New site in Schweitenkirchen, Germany: Cartonplast Group has the future in mind 

A modern production hall with 5,000 square meters ensures the growth of the successful outsourcing system of reusable transport products on a rental basis – with ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification successfully completed within a short period of time 

Dietzenbach, Germany, 27th November 2019 - In order to meet the demand for reusable transport layer pads, Cartonplast Group has invested in a new service and logistics center in Schweitenkirchen, Germany. 

Cartonplast (CPL) opened a new service and logistics center in Schweitenkirchen at the end of October. In July, the 5,000 square metre hall was rented and after only three months of construction, the new location for the service of rentable reusable transport layer pads was put into operation. At the beginning of July, the installation of two ultra-modern, environmentally friendly cleaning systems for the plastic layer pads (PLPs) began. The installations were successfully completed within a very short time and the "three-shift operation around the clock" has been running since the end of October. 15 million PLPs are inspected here every year, hygienically cleaned and delivered to customers in the container industry (glass and PET containers and cans) and returned. Defective polypropylene intermediate layers are 100 percent recycled and processed into new ones, which are then reintroduced into the logistics cycle. The company currently has 20 new employees in Schweitenkirchen. 

"With an increased service capacity in Southern Germany, we can guarantee fast delivery times due to the shortened transport routes and store the layers pads for the service orders professionally until they are called off. With this growth in investment, the highly modern cleaning systems and our highly motivated employees, we are meeting all future challenges," says Olaf Langenstein - Production Manager Germany. 

Investment in sustainable business development and commitment to reuse CPL is investing a total of around two million euros in the new plant, which is to be expanded in the future. Next year it is planned to also clean plastic pallets at this location. The newly developed pallets, especially for the glass container industry, are very well received on the market and this also made this growth step necessary to expand the logistics network. Planning also focused on optimising transport routes and costs, as the company has many customers in southern Germany, Austria, Italy and the Balkans. As a result, CPL has moved closer to its customers in southern Germany and Europe and the transport routes are shorter and more efficient. 

CPL has also invested in new facilities in order to ensure the best workflows while ensuring an efficient workflow. The focus was also on the optimal workplace design for the employees. Both the individual requirements of the employees and the obligation to design workplaces in accordance with health aspects were met here as well as at the other service locations. In 

1 

addition to the cleaning systems, the new production hall also houses an intermediate storage facility and quality assurance, so that an optimum workflow is guaranteed. Bright office space and social rooms are also integrated. 

"The current investment in our new location in Schweitenkirchen secures our growth", says Michael Heikenfeld, CSO of Cartonplast, "and also through the newly developed pallets in combination with our layer pads we are now ideally positioned with a one-stop transport service for our customers", adds Thomas Grimm, Head of Supply Chain Management. "This investment helps us to meet the continuing high demand for plastic layer pads for transport. The use of reusable transport products is growing in the market and with the market, securing jobs in Schweitenkirchen as well as at the other Cartonplast sites," sums up Serkan Koray, CEO of Cartonplast. 

ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification after opening in Schweitenkirchen The ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification audit was successfully completed at the end of October, although the site had only been in operation for a very short time. This is an excellent performance of the whole team. With this certification, Cartonplast once again confirms that its quality management system at all Service Center locations worldwide meets the high market expectations and guarantees a high level of quality assurance throughout the entire service process for the layer pads. 

"Cartonplast pays attention to an effective quality and environmental management system at all locations. The achievement of our corporate goals is reflected in the measurable quality results from our efficient and transparent service processes. And the best proof of our quality capability are our successfully completed ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification audits," explains Sebastian Brzozowski, Head of QA. 

Cartonplast, with its headquarters in Dietzenbach, Germany, uses its PLPs at more than 130 production sites in 20 countries to transport glass, cans and PET containers to the filling plants. The Outsourcing Transport System is successful worldwide with 7,300 participating bottlers mainly in the beverage and food industry in 30 countries. Currently, 45 million PLPs with more than 140 million circulations are in use each year in the environmentally friendly Closed Loop Pooling concept. As a company in the European top group of transport packaging, CPL strives to increase the impact of its rentable reusable transport products. 

Photos are available here. For further information, please contact Cartonplast Group by email at info@cartonplast.com or contact Michael Heikenfeld, Chief Sales Officer and Managing Director Cartonplast Group, michael.heikenfeld@cartonplast.com. 

2 

About the Cartonplast Group CPL was founded in 1985, and its Headquarters is based in Dietzenbach, Germany. The PLPs by CPL are utilised at more than 130 production locations in 20 countries for the transportation of glass, cans and PET containers to filling plants. As the largest European Pool System operator of reusable PLPs on a rental basis, CPL has a closely linked network of service centres. As the pioneers of a “green” business model, CPL has more than 30 years’ experience in the delivery and collection, sorting and cleaning as well as in the management of reusable transport products. This environmentally friendly closed loop-pooling concept is one of the most successful outsourcing systems in Europe, with 7,300 participating fillers in the beverage, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in 30 countries. 45 million PLPs, currently in operation with more than 140 million cycles per year, are managed worldwide in 16 CPL Service Centres. 

Cartonplast Group GmbH Marie-Curie-Straße 8 D-63128 Dietzenbach Tel. +49 6074 8531-0 Mail: info@cartonplast.com www.cartonplast.com 

3

 Industry specialist with engineering expertise hired 
to oversee MHI’s technology operations.

Norwell, MA –– Maruho Hatsujyo Innovations (MHI) – the U.S. subsidiary of Maruho Co. Ltd, a Japanese healthcare company with subsidiaries in Europe and the U.S. with global sales of $800 million – has hired engineering professional Benjamin Voelcker as an Applications Engineer. In addition to package design, in this role Mr. Voelcker will handle sales engineering and marketing relations as well as ensure that MHI is capitalizing on industry application trends.

Mr. Voelcker brings considerable application design solution expertise to his new position with MHI. Most recently, he served two years as Applications Engineer for ARC Technology Solutions, which specializes in testing solutions, manufacturing services, torque and assembly tools. Prior to that, he was a Component Engineering Specialist for Bose and, before that, a Mechanical Designer for CDI Engineering Solutions.  

MHI focuses on versatile, sensibly priced blister machines. For example, its compact EAGLE-Omni offers a format area of 150x95mm and a forming depth of 30mm (upgrade to 40mm available), making it capable of everything from manual prototyping to fully automated operation. Additional machines in the EAGLE blister machine series include: 
EAGLE-Uni, ideal for lab work, packaging development and material testing
EAGLE-Pro, an ideal first production level system
EAGLE-Rx, capable of producing up to 200 blisters/min at a format area of 90x130mm
EAGLE-Max, a high speed, high-volume machine capable of producing up to 600 blisters per minute

“Benjamin’s dedication to finding new and improved solutions for the packaging industry proves that he will be a valuable asset to the MHI team as it continues to further expand in the North American market,” said Tim Saarinen, Chief Operating Officer for MHI. “His ability to optimize and innovate in the packaging applications niche will strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones as well.”

Mr. Volecker earned a degree in Electromechanical Engineering from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA. He recently moved from Milford, NH to Weymouth, MA with his wife, Akiko. 

# # #

About Maruho Hatsujyo Innovations
Maruho Hatsujyo Innovations (MHI), the U.S. subsidiary of Maruho Corp. Ltd., was created in 2014. MHI distributes the high quality medical packaging machinery produced by Maruho Hatsujyo Kogyo (MHK). With more than 220 employees, MHK has over 60 years of experience in the manufacturing sector, including the design of high-performance blister machinery and high-precision metal components. MHK is Japan’s second largest medical packaging machinery company.
For more information, visit www.mhi-innovations.com.

Multi-step primer aligns with EU’s heightened 
goals for plastic packaging recyclability.

Oberdiessbach, Switzerland – Hoffmann Neopac, a global provider of high-quality packaging for a broad array of industries and applications, debuted a set of best practices for tube packaging recyclability at CPhI Worldwide, November 5-7 in Frankfurt, Germany. The company’s Tube Design Guide for Recyclability amounts to a multi-step tutorial with comprehensive consideration of lighter, more circularity-minded materials. 

