LemuGroup, which has seen significant success with its end of line automation, is taking another step in bringing automation to the label and package printing industry. The company is launching the Ultra Compact 3, an affordable end of line automation equipment setup that drives efficiency and productivity when operating with fewer available resources. 

Converters can utilize end of line automation to expand their existing systems into a multi-line feed, central automated system. The Ultra Compact 3 enables small and medium size converters to focus on printing labels, as opposed to the workforce dilemma impacting the manufacturing space. The new system also boasts a 2-year ROI. 

“The Ultra Compact 3 was developed for the broadest spectrum of the label industry and is priced to fit everyone’s budget,” states Andre Beaudoin, director, North American sales and marketing, LemuGroup. “Label converters big and small have the identical workforce issues of being able to find and retain people. The staffing issue affects converters globally – big, medium, and small. Whether it’s boxing roll labels or sheeted product, the Ultra Compact 3 benefits anyone looking to improve their efficiency and profitability.”

The Ultra Compact 3 is currently running successfully at beta sites in Europe. The launch comes on the heels of an impressive demonstration alongside Martin Automatic and ETI Converting at Labelexpo Americas 2024. Based on the early results, the Ultra Compact 3 is poised for a global rollout.

“Customers are clamoring to get this technology,” says Beaudoin. “The system is affordable and effective, as the beta tests showed. We are now formally rolling this system out to the global market, as it is ready for prime-time action. Its simplicity of operation and non-stop production have proven what we intended it to be. Label converters from small to large all share this issue and require a solution. End of line automation is no longer a luxury, it’s a needed tool to compete in the market to ensure customer satisfaction. 

“The response to our larger Ultra Compact System at LabelExpo was huge,” adds Beaudoin. “The display unit was, in fact, on its way to its new home in the US directly after the show . The interest level was amazing, as people could actually see the system run. Several orders were taken at the show, and the need for client visits and assessments was through the roof. People now understand that the future is here, and we gave them tangible proof that they too can solve their headcount issues with this system.”

With the Ultra Compact Systems, companies only require one operator to run the entire press line/packaging system, from unwind directly to a closed, addressed, and palletized box. There is no need for two or three additional employees to complete the work. According to LemuGroup, converters can expect a 30-40% increase in daily throughput of finished product at maximum line speed.

“We guide the customer through their ROI process of headcount reduction, and we also provide run rates to give them an idea of how this will improve their production and overall Lean Manufacturing model,” notes Beaudoin. “LemuGroup is with the customer all through this process and long after the system is installed and running production. Our job is to educate the customer about what they already know. We just show them how to do it better, which goes right to their bottom line. It is a true long-term partnership.”