Author: Ron Crews

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How to Implement an OEE Program

Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) programs help to guarantee that packaging equipment in facilities works the way it should, operating without any lack of efficiency that can cause downtime. OEE is a great way to carefully monitor facilities to determine how effective they are, and facilities can either rely on software to perform detailed analytics, or measure effectiveness manually.

The Basics of OEE

There are three basic aspects of OEE to consider when getting started on an OEE program. These areas include: availability, performance, and quality. OEE Availability is the specific ratio between scheduled run time and actual run time, without including lunches, breaks and other exceptions when a packaging line may be down. OEE Performance is the ratio between the number of units that a facility can potentially produce and the actual number that is produced, and the former is what packaging equipment is designed to achieve. OEE Quality is the ratio between the total units to be produced at the start of production and the actual number of good units produced.

While these aspects may at first appear to be simple, it can be difficult to implement these aspects in your business and use them to your advantage. You should first determine if your business needs OEE.

Determining if OEE is Right for You

There are several factors that you should consider before implementing an OEE program. You should consider a program if:

  • Your company has competitors
  • Your competitors have OEE programs in their operation
  • Your competitors are more profitable than you
  • Can redistribute money saved with reduced operating costs
  • If your company truly requires OEE to increase profits

If these are relevant factors, you should consider implementing an OEE program to improve packaging line operations.

Implementing an OEE Program with a Packaging Equipment Company

If you believe your business can benefit from an OEE program, you should consider consulting packaging professionals with experience who can effectively train your staff. An OEE program with a packaging equipment company will not only improve the efficiency of your current packaging equipment with a better understanding of measurements, but will also serve as a training program that improves the productivity of your packaging line operators and maintenance staff.

The implementation of an OEE program could take weeks to months, depending on the size of your packaging line operation. During implementation of the OEE program, experts will work with your staff in order to help increase line speeds, productivity, reductions in yield losses, and overall efficiency of operations.

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Who Will Buy My Used Packaging Line Machines?

Unneeded packaging machinery can make your packaging line less efficient, and selling it isn’t always an easy task when you don’t know where to find a buyer. As long as your packaging equipment is functional, a good packaging equipment company will be able to purchase and refurbish it for future use in another facility. The selling and buying of used packaging line machines serves the industry in several ways.

Lowered Costs of Manufacturing Packaging Equipment

One of the benefits that a packaging machine company should recognize is the lowered cost associated with the circulation of used equipment. Less money is spent on resources to fabricate new packaging machines, and packaging facility owners won’t spend as much when purchasing used machines. Used packaging machinery is restored to function as efficiently as a newer model, while some companies can refurbish equipment entirely at a buyer’s request.

Less Consumption of Resources

As previously mentioned, the selling and purchasing of used packaging machinery lowers the costs associated with manufacturing new equipment, but this is also good for environmental reasons. The reselling of used packaging equipment allows large machines to experience longer periods of use, contributing less waste. Less energy and other resources are required for fabricating new equipment as well. An environmentally conscious company will acknowledge this.

Make Money Back When Closing Facilities or Opening New Ones

Another benefit to selling used packaging machinery is the fact that facility owners can recover costs when shutting down a production line. Production line managers can use the money recovered from selling used machinery to cover some of the costs of newer equipment, or invest that money in the move to a new facility.

Many packaging facilities can take advantage of your unneeded used packaging line equipment as long as it’s still operational. Whether it’s a VFFS or HFFS packaging machine, scale mezzanine, cartoning machine, palletizer or conveyor, if your packaging machine still functions, you can sell this equipment to a packaging company that buys and sells used packaging machinery.
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Why is Operator Training for Packaging Machinery so Important?

A product packaging facility requires machinery that is durable and efficient, but packaging equipment only works as well as its operator. If production line operators aren’t entirely knowledgeable about certain machines, they may not notice issues with the machines’ functions and won’t know how to properly maintain the equipment. Operator training programs will keep all of your operators qualified to run your facility, meeting your performance standards.

These are some of the reasons why operator training is vital to the functionality of your entire packaging line.

Operators Will Know What Issues Your Equipment Faces

When packaging line operators learn how to properly operate the specific machinery in your facility, they will be able to operate it effectively and subsequently understand the possible issues that can occur. They will know how the machines work when fully operational, and if any component is noticeably inefficient in performance or broken down, they can properly identify the issue to address it immediately before downtime becomes a larger problem.

Keep Packaging Machines Maintained

In addition to identifying performance issues and breakdowns, a trained packaging machine operator will be able to maintain machinery for optimal performance, ensuring that your entire packaging line is performing to your standards. Operators will understand your company’s goals and what it takes to keep machines running the way they should, with no setbacks in performance. Not all packaging machines are alike in design; when purchasing new equipment for your facility, operators should undergo training to learn the ins and outs of these machines as well.