The EU has announced elevated targets for plastic packaging recyclability, aiming for 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030. Other geographic areas have introduced similar targets, challenging packaging manufacturers to utilize innovative materials and develop leaner production and supply chain practices. Neopac’s Tube Design Guide for Recyclability is an effort to meet these demands with sound packaging science.

The design includes advice on the following packaging elements: 

Materials: Incorporating a thin-walled body and shoulder comprised of PE or PP materials, and not exceeding 5% of foreign material for protective plastic barriers.

Caps: Lightweight caps comprising the same PE or PP material as the tube body to guarantee a mono-material pack for recycling

Coloring: To maintain high quality recycling material, use a natural and light basic tube coloring and limit masterbatch concentration to a minimum

Decoration: Stress minimalist designs and choose solvent-free, UV-cured colors and varnish.

“Sustainability and recyclability can be particularly challenging in the pharma sector, where packaging solutions must protect and preserve the efficacy of important medicines and complex formulations,” said Martina Christiansen, Head of Sales and Marketing Pharma of Hoffmann Neopac. “We see this guide – and the tubes that can be produced by adhering to it – as an important step in an ongoing process to make pharma packaging more eco-conscious.”

Neopac has consistently been at the forefront of the packaging sustainability movement. Primarily for cosmetics and personal care applications, the company also offers an EcoDesign portfolio that includes Recycled Tube featuring 75% recycled, food-grade compliant polyethylene plastics; Sugarcane Tube, made from renewable raw materials and offering the same characteristics and processability as fossil-based polyethylene; and PICEA™ Tube, comprised of 95% renewable material in the tube body and shoulder – including 10% of spruce wood from wood waste in sawmills. 
# # #

About Hoffmann Neopac
Hoffmann Neopac is a privately-owned company, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. The group produces high-quality metal and plastic packaging in six locations: HOFFMANN tins in Thun and CMP tins in Holland; Polyfoil® and plastic tubes with NEOPAC in Switzerland, Hungary and the US; and 3D Neopac in India. Its longstanding customers include internationally active pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods manufacturers in the European, North American and Asian markets. 

Including its new production facility in the United States, Neopac employs around 1,250 employees and has a capacity of 1.3 billion tubes. The company is dedicated to sustainability in both its manufacturing processes and corporate culture, including a dedicated eco-conscious packaging portfolio. 

For more information, visit www.neopac.com.  

Innovative reusable plastic pallet for all areas of the glass container industry exclusively from Cartonplast 

A specially developed plastic pallet for the supply of glass containers within the food and beverage industry. 

Dietzenbach, Germany, 20th November 2019 - Cartonplast Group has developed a new reusable pallet specifically for the logistics of glass container production. 

The new plastic pallet has been developed with precise solutions for the logistics areas of the glass container industry. In particular, it ensures a trouble-free supply chain for glass containers within the beverage and food industries. Cartonplast (CPL) uses polypropylene (PP) or PP-recyclate to manufacture the pallet in compliance with international standards. The pallets are made with modern manufacturing processes nd the manufacturing technology is transferable to every country in the world. The two different pallet variants weigh only 19 kg to 21 kg and, with 3 or 5 runners, and are perfectly matched to all locations in the logistics supply chain from glass container manufacturers to food and beverage bottlers. 
Clever Handling - Perfect and Stable in Practice The pallet solves critical stability problems encountered with 3-foot pallets under heavy unpacked loads such as glass bottles. Usual wooden pallets with three runners become unstable when high loads impact the pallet surface at certain points, as is typical for unpacked stacked glass containers. On the conveyor or during lifting, the pallet can twist so much that the load slips or is damaged. To avoid this, six U-shaped crossbars are integrated in the upper side of the pallet, which run across the entire width. On the model with five skids, two further connections between the longitudinal skids on the underside provide additional stability. 
Technically Especially - Perfect for Shrink Wrapping Machines Thanks to the wide skids, the pallets can be used on a wide variety of installations and are fully suitable for use on chain conveyors. Rubber inserts in the floor increase grip and reduce wear. When used on roller transporters, the pallet transfers its weight evenly and twist-free from roller to roller, keeping the load stable at all times. The pallet is suitable for lifting platforms and lifting tables of automatic shrinking machines. The floor and the spacing of the skids correspond to those of conventional wooden pallets and no adjustment of the control is necessary. The uniform edge at the top edge of the pallet forms a "collar" and allows a completely circumferential seal between the shrink film and the pallet. With the rounded corners and small notches, a stable connection is created which secures the glass containers ideally for transport and prevents them from slipping. 
"Customers are very positive about our new plastic pallets for the transport of glass containers. An important argument for their use is also the multi-stage, fully automated production and logistics processes in the glass container industry. Due to modern warehouse automation, precisely fitting and high-quality designed pallets are in high demand 
1 
internationally," explains Thomas Grimm, Head of Supply Chain Management, Cartonplast Group. 
Intelligent Pallets with RFID CPL is currently building a rental pool of RFID tagged pallets at European level. Real-time tracking is provided by automated identification, controlled by CPL, which eliminates the need to manually capture pallets. The data of the entire supply chain is reliably documented and can be retrieved at any time. This precise pallet identification improves inventory management and the various transport processes. The pallets can be cleaned in the CPL service centres. Prior to the environmentally friendly cleaning process in ultra-modern washing plants, the condition is checked and whether special cleaning is necessary for heavy soiling. The smooth plastic surface guarantees high cleaning capability without leaving behind germs and bacteria - in line with the high hygiene requirements of food and beverage manufacturers. After cleaning, the final quality check is carried out and the pallets are prepared for renewed delivery to the customers. 
"The new pallet ideally expands our reusable transport product offer with the already available layer pads and top frames. This means we can now offer for our customers an all- encompassing closed offer, the complete one-stop service or individually as required. This is an important milestone for Cartonplast and for our international growth targets," says Serkan Koray, CEO of Cartonplast, "Direct contact with our customers and partners is very important to us. This gives us valuable input and enables us to improve our services, products and processes," adds Michael Heikenfeld, CSO of Cartonplast. 
Rationalizing transport processes - One-Stop Packaging at its best The stock of pallets can be quickly increased in the event of capacity bottlenecks - for example due to seasonal factors - without customers having to tie up their capital. Storage space becomes available and there are no disposal costs for damaged pallets. Glass container-, food- and beverage producers that already use CPL Plastic layer pads (PLPs) benefit from the one-stop service. The use of Cartonplast PLPs and pallets in combination with production and transport processes improves logistics processes through increased delivery and pick-up frequencies, as well as improved truck utilisation – ensuring that the cost of logistics processes are reduced. Cartonplast, as Europe's leading operator of a pool system for reusable PLPs, closely monitors international best practices methods to provide customers with the best possible added value. CPL increases the influence of its rentable reusable transport products also through cooperation with customers and partners. The Cartonplas PLPs are currently used at more than 130 production sites in 20 countries to transport glass, cans and PET containers to over 7,500 filling plants. 
The complete technical product information is available under this link. You can see photo material here. 
For a pallet sample or further information, please contact Cartonplast Group by email at info@cartonplast.com or contact Michael Heikenfeld, Chief Sales Officer and Managing Director Cartonplast Group, michael.heikenfeld@cartonplast.com. 
2 
About the Cartonplast Group CPL was founded in 1985, and its Headquarters is based in Dietzenbach, Germany. The PLPs by CPL are utilised at more than 130 production locations in 20 countries for the transportation of glass, cans and PET containers to filling plants. As the largest European Pool System operator of reusable PLPs on a rental basis, CPL has a closely linked network of service centres. As the pioneers of a “green” business model, CPL has more than 30 years’ experience in the delivery and collection, sorting and cleaning as well as in the management of reusable transport products. This environmentally friendly closed loop-pooling concept is one of the most successful outsourcing systems in Europe, with 7,300 participating fillers in the beverage, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in 30 countries. 45 million PLPs, currently in operation with more than 140 million cycles per year, are managed worldwide in 16 CPL Service Centres. 
Cartonplast Group GmbH Marie-Curie-Straße 8 D-63128 Dietzenbach Tel. +49 6074 8531-0 Mail: info@cartonplast.com www.cartonplast.com 
3 

With benefits for consumers, brand owners and manufacturers, turnkey solution exemplifies user-friendliness, shelf appeal and versatility. 

