Carol Stream, Illinois based StandFast Packaging, a provider of corrugated packaging and retail displays, announced a mission they undertook recently to optimize their production line. StandFast was determined to find a solution that aligned with their commitment to efficiency and innovation.
Founded in 1967, StandFast Packaging continues to operate as a family-owned business with Midwestern values. With a network of manufacturing plants and sales offices throughout the United States and Canada, StandFast provides a full range of customized solutions and services that reinforce brands, drive retail purchasing, manage inventory and streamline costs and processes.
To meet growing demand, StandFast has invested in some of the most advanced machinery, technology and software available. However, as with any growing box plant, there are always opportunities and challenges.
“We put a bundle breaker behind our rotary die cutter as we were looking to get away from nicked bundle breaks. We were also aiming for higher throughput and efficiency of the line. However, once we installed the bundle breaker, we still faced the issue of hand stacking at the back of the machine,” said Jay Carman, President and CEO for StandFast Packaging.
The StandFast team needed a space-efficient solution that could fit around their existing line and electrical box. “Essentially, every solution we tried was too large or wouldn’t fit because of where our electrical box is located,” Carman noted. This is where SUN Automation Group and their distribution partner, Corrugated Solutions, stepped in. Since 2021, SUN Automation has been the exclusive sales representative and service provider for all PARA material handling systems in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. As a result, Corrugated Solutions had a new line of equipment in their arsenal and recommended the PARA Eleva Palletizer through SUN Automation.
“PARA has over 20 plant installations in the USA, with over a dozen systems sold through SUN, and over 15,000 worldwide,” said Michael Klear, President for Corrugated Solutions. “Their proven track record made the Eleva Palletizer an ideal solution for StandFast.”
With over 15,000 PARA installations globally and SUN Automation Group handling install and service, Standfast was confident moving forward. “Once we mapped it out, we knew it would fit and we needed to give it a try,” said Carman.
The Eleva Palletizer is a high-speed, fully automated load former capable of forming almost any combination of patterns and layers without operator intervention. It inserts bottom sheets, tie sheets, and even pallets. With the addition of the patented Satellite system, the Eleva Palletizer can form automated chimney stacks without slowing down high-speed FFG operations. It requires no pits, foundation work, or hydraulics, making it a quick and easy installation.
The installation of the Eleva Palletizer took place in early spring and went smoothly, thanks to the collaborative efforts of SUN Automation, PARA, and other vendors in the production line. “Everyone collaborated really well, and the SUN and PARA team did a great job,” Carman noted. In fact, Corrugated Solutions also worked with StandFast to integrate a stretch wrapper behind the palletizer. This critical addition was necessary for moving product down the mainline after stacking off the bundle breaker.
Since its installation, the Eleva Palletizer has been operational and delivering significant benefits. Carman highlights, “The result was it allowed us to get completely stripped units that we could stack in our whip area. We can now stack six orders in the same area we could only previously stack two. In addition, it cut our labor from three to four people needed to only one person controlling the line.”
