EAGAN, MINN. —SOMIC America will display the latest version of its ReadyPack two-piece packaging machine at PACK EXPO later this month.

The packaging system is fully automated and compact, requiring 70 square feet of floor space. It is available as a tray or wraparound packer, SOMIC stated, and can collate, carton and close similarly to the company’s proprietary 424 machines. This ReadyPack solution, however, is designed for slower outputs up to 160 products per minute. For carton tray applications, the capacity is 18 units per minute, and for wraparound carons it is 12 units per minute.

“The number of different products and packaging tasks for food, non-food, healthcare and other markets continues to grow,” said Peter Fox, senior vice president of sales at SOMIC. “It’s a much larger universe since PACK EXPO Las Vegas took place in 2019. Combine these developments with the current labor shortage many manufacturers are experiencing with a lack of skilled workers, and the need for a cost-effective case packer like ReadyPack or a custom built 424 model is greater than ever before.”

The machine will demonstrate on the show floor by running GOYA Foods products in stand-up pouches. The system’s new middle-speed design is “completely different” from when it was first introduced at PACK EXPO in 2019, according to Fox.

“We are looking forward to getting back in front of the crowds at PACK Expo and running products on the ReadyPack. It was a really electric atmosphere here last time and I expect there will be a lot of energy and excitement all three days of this show,” Fox said. “What’s different for us now is our customers understand that with Retail-Ready packaging, shelf presentation means everything. They tested the waters with ReadyPack and found success with a flexible, entry level and very user-friendly machine.”

PACK EXPO 2021 is scheduled from Sept. 27 to 29 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. SOMIC America will exhibit at booth SL6460.

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