The first integrated packaging line featuring Endoline Automation’s case erecting technology has already been sold by Hamrick Packaging Systems ahead of its debut at PACK EXPO, highlighting growing US demand for automation capable of handling smaller and undersized case formats.
Visitors to Booth N-5510 will still be able to see the sold line in operation during the show, where the Endoline 227 Case Erector will be integrated with Hamrick’s automated packaging technology before the complete system is installed at J. Strickland & Co.’s manufacturing facility in Mississippi.
The order represents the first commercial milestone for the partnership between Endoline and Hamrick, which was established specifically in response to an increasing number of US customer projects involving smaller case formats and the need for proven case erecting technology capable of handling them reliably at the required production speeds.
Jordan Hamrick, President & CEO of Hamrick Packaging Systems, explains: “We’re increasingly seeing more undersized boxes coming through our customer projects, and there are relatively few proven case erecting solutions in the US market capable of handling these smaller formats at the speeds we require. That’s what initially led us to Endoline Automation.
“We invested in the first machine before we had an order for it because we could see the requirement in the market. To have now sold that machine before we’ve even taken the line to PACK EXPO gives us confidence that we’re addressing a genuine customer need.”
Hamrick’s relationship with J. Strickland spans several years, with the packaging machinery specialist already supplying a number of automated systems to the haircare manufacturer.
The latest investment will further automate its end-of-line operation, combining the Endoline case erector with Hamrick’s packing, sealing and robotic palletising technology.
The application will handle small haircare containers which are shrink bundled into packs of three, with four bundles subsequently packed into a 12-pack master case.
For Hamrick, the Endoline partnership forms part of a wider strategy to offer customers complete, integrated end-of-line automation. While historically recognised for its drop packing technology, Hamrick has expanded its capabilities to encompass integrated systems incorporating case erecting, packing, sealing, palletising and associated automation.
The two companies also share a similar approach to engineering. Both are third-generation, family-owned businesses with decades of packaging machinery experience and a strong emphasis on equipment quality, reliability, technical support and long-term customer relationships. These shared values were central to the original partnership announcement.
James Ramsay, Export Sales Manager at Endoline Automation, comments: “When we announced our partnership with Hamrick, one of the opportunities we identified was the growing requirement for reliable case erecting solutions capable of handling smaller case formats. Securing the first order ahead of PACK EXPO demonstrates that this is a very real requirement in the North American market.
“By combining our case erecting expertise with Hamrick’s integration capabilities and local service network, we can provide manufacturers with flexible, integrated end-of-line automation that meets the changing demands of modern production.”
Visitors to PACK EXPO, Booth N-5510, will be able to see the Endoline 227 Case Erector integrated with Hamrick packaging technology and meet both teams to discuss how case erecting and case sealing technology can be incorporated into new and existing packaging lines.
For further information on any of Endoline’s extensive range of machines, please contact Endoline on +44 (0) 1767 316422, email [email protected], or follow Endoline on LinkedIn.