Mumbai, India – 3D Neopac, a global provider of high-quality packaging for a broad array of industries and applications, has developed SpringTube™, a packaging solution for cosmetics, personal care products and other applications, including art paints. The tube is specially designed to maintain its shape while delivering a host of additional benefits for consumers, brand owners and manufacturers. 

Featuring a tamper-evident, push-on PE flip-top cap, the printer-friendly SpringTube™,  can be decorated via digital, flexo or coldfoil processes. For product protection, an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barrier preserves oxygen-sensitive formulas, and helps extend the shelf life of beauty and personal care products. 

Available in fill volumes from 40-300ml, 3D Neopac’s SpringTube™ offers differentiating benefits to multiple stakeholders, including:

Manufacturers – SpringTube™ is flat extruded with an EVOH barrier for longer shelf life, and accurate thickness control guarantees smooth processing and dimensional stability. 3D Neopac extrudes and direct prints the solution’s substrate, and mounts the tube’s shoulder and cap – an inhouse, turnkey production process lending itself to efficiency.

Consumers – Since the SpringTube’s unique composition maintains the tube’s shape during use, the solution shows well both on shelves and, in forums such as online demos, on camera. The tube’s easy-open caps, which also are available with a tamper-evident feature, provide additional safety and user-friendliness. In addition, individualized coding can be applied to each tube for consumer participation in competitions, local events, special rebates or collector series. 

Brand owners – Featuring superior graphics and aesthetics compared to tubes decorated with lithographic labels or offset colors, the direct-to-print SpringTube™ offers brand owners an array of customizable design options like digital print, flexo print and cold foiling. SpringTube™ can feature colored or metalized caps and offers high flexibility properties to replace existing label tubes. SpringTube™ can be individualized down to the unit level by variable data printing, allowing brands to create on-package marketing activities such as sales promotions, competitions, collectables or games.

“The novel SpringTube solution appeals to various markets in the US and India due to its user-friendliness, versatility and unique design options,” says Ritesh Patel, Head of Sales & Marketing at 3D Neopac India. “Such innovation further demonstrates 3D Neopac’s commitment to best serving the needs of local and international customers as well as other stakeholders throughout the product lifespan.”  
# # #

About 3D Neopac
3D Neopac is a subsidiary of Hoffmann Neopac, a privately-owned company, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. The group produces high-quality metal and plastic packaging in six locations: HOFFMANN tins in Thun and CMP tins in Holland; Polyfoil® and plastic tubes with NEOPAC in Switzerland, Hungary and the US; plastic tubes and SpringTube with 3D Neopac in India. Its longstanding customers include internationally active pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods manufacturers in the European, North American and Asian markets. 

Including its new production facility in the United States, the group employs around 1,250 employees and has a capacity of 1.3 billion tubes. The company is dedicated to sustainability in both its manufacturing processes and corporate culture, including a dedicated eco-conscious packaging portfolio. 

For more information, visit www.neopac.com/springtube

 “Track My Way” platform provides detailed data to bolster NFLA ambassadors’ new membership outreach and improve engagement capabilities.

Moorestown, NJ – Antares Vision, global leader in inspection systems, track & trace solutions and smart data management, is collaborating with the National Football League Alumni (NFLA) organization to enhance the NFLA’s new membership outreach efforts, as well as expand its engagement capabilities. The arrangement utilizes Antares Vision’s Track My Way, a next-generation  platform that provides data-driven insight into ambassador and chapter membership campaigns. Track My Way also enables new avenues of digital communication for promoting organization events and initiatives to current and potential members. 

Track My Way will allow NFLA ambassadors conducting new membership outreach to gather information generated by the physical and digital tokens provided to potential new members. The resulting data can help track progress, segment national and regional revenue growth, and provide other analytics to inform and ultimately improve the overall membership recruitment process.

Derived from the mandated serialization commonplace in the pharmaceuticals sector, in which Antares Vision has deep roots, Track My Way helps companies with high-value goods fight product diversion and counterfeiting, which continue to be a critical concern across numerous high-level industries. The additional benefits of this innovative platform are in-depth product analytics, brand protection and enhanced customer experiences. 

“For the NFLA, Track My Way presents an opportunity to bring, through a unique digital identifier associated with ambassador identity, network-caliber analytics to membership recruitment, awareness campaigns and event promotion, enabling the organization to continue to grow in size and revenue,” says Beasley Reece, NFLA CEO.

Traceability becomes the trustee to streamline philanthropic efforts and the non-profit organization’s key causes, including the NFLA’s “Caring for Kids” program in which player alumni raise funds for youth-related charities across 35 regional chapters. A 50-plus-year tradition, alumni support typically raises more than $1.5 million dollars for worthwhile causes. 

“In this way we connect the digital and physical network to guarantee the transparency of the membership recruitment process.” says Attilio Bellman, Director of Business Strategy at Antares Vision. “The Antares Vision concept of TRUSTPARENCY™ fosters transparency as the reliable way to trust and build strong relationships. It will empower NFLA ambassadors and new members to stay engaged throughout the onboarding process while both monitoring and increasing revenue flow.”

Founded in 1967 by a small group of retired NFL players, the now 20,000-member NFLA is the oldest, most well-known and well-respected retired player organization in professional sports. Membership includes thousands of retired players, coaches, front office executives, spouses, cheerleaders, and avid fans. 

# # #

About Antares Vision 
Antares Vision guarantees the process of protecting products throughout their lifecycle, through the most comprehensive and scalable global solutions in Inspection Systems, Track & Trace and Smart Data Management for the most demanding industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food, beverage, cosmetics and fashion.
With its products and services, Antares Vision reaches more than 60 countries worldwide with three Italian branches (Brescia, Parma, Latina), eight foreign branches (Germany, France, Ireland, USA, Brazil, India, Russia and Hong Kong), two Innovation Centers located in Italy and Ireland (Galway) and a worldwide network of more than 30 partners. With a 20 year experience in vision technologies, Antares Vision is the supplier of 10 of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies: more than 25,000 inspection systems ensure every day product safety and quality, while over 2,500 serialization lines are installed all over the world to guarantee the tracking of more than 5 billion products across the whole supply chain. Antares Vision has been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since April 2019 - the AIM Italia/ Alternative market segment is dedicated to dynamic and competitive SMEs. www.antaresvision.com  

For any further information, please contact:

Antares Vision North America Marketing & Communication
Fiona Nicklen, fiona.nicklen@antaresvision.com, T. +1 856 206 3230 

Antares Vision HQ Marketing & Communication
Davide Antonioli, davide.antonioli@antaresvision.com, T. +39 0307283500

Labeling Solutions Provider Luminer Expands 

Primary Manufacturing Facility in Lakewood, NJ

20,000-sq-ft expansion makes room for new ECL production equipment, and allows for enhancements to company’s quality control and warehousing spaces.

Lakewood, NJ – Luminer, a labeling solutions provider specializing in extended content labels for pharmaceutical ethical and OTC packaging, clinical trials and various other narrow web applications for the cosmetics, F&B and chemicals sectors, has completed an expansion of its primary manufacturing facility in Lakewood, NJ. Adding 20,000 square feet of multi-purpose space, the project brings the plant’s total to 50,000 sq. ft. 

Above all, the expansion allows Luminer to accommodate its growing extended content label (ECL) business, creating floor space for a new state-of-the-art ECL production line; the seven-figure infrastructure investment will more than double Luminer’s ECL manufacturing capacity. Slated for delivery in the coming weeks, the equipment’s modernized onsertingand movable print and die stations will further widen Luminer’s ECL production flexibility, an important factor for complicated, even customized arrangements utilized in clinical trials and other pharmaceutical product settings.  

