Automation World has been covering how technology advances and the economic realities of manufacturing and processing are transforming OEMs. From remote maintenance of equipment to device management, it’s clear that industrial end users are expecting more from OEMs. And while these developments present new demands for OEMs, they also open the door to new business opportunities. A good case in point can be seen in news from packaging OEM and engineering services provider Barry-Wehmiller.
In response to rising demand for its flexible packaging equipment and more complete, integrated systems, Barry-Wehmiller has announced that it is creating two new divisions that will begin official operations on January 1, 2018.
One of these new divisions is BW Integrated Systems, which will be formed by merging the BW Container Systems team and the end of line teams from Thiele Technologies. According to Barry-Wehmiller, this division will offer “a full range of end-of-line packaging equipment, including case packing, cartoning, palletizing, de-palletizing, robotics, conveyance and controls.” This division will also serve clients looking for integrated lines.
The other new division will be known as BW Flexible Systems. It will be formed by bringing together the flexible packaging experts from Hayssen Flexible Systems and the bag converting and bag filling divisions of Thiele Technologies. Led by Doug McGraw, BW Flexible Systems will specialize in the development, manufacture and sales of flexible packaging equipment including horizontal and vertical form-fill- seal solutions, bag converting and filling-sealing of pre-made bags. The team will also integrate scales and bag palletizers.
Highlighting the industry demand that led to the creation of these two new divisions, Pete Carlson, president of BW Integrated Systems, said, “Many of our customers have asked our primary packaging businesses to provide a complete integrated line to reduce risk and optimize operations. We’ve been listening.”
“This new alignment will better position our packaging companies for organic growth, provide more opportunities for our team members and take better care of our customers,” said Bob Chapman, Barry-Wehmiller chairman and CEO.
The creation of these divisions follows last year’s development of BW Packaging Systems. Carol O’Neill, group president, packaging, at Barry-Wehmiller, said BW Packaging Systems was formed “to better communicate the collective capabilities of Barry-Wehmiller’s companies” which, over the past 30 years, have absorbed a large base of expertise and technologies through the acquisition of more than 50 companies.
BW Packaging Systems’ range of equipment extends from single pieces of equipment to fully integrated, custom packaging lines for industries such as food and beverage, personal care and household, container manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and industrial products. BW Packaging Systems also includes Pneumatic Scale Angelus, a provider of seaming, capping and filling solutions; Accraply, a provider of labeling solutions; and Synerlink, a provider of fill-seal and form-fill-seal solutions.