Operators Will Learn How to Continually Improve

Along with knowledge about how to run, maintain and troubleshoot packaging equipment, professional operator training programs will also teach packaging machine operators how to measure their performance and take steps to improve. They will better understand their value in your packaging facility as well as the value of putting in extra effort in their performance. They’ll also know about the financial harm that poor operation of equipment can cause. Because of this knowledge, operators will be able to identify any weak points that they can improve upon.

A packaging machine operator should receive training that will keep them on top of both the machinery and their own overall performance, working to keep your facility running with minimal issues.
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How to Plan Packaging Equipment Maintenance

In order to keep your packaging line running efficiently with minimal breakdowns, it’s important to create an effective packaging equipment maintenance plan. Packaging line managers don’t often take or even have the time to make sure that their equipment is in good shape, but a malfunctioning or worn machine can severely hinder the production line’s performance. Here are some steps to take when planning a maintenance schedule that works for you.

Review Equipment Priorities

Before you schedule maintenance for your packaging equipment, you should determine which machinery is most important to inspect. The more vital a packaging machine is to your production line, the more frequently you should inspect it for potential issues. Equipment that is used most often in the packaging process should also undergo more frequent inspections to look for wear.

Set Performance Goals to Achieve and Maintain

When forming a realistic packaging equipment maintenance plan, production line managers should figure out exactly how they want their line to perform and attempt to both achieve and maintain that level of performance. With consistent scheduled maintenance checks, you can ensure that there are no weak points in the packaging line system that could decrease efficiency.

Determining performance goals should be based on the end results you want to see with your packaging line. Periodic inspections will help make sure each machine’s performance is meeting your facility’s standards.

Turn to Professional Packaging Equipment Maintenance Experts

Packaging line managers don’t often have enough time to regularly check their equipment, and may wind up with nonfunctioning equipment that results in costly downtime. Packaging machinery maintenance experts can work with you to help come up with an equipment maintenance plan that works best based on your personal schedule and performance goals. They will also have the knowledge and experience to thoroughly inspect every machine component and accurately identify any issues. At the same time, having experts help maintain packaging lines allows managers to focus more on their business goals without distraction.

A good packaging machine company will not only provide high quality new and used equipment, but also understand the specific maintenance needs of each machine and help maintain them. With a realistic custom packaging equipment maintenance plan put into place, your packaging process will achieve its full potential, and managing your packaging line will be less stressful overall.
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How to Optimize Your Production Line Efficiency

There are several factors production line personnel should consider in order to maximize production line efficiency and minimize downtime. From the packaging equipment itself to the people who operate it, there are steps you should take to ensure that your packaging line is working the way it should at all times.

Keep Packaging Machines Well Maintained

In order to make sure that packaging machinery is performing optimally, packaging line managers should perform routine maintenance checks. Packaging machinery that undergoes heavy use can wear over time, and once a machine fails it can result in detrimental downtime.

To avoid the frustrations, repair or replacement costs, and loss of money from downtime that can result from ill-maintained packaging line equipment, you can optimize production line efficiency by either scheduling a preventative maintenance schedule or sign up for a packaging machine maintenance program. Taking care of packaging machinery is often time-consuming, but with experts available to inspect it periodically there will be a lowered risk of breakdown.

Replace Faulty or Unneeded Packaging Equipment

When a machine is no longer able to meet your packaging line’s standards in performance, you should replace it as soon as possible. Purchasing a replacement may be expensive, but it won’t be as costly as the downtime that can arise otherwise. You can always cut costs by purchasing used packaging line machinery as well. Used machinery helps eliminate the need for the fabrication of newer equipment and consumption of resources, and a reliable packaging equipment company will ensure that the machinery works as if it were new.

Packaging machinery that isn’t required in a facility does nothing to improve production line efficiency. In order to improve efficiency, you should get rid of unnecessary equipment and either sell it for a profit or replace it with a machine that can actually help your production line.

Make Sure Packaging Line Operators are Properly Trained

Operational packaging equipment only works as well as its operators, which is why each operator should understand how every machine in your facility works. They should know about signs of malfunctioning equipment and be able to keep the machinery functioning when the line is operational.

Every part of a production line needs to work cohesively in order to maximize production line efficiency. Any weak point can hold the line back and subsequently harm the business, so it’s important to take these steps to keep your facility running the right way.