Among other advantages, the expansion also has allowed Luminer to segregate its quality inspection processes into a 7,000-square-foot climate-controlled independently managed production cell. Added to this QC inspection department are two new servo controlled rewind/inspection units equipped with 100% inspection capabilities. Elsewhere in the facility, press rooms have been made more spacious, with setup areas significantly enlarged for more efficient and safer press operation as well as easier materials movement.

Finally, in the facility’s warehousing space, the expansion provides room for larger inventories of both raw and finished goods, and the ability to dedicate multiple loading docks to both inbound and outbound freight. Both benefits serve to help streamline the facility by improving overall workflow.

Occupying the additional floorspace will be several newly hired press operators, rewind operators, prepress technicians, and factory assistants. As Luminer looks to bolster its workforce for the future while addressing a nationwide shortage of press operators, Luminer has hired several individuals giving people new to the industry a chance to build careers in the printing/converting business.

“The expansion exemplifies Luminer’s most significant growth spurt in recent years, particularly in extended content labels for the clinical trial and pharmaceutical sectors – a niche where our versatility increasingly serves as a key differentiator,” said Tom Spina, President & CEO of Luminer. “The additional space gives us ample room for new equipment, broadened capabilities and, of course, future growth as we make continued headway into various markets. ”

# # #

About Luminer
Since 1989, Luminer has specialized in combining adhesive coating technology with narrow web flexographic printing and converting expertise. The company is a leader in several industry niches, chief among them extended content labels (ECLs) for clinical trial and other pharmaceutical applications. 
In addition, Luminer is a prominent provider of on-pack/in-pack promotional products, cosmetic and fragrance sampling devices and pressure-sensitive adhesive coated products. The company also serves the food & beverage and chemicals sector with a wide variety of labeling solutions. 
Located in Lakewood, NJ and Red Lion, PA, Luminer’s two facilities are each ISO 9001:2015 certified, operate under cGMP guidelines, and regularly undergo audits from high-profile pharmaceutical, cosmetics and health & beauty aid clients. For more information, call (732) 365-3673 or visit www.luminer.com.  

FT System (controlled by Arol) specializes in inspection and control systems for bottling and packaging. The purchase agreement also has been accompanied by an industrial partnership agreement with Arol S.p.A.

Antares Vision has taken the next step in its strategic business diversification: an agreement has been finalized for the company to acquire 100% of FT System S.r.l. ("FT System"), an Italian company known as a leader in control and inspection in the beverage industry both domestically and internationally. The agreement was signed between Antares Vision and the shareholders of FT System, Arol S.p.A. ("Arol"), Mr. Fabio Forestelli and Mr. Ferdinando Tuberti, holders of quotas equal, respectively, to 80%, 10% and 10% of the capital of FT System. The sale of the quotas was also finalized today.

The Equity Value for 100% of FT System is 67.7 million euros. With the acquisition, Antares Vision has taken control of FT System and, indirectly, its controlled companies in France and the United States as well as related business carried out by divisions operating in Mexico, Brazil, UK, Spain, China and India.
 
Founded in 1998, FT System is a leader in bottling control and inspection, mainly in the beverage industry. It covers all stages of processing: container control, filling, capping, leak and pressure verification, labeling, coding, weight and palletizing.

The customer portfolio, with over two thousand companies in 60 countries and approximately 5,200 machines installed, includes large multinationals producing water, soft drinks, liquor, beer, wines, and OEMs (producers and integrators of bottling lines). The company has over 140 employees.

FT System has steered driven its growth by investing in the development of innovative and patented technologies such as the ROBO QCS,  a non-destructive and fully automated quality control station, integrated into the production line. 

Between 1st January – 31st December 2019, FT System is expected to report revenues of over 26 million euros (of which approximately 18 million euros originated abroad), an EBITDA of 6.0 million euros and an EBIT of 5.7 million euros. At the closing date, FT System recorded a positive net financial position (i.e. cash) of approximately 8 million euro.

The acquisition of FT System is part of an industry diversification strategy pursued by Antares Vision, and reflects the Group's mission to protect products throughout their entire life cycles.

FT System will allow Antares Vision i) to expand its product offerings in the beverage industry, thanks to the know-how and expertise held by the company, ii) to further extend its geographical presence, acquiring activities in new countries (Mexico, China, UK and Spain, as well as the USA, France, Brazil and India where Antares Vision is already present), iii) to increase market penetration, benefiting from the company's consolidated customer base and sales force, and iv) to develop cross selling opportunities that integrate Track & Trace solutions and Smart Data Management.

During Antares Vision’s acquisition, FT System and Arol have also signed an agreement aimed at establishing an industrial partnership, with the primary objective of building a competitive advantage in the market through a comprehensive portfolio: control and inspection to meet quality standards, product traceability along the supply chain to ensure transparency, and Smart Data Management to maximize efficiency.

Fabio Forestelli and Ferdinando Tuberti will continue to work as FT System Managing Directors, ensuring the continuity of business management and accompanying the development project underlying the agreement with Antares Vision.

"The agreement with FT System will allow us to launch a development project in the beverage industry that is unique in terms of the breadth and the quality of the offer and its geographical extension," Emidio Zorzella, CEO of Antares Vision. "Our strategy to diversify the reference industries is also based on identifying partners such as FT System, that combines solid know-how, experience and technological innovation capacity".
 
Fabio Forestelli, CEO of FT System, declared “We found in Antares Vision the ideal qualities to boost our growth. I am sure that together we will be able to enhance our potential and build a solid competitive advantage in the beverage industry in Italy and abroad ".

Antares Vision was assisted in the acquisition transaction by Mediobanca (Financial Advisor), Orsingher Ortu (Legal Advisor), NCTM (Fiscal Due Diligence) and New Deal Advisors (Financial Due Diligence).
 
Per maggiori informazioni

Emittente
Antares Vision S.p.A.
Via del Ferro, n. 16
25039 – Travagliato (BS)
Alioscia Berto (CFO e Investor Relator)
Tel.: + 030 72 83 500
E-mail: investors@antaresvision.com

Nominated Adviser e Specialista
Equita SIM S.p.A.
Via Filippo Turati, n. 9
20121 – Milano
Giulio Greco
Tel.: +39 02 6204 1
E-mail: g.greco@equita.eu

Media Relations
Twister communications group S.r.l.
Via Valparaiso, 3 
20144 Milano
Maria Giardini
Tel.: +39 340 5104775 
E-mail: mgiardini@twistegroup.it 

About Antares Vision
Antares Vision guarantees the process of protecting products throughout their lifecycle, through the most comprehensive and scalable global solutions in Inspection Systems, Track & Trace and Smart Data Management for the most demanding industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food, beverage, cosmetics and fashion. With its products and services, Antares Vision are reaching more than 60 countries worldwide with three Italian branches (Brescia, Parma, Latina), eight foreign branches (Germany, France, Ireland, USA, Brazil, India, Russia and Hong Kong), two Innovation Centers located in Italy and Ireland (Galway) and a worldwide network of more than 30 partners. With a 20 year experience in vision technologies, Antares Vision is the supplier of 10 of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies: more than 25,000 inspection systems ensure every day product safety and quality, while over 2,500 serialization lines are installed all over the world to guarantee the tracking of more than 5 billion products across the whole supply chain. Antares Vision has been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since April 2019 - the AIM Italia/ Alternative market segment is dedicated to dynamic and competitive SMEs. www.antaresvision.com  

From stability challenge to commercial launch, Xcelerate 
expedites packaging process for medicines sensitive 
to moisture, oxygen and volatile compounds 

Auburn, AL – Aptar CSP Technologies, a leader in material science and active packaging solutions that ensure product protection, extend shelf life, and improve user experiences and part of Aptar Group, Inc., announces the launch of a complete solution service offering focusing on de-risking development and insuring speed-to-market. The new Xcelerate Development Services (“Xcelerate”) optimizes the active packaging development process through end-to-end expert insight, resulting in expedited speed-to-market. Xcelerate was recently awarded the 2019 All-Star Innovator by Pharma Manufacturing Magazine.

