Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries. Click to learn more.

Plug-and-pack a reality

A new crop of Plug-and-Pack™ packaging machines promises to simplify integration and facilitate line optimization.

L to R: Pharmacia's Robert Martell, Elau's Patrik Hug, Norden Pac's Jonas Ewing, and Markem's Fred Putnam.
L to R: Pharmacia's Robert Martell, Elau's Patrik Hug, Norden Pac's Jonas Ewing, and Markem's Fred Putnam.

Announced at Pack Expo, Pharmacia Corp., Peapack, NJ, is the first end user to purchase a Plug-and-Pack™ packaging machine. Plug-and-Pack refers to a set of standardization guidelines from the Open Modular Architecture Controls (OMAC) Packaging Workgroup designed to reduce engineering time required to build, install and maintain packaging equipment.

The third-generation tube filling machine, from Norden Pac (Branchburg, NJ), incorporates OMAC’s PackML (Packaging Machine Language) on the company’s EasyWare machine control via Elau’s (Chicago, IL) PacDrive™ integrated motion/logic controller.

“I’m thrilled to be the first customer to receive a packaging machine with PackML inside,” said Pharmacia automation engineer Robert Martell at the show. “For my business, this is a great step toward reducing the cost of integrating and validating my pharmaceutical packaging systems for FDA compliance.”

2024 PACK EXPO Innovations Reports
Exclusive access: Packaging World editor-curated reports revealing PACK EXPO's most groundbreaking technologies across food, healthcare, and machinery sectors. Each report features truly innovative solutions selected from hundreds of exhibitors by our expert team. Transform your operations with just one click.
Access Now
2024 PACK EXPO Innovations Reports
Conveyor setup secrets from top CPG manufacturers
7 proven steps to eliminate downtime and boost packaging line efficiency. Free expert playbook reveals maintenance, sequencing, and handling strategies.
Read More
Conveyor setup secrets from top CPG manufacturers