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Combi: Food-Safe Packaging Leader

Since 1979, Combi Packaging Systems, located in Canton, Ohio, has been providing packaging equipment for their industrial customers across the globe. In 1999, Combi entered into a joint venture with other proven leaders in the industry—the Packaging Systems Division of 3M and Siat SpA, an Italian equipment manufacturer—to better meet the needs of their customers.

Industries Served by Combi

Combi is a truly diverse packaging company. Employing a first-rate team of mechanical and electrical engineers, the company designs and manufactures a variety of packaging solutions including robotic packaging, hand-packing stations, stretch wrappers and case packers. The industries that are served by this company range the gamut of those that are most in demand in the world today and include the following:

  • baking
  • personal care products
  • hardware
  • household consumer
  • automotive
  • pet food and treats
  • chemical
  • beverage
  • contract packaging
  • food
  • nutraceutical
  • medical supplies
  • food service disposables
  • pharmaceutical

Overview of the Types of Packaging Combi Offers

Combi is an innovative thought leader in its industry and understands that not one type of packaging equipment is right for everyone. They offer a range of different types of equipment that help ensure that you can find a solution to your packaging issues including:

  • hand packing stations that rely on ergonomics to protect workers while ensuring that productivity remains high
  • case erectors and loaders help ensure that your product is loaded in a manner that is consistent with its use so that it arrives at its destination in pristine condition
  • robotic packaging that provides options such as an entire palletizing station, a case erector and robotic packing arm

High Performance Packaging Group Chooses Combi

Because High Performance Packaging Group is committed to providing only top quality packaging solutions to their customers, they only carry high-quality used packaging systems including ones from Combi. Schedule a consultation with the experts at High Performance Packaging Group and they can help you find the used packaging solutions for your business today. If you have any questions about these or any of our other machines, contact us anytime—we’re happy to give you more information about any of the equipment we sell.

 

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Top Reasons Why Used Packaging Equipment is the Right Choice for Your Business

Your packaging equipment takes up a sizeable chunk of your business’s budget. Incurring hefty repair fees—along with the necessary parts—can quickly gobble up your profits. This does not even take into account the income you lose while a machine is down due to it needing repairs— again. If you have been thinking about replacing your present equipment—or you find yourself becoming frustrated about yet another packaging machine that needs repair—consider purchasing used equipment.

Cost Effective

Of course, your bottom line is important when it comes to ensuring that your business is successful. This is a key reason why purchasing used VFFS packaging equipment or used HFFS packaging equipment is such a fantastic idea. You can get clean, high-performance packaging equipment that has been fully tested while paying only pennies on the dollar when compared to the price of new.

Modern Equipment

While the equipment that High Performance Packaging Group sells is used, it is never outdated. Instead, the well-known brands that are on the forefront of cutting edge technology are the materials that they specialize in. Computer-based interfaces, precision components and proprietary equipment ensure that you have the latest machinery that has been proven—time and again—to deliver high performance and increased productivity.

Rigorously Tested

Each piece of equipment that High Performance Packaging Group sells has been thoroughly analyzed to determine its condition. After this process has been completed, the necessary equipment is replaced and put through a regiment of rigorous testing before being offered for sale.

You are Never Alone

Once you contact High Performance Packaging Group, you have access to their superior customer service. They spend time consulting with you, analyzing your most challenging packaging issues and providing you with a range of solutions that are designed to increase your profits and productivity while lowering your blood pressure and stress level. High Performance Packaging Group also provides extensive training and fine-tuning to ensure that your used packaging equipment is meeting your needs.

For an efficient and valuable addition to your packaging line, consider used equipment from High Performance Packaging. If you have any questions about our machines, contact us anytime—we’re happy to give you more information about any of the equipment we sell.

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Matrix Packaging Machinery: Industry Leader Profile

Matrix Packaging Machinery got its start in 1988 as a part of Pro Mach Brands. In addition to Matrix, the Pro Mach family provides innovative packaging solutions that are applicable to the beverage, food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries. Pro Mach Brands provides this through an extensive array of world-renown brands that are known for their reliability and cost effectiveness.

Matrix Overview

Matrix Packaging Machinery is a worldwide leader in the industry of packaging systems that are rugged, easy-to-use, precision engineered and cost effective. Specializing in VFFS packaging equipment, Matrix systems rely on simplicity when appropriate and embrace sophistication in actions and mechanisms when the circumstances demand it. They offer a range of different systems that are designed to provide customers with the equipment they need to reduce down time while increasing productivity. These includes:

  • FLtecnics Rollstock Pouch Packaging which offers multiple package styles and sizes that run on a single machine
  •  Inever Stickpack and Sachet Packaging Equipment specializes in packaging for the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries
  • Toyo Jidoki Pre-Made Pouch Machines provides companies worldwide with the best in flexible pouch packaging

The Matrix Philosophy And Why It Works

Using components that are non-proprietary allows Matrix VFFS equipment to be quickly and easily repaired to reduce downtime. The integrated user interface that is included on many Matrix systems allow for the seamless, hands-on training of employees and can be manipulated to meet the changing needs of any plant. Stainless steel construction ensures that even the strictest of sanitation codes will be met while the Smart Jaw technology is quick, precise, responsive and cost effective.