Xcelerate combines Aptar CSP Technologies’ unique material science and active packaging solution and associated services with FreeThink Technologies’ leadership in accelerated predictive modeling in shelf-life determination. Utilizing FreeThink’s ASAPprime® technology, an optimized active packaging solution product is modeled and tested without the need for expensive, time-consuming line trials. The result is a “right the first time” approach that virtually eliminates repetitive design processes and reformulations caused by stability test failures.    

Aptar CSP Technologies offers a portfolio of services (research and development, clinical and stability studies, commercial planning and production, etc.) built around its proprietary 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ technology platform, which is delivered in a variety of configurations:  
Activ-Blister™ solutions control the internal atmosphere of individual blister cavities. Applied via CSP Technologies’ patented heat-staking process without the use of adhesives, the technology accommodates any tablet and capsule size. 

For bottled medicines, Activ-Seal™ closures incorporate moisture and gas scavenging technology press-fit into an induction-sealed, tamper-evident screw cap.

The Activ-VialTM portfolio consists of one-piece, flip-top desiccated vials and desiccated bottles across a range of sizes.

Activ-Film™ was developed to enhance transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), which provide controlled delivery of active substances through the skin.

Xcelerate reduces the entire active packaging design, testing and implementation process. The comprehensive, hands-on approach also includes capabilities to produce clinical trial and stability samples, regulatory support, consulting and testing during commercial implementation.  

Aptar CSP Technologies launched Xcelerate in response to the increased complexity of matching moisture- and oxygen-sensitive medicines to ideal packaging solutions. As drug companies produce more potent APIs, larger molecules and modified release profiles, there is increased risk for stability issues associated with moisture, oxygen and volatile reactives. Innovative dosage forms such as chewable and disintegrating tablets also face significant shelf life challenges with respect to humidity sensitivity. These products may also face the added challenge of global distribution demands in Climate Zones 3/4b (hot/humid).

Xcelerate’s customized process determines a drug product’s moisture and oxygen sensitivity using highly accelerated stability studies open to specified environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity and oxygen level, then uses modeling to create theoretical package designs. Once the optimal packaging sorbent levels are determined, laboratory, clinical and stability study sample supplies can be prepared for confirmation or actual use.   

“Our complete solution of material science driven active packaging solutions, and the newly launched Xcelerate Development Services offer improved stability, extended shelf-life and expedited time-to-market for sensitive medicines,” said Craig Voellmicke, Vice President, Business Development, Aptar CSP Technologies. “Together, they provide a valuable combination of effective drug protection and ease of adoption.”   

# # #

About Aptar CSP Technologies
Aptar CSP Technologies is part of AptarGroup, Inc. Aptar is a leading global supplier of a broad range of innovative dispensing, sealing and active packaging solutions for the beauty, personal care, home care, prescription drug, consumer health care, injectables, food and beverage markets. Aptar uses insights, design, engineering and science to create innovative packaging technologies that build brand value for its customers, and, in turn, make a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of people around the world. Aptar is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has over 14,000 dedicated employees in 18 different countries. For more information, visit www.aptar.com. 

Aptar CSP Technologies is a global material science company providing innovative, highly engineered advanced packaging solutions to protect sensitive products. CSP is a responsive, flexible partner committed to offering customers a single, reliable source for custom product design, development, and manufacturing. CSP has a proven track record of pioneering technological solutions that ensure product protection and enhance its customers’ brand equity. Its product categories include vials, bottles, films, blisters, molded components, and specialized packaging solutions. For more information, call (334) 887-8300, email cspinfo@csptechnologies.com or visit www.csptechnologies.com.

About FreeThink Technologies, Inc.
FreeThink Technologies, Inc., is a contract research organization with specialization in the field of stability. The company develops stability indicating methods, determines shelf-life in highly accelerated studies using the science and commercial software it developed (ASAPprime®), and provides packaging and formulation solutions to stability issues.  The company also develops new technologies in different fields. FreeThink is headquartered in Branford, Connecticut. For more information, visit www.freethinktech.com. 

Piscataway, NJ – ACG Capsules (ACGC) – part of ACG Group, the only supplier in the world offering end-to-end manufacturing solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, is introducing a new premium portfolio of high quality,  reliable HPMC capsules. The company’s ACGcaps HA line comprises inert, high-performing capsules intended to become the new “Platinum Standard” in Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) capsules. 

Pharmaceutical companies encounter various challenges while working with new and complicated formulations. One obstacle is choosing  a suitable capsule type with the appropriate  attributes for optimum drug delivery. Factors including solubility, moisture, disintegration, cross linking potential, and uniform dissolution at different pH levels are key considerations toward effective, durable formulations.

ACGcaps HA are plant-based capsules capable of  supporting wide-ranging pharmaceutical industry demands for non-animal origin and fast, uniform dissolution, including for sensitive molecules that must achieve desired dissolution in 0.01N HCl. The capsules display heightened suitability for hygroscopic and moisture-sensitive ingredients. Chemically stable and offering reduced risk of brittleness, and ACGcaps HA capsules are more resistant to breaking and cracking even at low relative humidity, an ideal option for encapsulation. The portfolio also provides premium machinability for high-speed production environments.

The high-quality raw materials used in ACGcaps HA are regulation compliant and meet pharmacopeia requirements for capsules. They meet global cultural requirements for Halal and Kosher certification, and are Vegetarian Society approved and vegan-friendly. The capsules also are preservative-, gluten- and allergen-free, and non-GMO verified.

Selwyn Noronha, CEO at ACG Capsules, said: “We are delighted to launch the new ACGcaps HA , which we consider the Platinum Standard in HPMC capsules. They have myriad benefits and, as a result, we expect to receive significant interest in the short term.”

# # # 

About ACG

ACG group is the world’s only integrated pharma manufacturing solutions company Absolutely Committed to delivering exceptional solutions to the global pharmaceutical industry. The company’s diverse product range of Capsules, Films & Foils, Engineering, and Inspection systems meets international regulatory requirements.  ACG is committed to offering everything needed for efficient capsule and tablet manufacturing.

ACG has over five decades of experience and is present in over 100 countries, with more than 4,500 associates around the world.  Our customer-centric approach has won us many loyal, satisfied customers and partners by nurturing relationships. 

For any query, contact ACG media relations team at 
press.office@acg-world.com
+91 8879793484/ 9871830883

UFlex Launches a Revolutionary Packaging Solution ‘Asepto Eye’ for Beverages Industry at GulFood Manufacturing 2019 in Dubai
Announces Uflex’ Cutting-edge Aseptic Liquid Filling Machine 
‘Asepto Flexpress 10000’ 

October 31, 2019; Noida, U.P.: UFlex Limited, one of the world’s leading player in polymer plastic and India’s largest multinational flexible packaging materials & solution company, has launched a cutting-edge packaging solution called ‘Asepto Eye’ for the beverages segment at the GulFood Manufacturing 2019 being held in Dubai from October 29-31, 2019. As the curtains rose on ‘Asepto Eye’, the newest offering from Asepto that gives a stylish revival to aseptic packaging, it made a strong impact on the visitors at the global exhibition acknowledged for its packaging excellence, taking forward the innovative trail that the brand Asepto professes. 

‘Asepto Eye’ is a ripple concave lens and single lens technology that gives 3-D effects on the aseptic packs. These lenses come in various sizes & shapes and offers bespoke artwork, as per the clients’ requirements. 

Speaking about the launch of this innovative solution, Ashwani Sharma, CEO and President of Aseptic Liquid Packaging Business at Uflex Ltd. said, “Asepto Eye is truly revolutionary in all respect and will change the concept of beverage packaging for years to come. The cutting-edge Asepto Eye technology having  lens effect in packaging is unprecedented and offers myriad choices to manufacturers to be distinct on the shelves, and also add a premium value to their brand through our packaging.” The shape of the lenses has many varieties to address diverse packaging innovations.

