Engineered for the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry, Somic Packaging will introduce its 434 SuperFlex case packer at Pack Expo Las Vegas this fall. 

The machine features a compact footprint, magnetic levitation technology, and energy-efficient design, helping CPG manufacturers and co-packers improve efficiency while minimizing floor space requirements.

Somic Packaging, a subsidiary of Somic, the parent company based in Amerang, Germany, has U.S. headquarters in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. According to the company, the SuperFlex case packer is designed to address end-of-line automation with both versatility and precision.

“SuperFlex isn’t just a new case packer, it’s a new way of thinking about how case packing systems are designed, built, and delivered. Our most versatile and flexible machine is ready for anything and built for everything,” said Peter Fox, Somic Packaging’s CEO, in a statement.

Key features and energy-efficient technology

Somic says the SuperFlex can handle a variety of products, including upright stand-up pouches, wraparound cases, two-piece tray-and-cover formats, flat nested orientations, and more.

“We have it all covered. Think of it as one machine with infinite possibilities,” said Fox.

It features Somic’s CORAS planar technology with magnetic levitation for gentle product handling, flexible grouping, and energy efficiency.

The stainless-steel design includes high-safety doors with a 180-degree opening, allowing operators to use the full aisle space around the machine. An integrated electrical installation features a control and supply cabinet, so the machine operates more quietly.

Compact design and flexibility

SuperFlex’s compact design reduces production floor space requirements by up to 50% when compared to traditional, multi-component case packing systems, according to Somic.

“At Somic, we’ve always believed the best packaging machines are the ones that solve problems, not just pack products. SuperFlex is more than just a case packer; it’s a configurable platform which supports growth, change, and innovation,” said Fox.

Additionally, SuperFlex supports faster changeovers, helping CPG manufacturers manage the increasing number of SKUs and shorter production runs.

“There are times when a case specification changes completely, whether it’s a tray with a cover, an open-front display, or maybe a flat-pack orientation that requires alternating layers,” said Fox. “In many plants, this kind of change means new tooling and machinery or worse, such as an entirely new line.”

“Built on a single integrated platform, it is capable of producing virtually every major packaging configuration today’s retailers can think of,” said Fox.

By simplifying format changeovers, Somic says SuperFlex aims to reduce operational costs and serve as a future-proof solution.

Watch SuperFlex demonstrated in Las Vegas

Somic will demonstrate the SuperFlex daily from September 29 through October 1 in booth SU-26023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

To learn more about the SuperFlex, click here.