High Performance Packaging Group Offers Used Matrix Systems

High Performance Packaging Group is proud to offer used Matrix equipment, including used VFFS packaging, to its customers as a way for them to experience the efficiency of the company in an affordable environment that allows for packaging line improvements. HP also services all Matrix systems in order to keep your business running smoothly.

For more information about Matrix equipment or any of our other machines, contact us today. We’re happy to discuss any of our machines, and if you do decide to purchase from us, we also offer training programs to ensure your staff is prepared when the machine is installed.

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Thinking of Upgrading Your Packaging Machinery? Here’s How to do it Right

Your packaging machinery is the backbone of your business. Without the right equipment, the productivity of your employees plummets dramatically, cutting into your profits. The same can be said about using equipment that is hopelessly outdated or that keeps breaking down, requiring downtime as well as pricey repairs. Whether your business is meeting its profitability targets as planned or you want to give it the extra push to reach those goals, upgrading your plant floor with used VFFS packaging equipment or used HFFS packaging equipment can help you do so.

A Hefty Investment

There is no doubt about it—upgrading your packaging equipment can be a large expense for your business—especially if you purchase all new equipment. You can cut down considerably on the amount that you spend by replacing all or even part of your equipment with used equipment. With the technological advances of today, used equipment is able to be restored to the same high standards—or better—that ensure its continued peak performance for you and your business.

Make Your Old Equipment Continue to Work for You

Even when you are ready to upgrade, you can continue to make your investment in your old equipment work for you. By selling your used equipment to High Performance Packaging Group, you can recoup some of your capital and use it toward upgrading your equipment. Not only will you have packaging equipment that is more timely and cost effective, you won’t be taking a total loss on your used equipment either. It is a winning solution that can enable you to make your budget work more effectively for the betterment of your company.

High Performance Packaging Group specializes in providing top-quality used equipment for today’s cutting edge industries. Their technicians specialize in the support and installation of the packaging equipment that best suits your needs. In addition, they offer assessments of your current operations so that you can enjoy PEAK performance and top-notch employee training.

Purchasing used VFFS packaging equipment or used HFFS packaging equipment from High Performance Packaging will net you a high quality machine at an affordable price. For more information about used VFFS OR HFFS or any of the other packaging machines in our inventory, contact us today.

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Does Your Packaging Line Need Shrink Bundling Machinery?

In today’s day and age, the safer a product is—especially food products—the better. When it comes to choosing packaging methods for food products, utilizing shrink bundling is often a choice for many companies, simply because it ensures a higher level of safety when shipping off products for retail sale. Additionally, it is a less expensive method of packaging, and protects products from harmful environmental conditions, thus improving the products’ marketability. If you’ve been looking for a way to make your production line more efficient and your products safer for your customers, shrink bundling machinery may be the way to do both.

Types of Shrink Bundling Machines

There are a variety of different machines that fall under the category of shrink bundling, including shrink tunnel machinery, shrink wrappers and more. Some of the brands offered at High Performance Packaging include Conflex Shanklin, Eastey, Extreme, Shanklin, Preferred Packaging, Arpac, and more. In addition to shrink-wrapping individual item, these machines can wrap boxes, trays and bundles of multiple products. Bundlers are available in many different styles and configurations, including inline flow, right-angled infeed, horizontal Z-flow, vertical Z-flow and flight bar, to name a few.

Industries that Utilize Shrink Bundling Equipment

Shrink bundling machinery can collate bottles, bags, stacked cartons, cans, paper products, building supplies and much more. Shrink bundlers can be custom designed to package a range of different products across many different industries such as:

  • Food
  • Beverages
  • Personal care
  • Household care
  • Automotive products
  • Roofing and building materials

If you’re unsure of what type of shrink bundling equipment would work best in your packaging line, High Performance Packaging can help. Our associates can give your more information about the inventory of used shrink bundler machines we offer, and you’ll be pleased to get a great deal. At HP Packaging, we sell used packaging machinery because we believe that every company should have the chance to own and use high quality, reliable machinery. Contact us today to find out more about our inventory of shrink bundling machines.