Aseptic Brick Packs are the most popular format amongst the ranges available in the market. Sharing his insights, Sharma added, “There was a demand for something radically distinctive in aseptic packaging. There were no other value-additions for aseptic packs to stand out on shelves, which made brands confined to exploring designing different packaging shapes and sizes or consider color options to seek customer attention. Therefore, our newest concept of aesthetic rejuvenation brings to the table a variety of option like foil-stamping, holography and 3D effects to communicate with end-consumers better, when the packs are on shelves. These options were never explored in aseptic packs since the packaging process is complex and everyone played safe. This launch will not only enhance the look of aseptic packs, it will also help them communicate well with purchasers.”

Sharma continued, “Significant in-house investments were made in backward engineering to offer the complete packaging solution in aseptic packaging. Through Asepto Eye, we are offering a packaging USP of aesthetics and unique identity to product packaging. Am pleased to note that at the GulFood Manufacturing 2019, Asepto Eye has been quite a revelation and has received appreciation from different quarters.”

The GulFood Manufacturing 2019 also witnessed the launch of Asepto Flexpress 10000 Machine, a filling machine, which augurs the outcome of aseptic packaging. On its debut, Ashok Chaturvedi, Chairman & Managing Director, Uflex Ltd said, “Uflex has always been a forward-looking company. We have not only focussed on customer solutions through innovative next–gen of packaging ‘Asepto Eye’, but also announced our engineering prowess with our new machine Asepto Flexpress 10000, Servo-based drive mechanism new filling line, offering advanced integration with PLC. It also comes with operator-friendly HMI (human machine interface). Uflex is pitching this unique machine for optimum packaging in the dairy, dairy products, juices and alcohol segments.” 

The advantage of ‘Asepto Flexpress 10000’ machine is that it offers high flexibility for all-in-one portion packs from 90 to 200 ml. Having operator-friendly HMI, this machine works on servo-based drive mechanism and is a highly flexible machine with low changeover times and has a low TCO (total cost of ownership). It offers high output with minimal machine downtime. 

About Asepto:

Asepto is the Liquid Packaging Brand from the House of UFlex. We are the first Indian manufacturer of aseptic liquid packaging material with a state-of-the-art facility in the industrial hub of Sanand in Gujarat. Our offering is designed to deliver user convenience, easy opening and optimal shelf life to products like Juices, Non-aerated Alcoholic Beverages and highly perishable liquid consumables like Milk and other Dairy products.

Our facility is equipped with latest top of the line converting machines capable of manufacturing truly world class aseptic packs for our customers. The aseptic packaging manufacturing facility is first of its kinds with a production capacity of 7 Billion packs per annum. The plant is spread over 21 Acres of the sprawling 72 Acre land parcel that UFlex has bought at Sanand, Gujarat.
 
About UFlex:
 
UFlex is one of the world’s leading player in polymer plastic and India’s largest multinational flexible packaging materials & solution company. Since its inception back in 1985, UFlex has grown from strength-to-strength to evolve as a truly Indian Multinational with consumers spread across the world. Uflex today has state-of-the-art packaging facilities at multiple locations in India with installed capacity of around 1,35,000 TPA and packaging film manufacturing facilities in India, UAE, Mexico Egypt, Poland and USA.

Integrated within its core business profile are allied businesses like Aseptic Liquid Packaging, Engineering, Cylinders, Holography and Chemicals which further gives Uflex a superior edge over competition. Uflex caters to markets spanning across the globe in over 140 countries like USA, Canada, South American countries, UK and other European Countries, Russia, South Africa, CIS, Asian and African nations.

UFlex offers technologically superior packaging solutions for a wide variety of products such as snack foods, candy and confectionery, sugar, rice & other cereals, beverages, tea & coffee, dessert mixes, noodles, wheat flour, soaps and detergents, shampoos & conditioners, vegetable oil, spices, marinades & pastes, cheese & dairy products, frozen food, sea food, meat, anti-fog, pet food, pharmaceuticals, contraceptives, garden fertilizers and plant nutrients, motor oil and lubricants, automotive and engineering components etc. All UFlex plants are accredited with ISO 9001, 14001, HACCP & BRC certifications.  

The company is a part of the D&B Global Database and winner of various prestigious national and international awards for its products’ excellence including the recently won Dow’s 2018 30th Awards for Packaging Innovation and the Sustainability Awards 2018. 

Some of UFlex’s clients on the global turf include P&G, PepsiCo, Tata Global Beverages, Mondelez, L’Oreal, Britannia, Haldiram’s, Amul, Kimberly Clark, Ferrero Rocher, Perfetti, GSK, Nestle, Agrotech Foods, Coca-Cola, Mars Wrigley, Johnson & Johnson amongst others. For more details, click on: www.uflexltd.com

For further information, contact:
Aarti Laxmanan  |  Jaspreet Kaur
Uflex Ltd. |    One Source Consultancy
Mobile No: +91 98998 13325 |    Mobile: +919810036355
E-mail: corpcomm@uflexltd.com| Email: Uflex@one-source.co.in                                        
 
 

Metrics Contract Services Installs High Shear Mixer 
from ACG Engineering in Greenville, NC Facility

Precision granulator helps manufacturers transition from development 
to process validation and commercial production. 

Greenville, NC– Metrics Contract Services (Metrics), a full-service global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in oral dosage forms, has completed the installation of a new high shear mixer from ACG Engineering at its facility in Greenville, North Carolina. A division of Mayne Pharma Inc., Metrics is utilizing the QUEST HSM III granulator to assist ongoing efforts in transitioning formulations from initial development to the process validation stage and, ultimately, to commercial production. 

ACG Engineering is one of four business units of ACG Group, the only supplier in the world offering end-to-end manufacturing solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. The QUEST HSM III was developed jointly with Xertecs, ACG’s European Innovation and Design Centre. The QUEST HSM III incorporates 12-bar pressure shock resistance and ACG’s signature X-ONE COMMAND™ process control system. Designed to facilitate compliance with cGMP standards, the versatile QUEST HSM III features interchangeable process bowls of 15, 30 and 65 liters providing a wide range of batch sizes and torque measurement instrumentation for process end point determination. 

The new granulator further expands Metrics Contract Services’ already impressive portfolio of manufacturing and service capabilities including pharmaceutical formulation development, preclinical and Phases I-III clinical trial materials manufacturing and comprehensive analytical testing. A dedicated Stability Center helps ensure product efficacy and commercial manufacturing.

Among its bevy of benefits, the new ACG mixer/granulator features a multi-blade chopper and Z-shaped impeller for better granules and shorter process times, and the machine’s unique sealing concept eliminates the need for compressed air. The unit is both ergonomic and safe: its innovative wrap-around design makes all crucial components optimally accessible to operators, while its patent-pending Maximum Operational Safety Technology™ (MOST) offers unsurpassed user protection. 

“The new ACG Quest HSM-II Granulator imparts flexibility to use three different size bowls, to accommodate granulation batch sizes from 3kg to approximately 25kg,” said Brad Gold, Director of Pharmaceutical Development for Metrics Contract Services. “Moreover, its slip ring technology affords us the ability to measure the force acting on the rotating impeller shaft.  It provides a sensitive measure of granulation endpoint and, just as important, provides scale-up data during tech transfer.” 

John Carey, ACG Engineering’s International Business Head for Developed Markets: “Metrics’ selection of the QUEST HSM III provides ACG Engineering with a unique opportunity to debut our state-of-the-art granulation system at a world class pharmaceutical contract development & manufacturing facility.  We look forward to supporting Metrics as they continue to expand their process capabilities for development and manufacturing of oral solid dose products.”  

For Metrics Contracting Services, the new granulator is part of Mayne Pharma Inc.’s recent $80 million investment in the Greenville site. Infrastructure upgrades include a new, 126,000-sq-ft, oral dose commercial manufacturing facility adjacent the existing plant, allowing the original space to dramatically grow its contract analytical laboratory, formulation development and CTM services capacity. The expansion allows MCS to offer customers a complete concept-to-commercialization solution in a single, contiguous site. 

# # # 
About ACG
ACG group is the world’s only integrated pharma manufacturing solutions company absolutely committed to delivering exceptional solutions to the global pharmaceutical industry. The company’s diverse product range of Capsules, Films & Foils, Engineering, and Inspection systems meets international regulatory requirements.  ACG is committed to just one goal:  to offer everything needed for efficient capsule and tablet manufacturing.

