Guide to Automated Packaging Systems

Smurfit Westrock's Automated Packaging Systems (APS) group designs and builds automatic packaging equipment, ranging from a single machine to a complete end-of-line system. Because our equipment specialists work hand-in-hand with our packaging materials teams, we can match die-cut designs to the machines that run them. That pairing of packaging and equipment helps manufacturers improve line efficiency, reduce manual labor and adapt as product, channel and production demands change.

The five video guides on this page give you a closer look at what APS can do. Start with "A Guide to Automated Packaging Equipment" for an overview of our full end-of-line portfolio, then watch the platform-specific guides to case forming, tray formers, case erectors and sealers, and robotic palletizers. Each video covers the operational challenges the equipment is built to solve, along with key capabilities such as speed, supported package styles and changeover flexibility.

At Smurfit Westrock, we are passionate about delivering value to our customers. Automated Packaging Systems, or APS, is our in-house packaging equipment group and a key component to the value we bring. Based in Orlando, Florida, we design and build semi- and fully-automatic packaging systems, everything from a single piece of equipment to full packaging lines. 

With rising costs, tight labor markets and aggressive competition, customers are seeing tremendous pressure on their operations.  The Smurfit Westrock APS team can help our customers improve their packaging and automation and offset these pressures. These complete solutions, packaging and equipment, can help you lower your total cost and grow your sales.  Our expertise and proven solutions minimize the risk of change.  Automation can improve sustainability by enabling optimized packaging materials and structures. 

Now that we've explored how we deliver value to our customers, it's time to dive into our end-of-line automation portfolio --- and see how it can enhance your packaging systems and increase your brand's presence. 

Meta Systems is our precision mandrel-forming technology. Looking to improve the performance of your packaging line? An excellent replacement for standard box erectors, Meta Systems is one of our most flexible and efficient platforms with wide-ranging application across many industries. 

  •  With speeds up to 55 cases per minute, the equipment can form a wide range of box sizes and structures, including shelf-ready designs 

  •  Many of these structures provide increased packaging strength and reduced material requirements 

  •  We performance match the die-cut blanks to the equipment to maximize Efficiency 

Smurfit Westrock tray formers are built for efficiency and flexibility with forming capabilities across a wide range of sizes and structures. Looking to upgrade your tray for better performance or maybe a display-ready option?  Or maybe you're looking to optimize material usage?  Our tray formers handle packaging needs across many industries from produce to protein, e-commerce, to industrial, beverage and more.    

Our tray formers deliver exceptional versatility, accommodating a wide variety of tray styles with quick and easy changeovers. 

Our case erecting and case sealing solutions are designed to help you achieve efficient, high-quality results.  

Seeking to reduce labor on your packaging line? With standard features and tailored options, they’re ideal for businesses that need reliable automatic case erecting and sealing. Our case erectors and sealers: 

- Improve precision and automation that reduces waste. 

- Fully automated processes minimize manual intervention and can reduce labor costs. 

- Enhance operational efficiency by minimizing downtime through reliable machine performance. 

- Adapt to your needs with a wide range of machine capabilities and customizable options. 

Product loading automation can require complex problem-solving to develop.  Speed and accumulation, product type and pack patterns, these factors are critical.  Looking to improve your case packing efficiencies? We have solutions: from standalone robotic case and tray packers to all-in-one case erector packer options, our efficient and versatile solutions can help reduce labor and improve line speeds while accommodating a wide range of products and various packaging formats 

We also offer Wraparound Case Packers, wrapping a die-cut corrugated shipper around your product. These solutions are designed to provide efficient product accumulating and loading utilizing semi and fully automatic systems that require less operator labor and corrugated fiber. 

Interested in automating your palletizing processes?  We can enhance efficiency and productivity with our user-friendly and reliable robotic case palletizers. 

Our robotic palletizers can be easily integrated into your end-of-line to help you reduce labor costs, improve pallet performance, and nimbly adapt to changing order demands. This solution enables quick and accurate handling and stacking of a variety of packages, all while reducing the need for human intervention.  Think you'll need to add pallet patterns in the future? With programmable patterns and configurations, robotic Palletizing can give you the flexibility to easily add the new unit load parameters. 

As a global leader in paper and packaging solutions, and a true automation partner, our commitment to our customers goes well beyond installation. We work hand-in-hand with the materials teams to make sure your packaging line runs smoothly; and every solution is supported by a dedicated service team offering 24/7 technical support and spare parts.   
 
Want more insight? Be sure to watch our platform-specific videos for a closer look at each solution.