processes. The position detection is proven magnet technology with added innovation. Not only are both end positions now detectable, but they can also be individually defined. Perform the sensor teaching directly on-site with a small operating element on the sensor, held in place by a clip and supported by a cable. There are even LEDs for visual feedback. The other option for teaching is to use the convenient IO-Link feature via the system control unit. This standardized interface makes teaching easy and allows immediate replacement in the case of faults, significantly reducing downtime. The high signals upon reaching the respective end positions are transmi ed directly over the 4-pin M8 cable plug to the control unit of the system. The GN 817.7 is made of robust stainless steel and is available in four plunger diameters and three functional variants. The indexing plunger operates with pressures between 4 and 6 bar, while the IP 67-compliant sensor emits DC signals between 12 and 30 volts.

FINAL THOUGHTS

JIM PITTAS PRESIDENT & CEO, PMMI

Shifting into Catch Up Mode

Coming off another successful Annual Meeting, it’s clear from talking to members that supply chain issues remain a huge topic of concern as we clear the third quarter. Our PMMI Business Intelligence’s How’s Business Report serves as nearly realtime analysis of the packaging industry. From Q1 to Q2, it reports that supply chain disruptions increased from an already astronomical 97% to an almost unheard-of 99%. It remains the most significant indicator that the impact of the pandemic is clearly not entirely in our rearview mirror and the number one issue in our industry. The number two topic of choice may come as a bit of a surprise after the past year plus of constant orders and pent-up demand, but we are also hearing/ seeing from business indicators that business is slowing a bit. Of course, any talk of slowing must be taken with a grain of salt for many in the packaging and processing sector, which saw record years in both revenue and orders. This gradual return to normal is something that can be viewed as a good thing when framed correctly. Many PMMI members point to the leveling out as an opportunity to get caught up on current orders. While business was indeed good for nearly two years, it was so good that lead times became stretched into the future, beyond what the industry is typically comfortable with. As long as it doesn’t last too long, the pause will allow more time for the supply chain to turn the corner, making it a perfect time to restock on critical parts. The evolving business landscape also sets the stage for the return of PACK EXPO International (McCormick Place, Chicago, Oct. 23-26) for the first time since 2018. Absence alone makes the return exciting, but it also presents the best opportunity in the world this year for packaging and processing decision makers to come together and flesh out solutions, plan future projects, and simply reconnect with each other. Recognizing the industry’s desire to reconnect, we have already set a new record for association partners, with 41 coming on board. Our Association Partner Plus participants are also holding ancillary events and meetings in conjunction with the show as part of our new Industry Meets program. These courses, events, conferences, and networking opportunities allow a more robust and comprehensive offering to the entire supply chain and continue our efforts to bring the whole industry together under one roof. This doesn’t even include our new Emerging Brands Summit occurring during PACK EXPO International which will bring together new brands with experts in manufacturing and packaging to develop a blueprint to scale operations. This will draw those companies looking for ways to best produce and package new products and brands currently in production, looking to expand or scale up operations. Exhibitors we have spoken to also expect a continuation of the recent trend seen at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, and EXPO PACK Mexico of actual “project in the works” level leads vs. attendees just looking to see what’s out there. Attendee registration has tracked consistently since registration opened, and so far, we are seeing numbers at or above the 2018 show year to date. Although it’s too early to predict where we will end up, we know right now that buyers attending will have actual challenges they are dealing with in the hopes that our members and other exhibitors can offer timely solutions. As a native Chicagoan, I know I can’t wait to return to McCormick Place for PACK EXPO International, and I hope to see all of you there as well.

Upcoming Trade Shows

PACK EXPO International, Oct. 23-26, 2022, McCormick Place, Chicago PACK EXPO Guadalajara, June 13-15, 2023, Expo Guadalajara, Mexico PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Sept. 11-13, 2023, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas PACK EXPO East, March 18-20, 2024 Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia

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

OEM INSIDER

October 23–26, 2022 • Chicago, IL

Reconnect at PACK EXPO International to experience the latest innovations that can move your business forward. With so much changing over the last year, you need to see and experience it all in Chicago!

OEM Insider helps you engage with the industry, see the latest innovations, and nd solutions direct from experts at the most comprehensive packaging and processing event in the world in 2022!

