Tim Koenig WINGMEN Media GmbH
Anticipation continues to build ahead of when SOMIC Packaging, Inc. formally introduces its next generation case packing platform at PACK Expo Las Vegas, September 29-October 1. When the 434 SuperFlex is demonstrated daily in booth SU-26023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, it will become quite clear it is more than simply a new case packer.
“It’s about giving plant managers, packaging engineers, and CPG brand teams the confidence to pursue new markets, win new customers, and navigate packaging shifts without fearing production bottlenecks. If you’ve ever lost sleep over a last minute spec change or stared down a plant layout wondering how to fit just one more line, SuperFlex was built for you,” said SOMIC Packaging CEO, Peter Fox, who acknowledged that his sales team has already received orders for the machine.
The 434 Superflex is designed to tackle the challenges associated with end-of-line automation today, tomorrow, and in the future. In addition to offering unparalleled precision and flexibility within a compact amount of space, attendees will discover how it is adaptable to answer the everchanging nature of retail business packaging.
Traditionally, automated packaging equipment has followed a design-to-order process. With each new machine, engineers begin with a blank slate and tailor the system to a specific case use. A labor intensive sequence that can take 12-18 months or longer involves custom design, systems engineering, project management, procurement, manufacturing and assembly, commissioning, and factory acceptance testing (FAT).
Fox says the 434 SuperFlex flips this model on its head.
“With SuperFlex, we’ve streamlined this process. We can now configure, build, and ship these machines in a fraction of the time it used to take,” explained Fox, a 35-year packaging industry veteran who indicated that all final machine assemblies for North American customers will take place at SOMIC Packaging’s Minnesota headquarters.
SOMIC has standardized the majority of the SuperFlex platform’s architecture. Using a modular, configurable design and a library of pre-engineered assemblies, 80% of the machine is already designed and engineered based on the SOMIC 434 platform. The remaining 20%, which is the portion that requires customization, is configured to match a customer’s specific packaging application. This configured-to-order approach drastically cuts engineering time and accelerates delivery to the customer.
“The base case packer consists of a standardized platform, which is especially important in reducing the time for complex or novel configuration applications,” added Fox. “The unique primary package collection and grouping requirements are accomplished by using proven standard functional groups configured in the collection module of the machine. This customized module is then seamlessly integrated with the 434 case packer module.”
Fox said the SuperFlex is all about saying ‘Yes’ to change, with added benefits that improves packaging for today’s demands.
“SuperFlex is also built to scale. As more manufacturers adopt flexible pouches, new snack formats, or multi-pack bundles, this machine can adapt to support those products with minimal engineering lift. In time, we see SuperFlex becoming a foundational system across a wide range of market segments, from dairy foods, candy and confectionary items, to baking mixes, beverages, and pet treats.”
Fox said scheduling a personal demonstration of the 434 SuperFlex at the show can be done by contacting a SOMIC regional sales manager via email, or by calling 651-419-6050.