ACG has over 5 decades of experience and is present in over 100 countries, with more than 4,500 associates around the world. The company’s customer-centric approach has won many loyal, satisfied customers and partners by nurturing relationships. www.acg-world.com 

About Metrics Contract Services 
Metrics Contract Services is a full-service pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organization delivering proven scientific and operational excellence for oral dosage forms to a worldwide roster of clients. 

Metrics’ areas of expertise include quality pharmaceutical formulation development; first-time-in-man formulations; Phase I-III clinical trial materials manufacturing; and analytical method development and validation services leading to commercial scale manufacturing. Technical capabilities include highly potent, cytotoxic and unstable compounds; Schedule II-V controlled substances; and products with poor bioavailability, for which we offer an impressive proprietary portfolio of advanced delivery methods. Located in Greenville, N.C., Metrics is a proud member of Mayne Pharma. Learn more at www.metricscontractservices.com

For communication issues, contact ACG media relations management team at 
press.office@acg-world.com; +91 9871830883/+91 8879793484

Cosmetic Design Group, a WWP Global Company, Reveals Three New Product Lines for 2020

Products for a natural beginning, middle & end 
to everyday skincare and makeup routines.

Florham Park, NJ – Cosmetic Design Group, a WWP global company, introduced three new makeup lines at MakeUp in New York in September. The new series of products exemplify the company’s innovative approach to cosmetics, amounting to a regimen for giving skin a healthy glow from start to finish. 

Effective formulas with nutrient-packed ingredients help nourish skin for a vibrant, smooth feel. To that end, CDG’s six-product Skin Care Rituals line runs an enriching gamut, from an all-natural vitamin-fortified pink clay mask and pH-balanced prebiotic lip balm to a citrus-infused serum and pairing of lush creams. All products contain effective formulas steeped in hi-performance actives intended to protect and strengthen skin, providing a vibrant and healthy base for daily beauty routines. 

Next, CDG’s Food For Beauty line is color infused with skin nourishing ingredients to maximize eyes, lashes and lips. The set of four supplements-focused products – which includes an EcoPure EyeShadow comprised of 99.9% natural ingredients, a Super Food Lip Gloss utilizing nourishing greens and plant oils, Go Bold Mascara formula with natural emollient waxes that is gentle on lashes, and a Color Intense Liquid Lipstick that saturates lips with long lasting color and shine.  Food for Beauty is truly a collection formulated to nourish your skin. Pleasantly hydrating, the products go far beyond traditional applications.

Finish the look with CDG’s five-product Complexion Color portfolio, designed to help create a flawless base and anchor applied makeup with such innovative products as Seawater Hydrating Foundation, EcoPure Pressed Face Powder and Matte Powder Setting Spray. The color-intense formulas can match any outing, giving confident coverage with easy application for all skin types. Complexion color offers exquisite texture, opacity, finish and wear. 

“Our new product lines are designed for consumers who want an all natural – yet naturally complementary – daily skincare regimen,” said Alison Kohlenstein, Executive Vice President of CDG. “In doing so, they consider the overall health and feel of skin every bit as much as the outward appearance, creating a truly holistic cosmetics experience.” 

Cosmetic Design Group (CDG) has been supplying national brands and retailers with innovation and brand partnership for more than 30 years. CDG offers full turnkey design services as well as, assembly, displays, regulatory, and warehousing services.

WWP, a leading provider of cosmetic packaging components, plastic tubes, and full-service turnkey solutions, acquired CDG earlier this year. The acquisition bolsters WWP’s position as a leading manufacturer for the cosmetics industry, and provide enhanced resources to better serve its increasingly diverse roster of clients.
###
About WWP
WWP LLC provides the cosmetics and personal care industries with a complete range of packaging components, custom and stock molding, and product development and sales. WWP also specializes in custom engineered solutions for a variety of unique product applications. WWP’s extensive product line includes a wide selection of innovative tube packaging options, jars, compacts and lotion bottles. The company provides everything from plastic mass-market containers to sophisticated metal cases for lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, and eyeliner, while offering competitive prices and dependable, high quality service.  
For more information, contact WWP LLC, 15 Vreeland Road, Suite 4, Florham Park, NJ 07932; phone: 973-805-6500 or toll-free 1-800-950-0390; fax: 973-805-6510; or visit the company’s website at www.wwpinc.com. 

About CDG
Cosmetic Design Group (CDG) has been supplying national brands and retailers with innovation and successful brand partnerships for over 30 years. CDG is a global resource offering full turnkey design services including packaging, assembly, displays, regulatory and warehousing services. CDG is equipped to collaborate with partners of varying scale from start-ups to well-established brands. 
For more information, contact Cosmetic Design Group, 5673 Selmaraine Drive, Culver City, CA 90230; phone: 310-397-9300; fax: 310-397-9399; or visit the company’s website at www.cdgbeauty.com.

Dear Colleagues,

CORIMA’s new factory was officially opened last Saturday before 1,000 guests. This Tuscan specialist produces machinery for packaging pharmaceuticals in aseptic environments.

The 7 million Euro investment has doubled the size of the company’s plant, which now has a further 6,000 square meters of production facilities. The aim is to meet the growing demands of the unstoppable sector even more efficiently and faster, especially for anti-cancer drugs from Eastern countries and above all China. The “aseptic” industry does indeed play a key role in the expansion strategies of the parent company, the Marchesini Group. This multinational enterprise located in Pianoro (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) is among the top four leading manufacturers worldwide of pharmaceutical packaging machines. In 2018, thanks also to CORIMA’s contribution, Marchesini reached a consolidated turnover of 400 million Euro, of which 85% came from exports.

This operation will create 30 new jobs for technicians, in addition to the current 130 employees. Job interviews will commence after the opening event and will continue throughout 2020. The company will be scouting mostly for newly graduated mechanical and electrical technicians and automation and IT engineers.

Find attached the official press release plus some photos.

Best Regards

Antonio Leggieri

Marchesini Group S.p.A.

Press Officer
mailto:antonio.leggieri@marchesini.com
ph: +39 051 047 9711 (Dir. 9635)
fax: +39 051 6516457

www.marchesini.com

Brandtjen & Kluge, LLC

Press Release - Attendees Crowd Kluge Booth at PRINT19   

October 21, 2019

Greetings!

Please find Kluge's news below for immediate release.  If you have any questions or would like more information for your publication please contact me. 

Thank you,

Scott Hansen

Inside Sales and Marketing Manager

Brandtjen & Kluge, LLC

539 Blanding Woods Road

St. Croix Falls, WI  54024

Tel. 1-715-483-2228

shansen@kluge.biz

Press Release

Attendees Crowd Kluge Booth at PRINT19 

St. Croix Falls, WI, October 21, 2019 - It was another successful year in Chicago for seasoned PRINT veterans Brandtjen & Kluge.

PRINT, the largest graphic arts trade show in North America held annually in Chicago, had the industry buzzing the three days its doors were open last week to visitors from all over the world. The positive environment witnessed by attendees at the McCormick Center from gathering the industry together for PRINT19 was undeniable.

Kluge Booth #847 was well attended throughout the entire event. Like every year, Kluge brought its newest and best equipment to the tradeshow, demonstrating to attendees how Kluge equipment could benefit their business.

"PRINT19 proved to be a great event in Chicago this year," said Michael Aumann, President, Brandtjen & Kluge. "The Kluge team engaged with a large number of companies who had brought challenging production applications to PRINT looking for solutions. We were very pleased that we left the show with multiple projects in foil stamping and folding and gluing."

Back by popular demand, Kluge demonstrated to booth visitors the flexibility of the fully modular OmniFold 3000 Folder-Gluer, foil stamping and die-cutting on the ApexFoil™ Automatic Platen Press and the KURZ Digital Metal® process on the DM Liner. Visitors also had the opportunity to ask Kluge technicians and salesmen questions and take advantage of their expertise to learn about the latest advancements in die-cutting, foil stamping, folding and gluing and digital foil transfer.