*This guide features a selection of participating exhibitors with relevant products as of press time. View the full exhibitor line-up and complete product listings online at www.PackExpo.com.

Alphabetical company placements may be adjusted for space consideration as needed.

Contents

Beckhoff Automation .......................................74 Dorner ..............................................................75 Encoder Products Company ...........................75 Eriez ..................................................................75 Fenner Precision Polymers ...............................76 HERMA US .........................................................76 igus ...................................................................77 ISM ....................................................................77 JW Winco .........................................................78 Lenze Americas ................................................78 Morrison Container Handling Solutions ..........78 Multi-Conveyor .................................................79 PATLITE (U.S.A.) Corporation ............................79 Paxton Products ...............................................79 POBO, Inc. .........................................................80 Pro-face ............................................................80 QC Conveyors ..................................................81 Slideways .........................................................81 SMC Corporation of America ..........................82 Takex ................................................................82 Tolomatic, Inc. ..................................................82 Turck .................................................................83 VDG (Van der Graaf) .......................................83

Visit Us at Booth #S-3822 Beckhoff Automation

XPlanar®: Agile packaging machines with adaptive automation XPlanar from Beckho is here to completely transform your packaging machines with adaptive manufacturing technology. Via Flying Motion, XPlanar movers fl oat and fl y freely above planar tiles arranged in customizable layouts that enable extremely fl exible, precise and agile packaging applications.

www.beckho .com/packexpo

Featured Products Include: Levitating and fl ying movers, 6 degrees of freedom and countless tile path options.

Visit Us at Booths N-5725, EB-67 Dorner

Transforming Conveyor Automation See Dorner’s innovative conveyor solutions. With our complete line of customizable stainless steel and aluminum conveyor systems, Dorner can provide solutions for almost any conveyor need. Be sure to stop by our booth to see our brand new products debuting for the fi rst time at PACK EXPO!

www.dornerconveyors.com

Featured Products Include: FlexMove, Edge Roller Tech., Sanitary Systems, Custom Engineered Solutions, Pallet Systems

Encoder Products Company

Booth S-4026 Linear Motion, Machine Components, Machine Control

EPC specializes in precision motion feedback for packaging functions like bottling, label inspection, date coding, product rejection, and more. Our encoders are designed to provide reliable motion feedback while withstanding washdown, heat, and vibration.

www.encoder.com

Quality You Can Rely On

Exceptional Customer Service

Industry Leading Three-year Warranty

• Incremental Rotary Encoders • Absolute Encoders • Linear Measurement Solutions

EPC is a global manufacturer of motion sensing devices. We are vertically integrated and have been US-based for over 50 years.

Visit Us at PACK EXPO Booth #N-5214

Eriez

Feeding & Conveying, Inspection & Detection Whether your operation requires a heavy-duty feeder for bulk material handling, or a sanitary rapid-cycling feeder to package snack foods, Eriez o ers specifi c vibratory equipment to meet your needs. Select from low-profi le mechanical feeders to high-speed electromagnetic units to match your application. These same drive systems are available for conveying and screening applications.

www.eriez.com

Featured Products Include: Variable speed controls, high speed packaging units and high defl ection models for di cult product

Visit Us At PACK EXPO CHICAGO

Lakeside Upper Hall Booth #7020 Fenner Precision Polymers

Fenner Drives Fenner Precision Polymers is home to a trusted family of brands, like Fenner Drives and Lumsden, in manufacturing products for polymetric, metal and textile-based industries. R&D behind our Lumsden metal conveyor belting features greater strength and minimal stretch. Eagle® High Tension O-rings and Eagle® Orange Poly-V Belts represent just a couple of the workhorses in our stable of power transmission products.

www.FennerDrives.com • www.lumsdencorp.com

Featured Products Include: Lumsden Sidewinder Belts, Eagle® High-Tension O-Rings, and Eagle® Orange Belts

HERMA US

Booth W-17016 Package Machinery, Machine Components

The fastest and most accurate label applicator

The HERMA 500 Label Applicator is an IOT-enabled machine utilizing real-time metrics to optimize production e ciency and consistency even in a multi-factory setting. Capable of achieving labeling speeds up to 6 ft/min the E M can handle label widths between 3-1 inches and roll diameters from 11 3 inches.

www.herma.us

PACK EXPO Exhibitors using our products:

Bellatrx - Booth# S-1637, W-18032

Pineberry Manufacturing - Booth# S-1525

• Power • Flexible • Highly Connected

The HERMA 500 also off ers an industrial-grade ethernet connection and is available for quick turnaround.

igus®

Booth #LU-7847 Packaging Machinery, Machine Components, Linear Motion, Drives and Motors igus® is a leading, global manufacturer of engineered plastic components that are self-lubricating & maintenance-free. Our products include polymer bearings, linear slides, cable carriers & more. Contact us today to discuss solutions for your project. Designed for the specifi c needs of the packaging industry, such as food hygiene, FDA and/or EU-compliance, we supply dryrunning, corrosion-resistant machine components made from high-performance plastics to help optimize your packaging machines.

www.igus.com

Maintenance-Free • Predictable Service Life

• No Contamination from Lubricants

igus® uses its innovative polymers to develop creative solutions & exceeds customers’ expectations with fast, accurate service.

Visit Us At PACK EXPO CHICAGO

North Hall

Booth #5018 ISM

End your search, simplify your supply chain Our goal is to be your trusted source of miniature pneumatic fl ow control fi ttings, fi lters, and valves. For 40 years, ISM has supported OEMs and manufacturers of automated systems. We’ve expanded by partnering with United Silicone. Their thermally conductive silicone heat seal tooling o ers improved seal integrity and higher production yields. Connect with our experienced team at booth N-5018.

www.industrialspec.com

Featured Products Include: Silicone heat seal tooling, pneumatic fi ttings, inline fi ltration, value add services

Visit Us at PACK EXPO Booth #LU-8249

JW Winco

JW Winco – A Market Leader in Standard Parts With over 75,000 standard parts available, JW Winco o ers the highest possible product availability & customer service. Adjustable levers, handles, knobs, hinges, conveyor components, leveling mounts, indexing plungers, jig, fi xtures, clamps, casters, & more. Standard Parts. Easy. Essential. Winco.

www.jwwinco.com

Featured Products Include: Metal detectable parts - visible to the human eye & optical monitoring systems.

Lenze Americas

Booth #N-5239 Motion Control and Machine Automation Technology; Electromechanical Drives Lenze is a leading automation company for the machinebuilding industry, and a specialist in Motion Centric Automation. As a systems supplier with solutions competence, we develop high-quality mechatronic products and packages; powerful hardware and so ware for machine automation systems; and digital services for data management, cloud/mobile solutions, and IIoT so ware.

Smart Servo Axis – a smart, scalable drive solution. The combination of an i950 servo inverter, m850 synchronous motor, and g700 planetary gearbox – easy-to-handle and facilitates cost-e ective and fl exible production processes. The i950, with greater computing power and integrated EtherCAT-Port, makes it possible to control multiple axes synchronously at high speed to complete complex tasks.

Featured Products: X4 Remote Cloud Solution, i550 protec NEMA 4X Frequency Inverter, i950 Multi-talented Servo Inverter.

www.lenze.com

Visit Us at PACK EXPO Booth #N-4906

Morrison Container Handling Solutions

Grow with Morrison as your Container Handling Expert Morrison is the expert in container handling, allowing OEMs to focus on and optimize the other critical aspects of their application and machine. With over 25 engineers on the team, we o er a wide range of solutions that pair well with your equipment to make it run more e ciently and give you an edge up on your competition when it comes to positive control of containers.

www.morrison-chs.com

Featured Products Include: Timing screws, change parts, timing screw drive units, combiners/dividers, vertical denesters

Visit us at Booth #S-3401 Multi-Conveyor

Our engineers make sure your systems “talk” We provide technology driven operator-to-controls communications in functional engineering designs. HMI interface and servos provide faster, more e cient changeovers to feed a myriad of product shapes or sizes; overall packaging; case packing; and pallet forming confi gurations.

www.multi-conveyor.com

Featured Products Include: OEE quality-built, reliable conveyors, for maximum productivity in reduced overall footprint.

Visit Us at PACK EXPO Booth #S-1440

PATLITE (U.S.A.) Corporation

Optimize Operational Performance With IO-Link Solutions Adapt to the industry standard with IO-Link-enabled solutions from PATLITE. Choose from the compact NE-IL or the fully modular LR6-IL to streamline operational performance, reduce costs and wiring and enable remote monitoring. With IO-Link products from PATLITE, the standard is set.

www.patlite.com

Featured Products Include: Modular Signal Towers, Network Connected Signaling Devices, Programmable Signal Towers

Visit Us At PACK EXPO CHICAGO

North Hall

Booth #5117 Paxton Products

Booth #N-5117 Air Delivery Devices Paxton Products, an ITW Company, provides high e ciency centrifugal blowers and air delivery devices for blow o and drying applications, with unmatched engineering expertise and an industry best warranty with 100% performance guarantee.

Featured Products: CapDryer, CanDryer, Ionizing Can Rinser Manifold, Ionizing Bottle Rinser Manifold, and sampling of other air delivery devices.

https://www.paxtonproducts.com

Visit Us At PACK EXPO CHICAGO

North Hall

Booth #6038 POBCO, Inc.

POBCO Inc. is celebrating 93 years as a successful manufacturing business in Worcester, MA. POBCO remains a 4th generation, family-owned business with a growing employee family. Current ownership and employees emulate the work ethic and dedication of our predecessors. POBCO recognizes that we are competing globally with quality suppliers of conveyor components. We appreciate every opportunity to quote and every order we earn. POBCO standard and custom products are made from plastics (bearing-grade and food-grade) and lube-filled hardwood. These products include bearings, wear strips, rollers, guide rails, chain guides and conveyor components. We look forward to supporting your engineers, manufacturing team, and purchasing agents.

www.pobcoplastics.com

Visit Us At PACK EXPO CHICAGO

Lakeside Upper Hall Booth #7243 Pro-face

The Proven Leader in HMIs and Industrial PCs Pro-face sets the HMI standard with state-of-the-art technology, e cient manufacturing, unparalleled testing, and global distribution and support. Our core product o er includes Pro-face brand HMI so ware and hardware, and both panel and box style Industrial PCs. Pro-face o ers dedicated and PC-based, open architecture, visualization and control systems. Our high powered, but easy to use so ware allows for a clear and functional operator interface. 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 di erence. Pro-face brand products have been installed on factory floors and in field operations worldwide. Proface sets the HMI standard with state-of-the-art technology, e cient manufacturing, unparalleled testing, and global distribution and support. We continually upgrade our o erings to help keep your HMI applications on the cutting edge. www.profaceamerica.com.com

Featured Products Include: Outdoor HMIs, Modular HMIs, HMI Development So ware, IPCs, Product Customization

Visit Us at PACK EXPO Booth #EB-23 • S-3653

QC Conveyors

Conveyors & Conveyor Systems Designed for simple integration, ease of use, and long-term reliability, you can feel confident when incorporating QC Conveyors’ products into your machinery. A dedicated team of OEM experts can help find the right conveyor for your application, including custom ready-to-install packages.

www.qcconveyors.com

Featured Products Include: Conveyors: Belt, Modular Plastic Chain, Sanitary, Curved Belt, Steel Frame, Aluminum Frame

Slideways

Booth #N-5047 Plastic Parts for Conveyors and Machinery Slideways manufactures standard and custom plastic parts and components for the conveying, packaging, and processing industries. We utilize a range of advanced mechanical plastics that provide wear and friction reduction as well as corrosion and temperature resistance. Our responsive and experienced engineering team works with you to nd a solution for your demanding applications and deadlines.

www.slideways.com

Guide Rails

Conveyor Components

Belt & Chain Guides

Plastic Chain Tracks

Extruded Profiles

Be a part of the 2023 Leaders in Packaging program, featuring year-round digital and print exposure to your best prospects. Reserve your spot now to get maximum results.

SMC Corporation of America

Booth S-3982 Pneumatics; Machine Control; Machine Safety

SMC has several products with IO-Link connectivity. IO-Link is the first standardized IO technology worldwide (IEC 61131-9) for the communication with sensors and also actuators. The powerful point-to-point communication is based on the long established 3-wire sensor and actuator connection without additional requirements regarding the cable material. SMC provides a line up of pressure switches / flow switches / actuator position sensors / Electro-pneumatic regulators / step controllers / Master fieldbus control for IO-Link..

www.smcusa.com

Digital Pressure Switches

Actuator Position Sensors

Electro-Pneumatic Regulator

Visit Us at PACK EXPO Booth #N-5165

Visit us at Booth #N-4627

Takex

Security and Industrial Sensors As part of the prestigious Takenaka Sensor group in Japan, TAKEX is the leading manufacturer of Security and Industrial Sensors for a demanding global market.

www.takex.com

Tolomatic, Inc.

Clean, Continuous Control Improve e ciency, quality and yield with Tolomatic hygienic actuators. Stainless steel IP69K and clean-in-place flexibility, plus 27/7 reliability for high duty cycle, deliver clean, continuous control. Download our white paper: 5 tips for hygienic design.

www.Tolomatic.com/hygienic

Featured Products Include: Hygienically designed electric linear rod-style actuators and integrated servo linear actuators.

Visit Us At PACK EXPO CHICAGO

North Hall

Booth #4923 Turck

Sensors, Connectivity, Fieldbus Technology & RFID Turck is a pioneer in automation technology, providing customers with a comprehensive line of rugged and reliable industrial sensors, connectivity, fieldbus technology and RFID solutions. Turck has built global partnerships with customers based on its engineering expertise, flexibility and willingness to take on engineering challenges that others won’t. When others say no, Turck finds a way.

www.turck.us

Featured Products Include: Re-designed M12 connectors, high-speed can detection sensor and wash-down-rated HMI.

Visit Us at PACK EXPO Booth #S-3566

VDG (Van der Graaf)

E cient, Reliable & Space Saving Conveyor Drive Explore VDG’s innovative conveyor drives for belt conveyors, designed, and manufactured in-house in USA using cutting edge production technology, ensuring product quality, fast delivery, and exceptional customer support. Maintenance-free VDG Drum Motors are built for longevity and reliability.

www.vandergraaf.com

Featured Products Include: Synchronous Permanent Magnet Drum Motor, Standard Series & Hygienic SSV Series Drum Motor

Be a part of the 2023 Leaders in Packaging program, featuring year-round digital and print exposure to your best prospects. Reserve your spot now to get maximum results.

ATI Industrial Automation http://www.ati-ia.com

Beckhoff Automation http://www.beckhoff.com

CSS International http://www.cssintl.com

Eam-Mosca Corporation https://www.eammosca.com

Eriez Magnetics http://www.eriez.com

Fuji Electric Corp. of America americas.fujielectric.com/pinnacle-oem

Hamrick Packaging Systems http://www.hamrickmfg.com

HERMA US Inc. https://www.herma.us

igus http://www.igus.com

Kondracki Group http://www.kondrackigroup.com

Leister Technologies LLC http://www.leister.com

Lenze Americas http://www.lenze.com

Lubriplate Lubricants http://www.lubriplate.com

Morrison Container Handling Solutions http://www.morrison-chs.com

Norgren, Inc. www.norgren.com

Novanta http://celeramotion.com

PATLITE® www.patlite.com

Paxton Products http://www.paxtonproducts.com

Pepperl + Fuchs https://www.pepperl-fuchs.com/usa/en/index.htm 44

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39 PACK EXPO International Chicago 2022 http://www.packexpointernational.com

PACK EXPO Emerging Brands Summit http://www.emergingbrandssummit.com

PMMI 365 http://www.pmmi.org

PMMI Business Intelligence http://www.pmmi.org

PACK EXPO International Las Vegas 2023 http://www.packexpolasvegas.com

PMMI Media Group Custom Research http://www.pmmi.org

PMMI University—Industry Training http://www.pmmimediagroup.com

POBCO, Inc. http://www.pobcoplastics.com

Schneider Electric http://www.schneider-electric.us/go/packaging

Slideways, Inc. http://www.slideways.com

SMC Corporation of America http://www.smcusa.com

Span Tech LLC http://www.spantechconveyors.com

TAKEX America Inc. https://takex.com/

VDG http://www.vandergraaf.com

VEGA Americas http://www.vega.com

Wipotec North America https://www.wipotec-wt.com

Yaskawa America, Inc. http://www.yaskawa.com

Zero Max www.zero-max.com Cov-3

Cov-1

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