Brandtjen & Kluge, LLC Profile

Adding value since 1919, Brandtjen & Kluge is a manufacturer of specialty print finishing and converting equipment. For 100 years the brand name "Kluge" has represented innovation, technical leadership, productivity and rugged durability to companies worldwide.

Headquartered in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, USA, Brandtjen & Kluge designs and builds equipment in a vertically integrated manufacturing facility that includes full part production through final assembly. Kluge products are marketed worldwide through a network of direct sales representatives and industry-qualified distributors. For more information visit www.kluge.biz.

Brandtjen & Kluge, LLC 

539 Blanding Woods Road
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
United States

Toll-Free US and Canada:
(800) 826-7320
Phone: (715) 483-3265
Fax: (715) 483-1640

Marketing Communications Contact:

Scott Hansen

shansen@kluge.biz

Aptar’s Activ-Blister™ Packaging Solution Approved by U.S. FDA for Oral Solid Dose HIV Prevention Medicine

Crystal Lake, Illinois, October 22, 2019 – AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE: ATR), a global leader in consumer dispensing, active packaging and drug delivery solutions, today announced that its Activ-Blister™ packaging solution for oral solid dose drug delivery was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a HIV prevention medicine. 
The oral solid dose drug was developed by a leading pharmaceutical company in the HIV treatment and prevention space, and represents the first FDA approval of Aptar’s proprietary Activ-Blister™ packaging solution and proprietary application process developed by Aptar CSP Technologies. 
The system protects oral solid drug products with a 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ solution that is fully integrated into the blister package. This 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ technology, which can be customized specifically for the drug developer’s formulation, offers a broad spectrum of specific drug protection including moisture adsorption, and oxygen and odor scavenging. The technology can also scavenge volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emit aromas. 
Aptar’s portfolio of 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ protective solutions helps biotech and pharmaceutical partners meet specific drug long-term and in-use stability requirements while maintaining therapeutic efficacy, all in a patient-friendly packaging configuration.  
“I am very pleased to announce this recent FDA approval of our proprietary Activ-Blister™ technology,” commented Stephan Tanda, Aptar’s President and CEO. “This is a significant step that further validates the expanding portfolio of solutions offered by Aptar CSP Technologies. We will continue to leverage our proprietary 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ technology to help our customers with unique protective formulations that derisk their drug development process and help strengthen their own offerings. The ultimate result is that we are creating meaningful solutions that help improve and save lives.” 

About Aptar
Aptar CSP Technologies is part of AptarGroup, Inc., a leading global supplier of a broad range of innovative dispensing, sealing and active packaging solutions for the beauty, personal care, home care, prescription drug, consumer health care, injectables, food and beverage markets. Aptar uses insights, design, engineering and science to create innovative packaging technologies that build brand value for its customers, and, in turn, make a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of people around the world. Aptar is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois and has over 14,000 dedicated employees in 18 different countries. For more information, visit www.csptechnologies.com or www.aptar.com.

#  #  #

Investor Relations Contact:
Matt DellaMaria
AptarGroup, Inc.
+1 815 477 0424
matt.dellamaria@aptar.com 

Media Contact:
Badre Hammond
Aptar CSP Technologies
+1 845 639 3399
badre.hammond@aptar.com 

StrongPack and Sidel partner to create leading co-packing hub for non-alcoholic beverages in Africa    

StrongPack Ltd. recently established its operations in the Nigerian market with the mission to become the number one, high-quality, non-alcoholic contract packaging company in Africa. As part of its greenfield project, they installed a total of four Sidel lines over the span of two years, including a can line, two regular complete PET lines and one PET line integrating Sidel’s ActisTM coating system. The latter one was critical to increase the drinks’ shelf life, thus addressing some of the challenges in the local distribution chain. By choosing Actis, StrongPack could lightweight the bottles by 25% while redesigning their shapes. 

Carbonated soft drinks (CSD) are the second most popular beverage category in Africa, after bottled water. This segment continues to grow mainly due to the fact that the consumers’ purchasing power is steadily increasing on a continent with the youngest demography globally. However, distribution is complicated by long transportation routes and difficult road conditions, creating a large demand for bottled drinks with longer shelf life.

Within this emerging market, Nigeria is a very interesting case. With 195.9 million inhabitants and a population growth of 2.6% in 2018, it has been showing a healthy CSD performance over the last few years, even during economic slumps (with a volume growth of 11.1% CAGR from 2012 to 2017). This phenomenon was mainly driven by population increase, price competition and aggressive marketing campaigns from the major global CSD players. 

A long-term business approach focused on innovation 

Witnessing these business opportunities in the CSD market, StrongPack started their operations in 2018 as a co-packer of non-alcoholic beverages with some ambitious goals: “In the next five years, we want to become the number one non-alcoholic contract packaging company in all of Africa,” explains Del Tupaz, Managing Director at StrongPack. “At the same time, we aim to be the leading high quality co-packer in Nigeria, whatever the brand. This is fundamental to our business approach and it is definitely paying us back. We have recently started co-packing 60 cl PET bottles for a leading global soft drink company,” he adds. 

When starting their operations in Nigeria, StrongPack needed to differentiate themselves and their capabilities from the existing players in the market, in a country that has historically chosen returnable glass bottles as the main packaging format. They did this by investing in state-of-the-art technology for PET and can production, therefore expanding the range of packaging options they could offer to their customers. PET, for example, is well renowned for the convenience, the reusability and the performance it can provide through the supply chain. However, given the hot temperatures and the tough logistics in Nigeria, handling PET packaging is more demanding compared to other parts of the world. Some products are displayed and merchandised outside on open marketplaces, often directly under the sun, a distribution set-up which leads to carbonation loss. Additionally, with poor road conditions, bottles are shaken during transportation, increasing the loss of carbonation further. 

The Managing Director of StrongPack adds, “We were looking for a solution that would help us overcome some of these challenges. After careful consideration, we found that Sidel and their Actis system – as integrated in a Combi configuration in one of our complete PET lines – was what would fit the local value chain conditions best.” This decision makes StrongPack the first and only beverage producer in Africa who has Sidel’s Actis technology installed and is able to provide coated PET bottles for CSD.

Outstanding partnership turns greenfield project into success 

StrongPack first started their discussions with Sidel a few years ago when they entered the beverage bottling business, targeting a greenfield project with two complete lines, one for cans and the other one handling PET bottles. These lines started running in 2018 and back then were mainly dedicated to packaging RC Cola, one of the leading cola brands in the world, established in 1905. Their performance and reliability perfectly matched the co-packer’s expectations, therefore StrongPack invested in another two complete PET lines, one standard PET and one integrating Sidel’s Actis in Combi configuration. 

Planned on a new site of 8.4 hectares and housed in a building of 32,000 square meters in Agbara, an industrial area close to Lagos, this greenfield project was especially challenging. Therefore, StrongPack was looking for local support and an open-minded, innovation-driven and proactive partner they could trust along this journey of building up a leading co-packing hub from scratch. “All the way through this demanding project, we partnered with Sidel and their well-structured team. Together with their project managers and line designers, we regularly evaluated the progress and made adjustments where necessary. During this process, we have been pleasantly surprised by how Sidel’s team has been able to support our requirements, both in terms of speed and flexibility and by the holistic approach they applied. Even in the face of unforeseen challenges, we achieved our goals thanks to the exceptional communication between the teams, where a culture of learning was practiced on a daily basis,” comments StrongPack’s Managing Director. 

He continues: “At full development of the site, we will be able to produce 1.2 billion litres of non-alcoholic beverages per year. The capacity and capabilities of our factory in Agbara will position us as a main hub for many potential African customers.”

Highest level of flexibility: CSD packaged in different container types and formats 

Thanks to the successful partnership with Sidel, the Nigerian co-packer now has a future-proof factory with four complete lines, where the equipment and processes are efficiently laid out, allowing them to do quick changeovers and fast CIPs for great production reliability and flexibility – both in cans and PET. “From the very beginning, we didn’t have any doubts as to Sidel’s capabilities: we knew that they were one of the leading companies in the industry providing turnkey solutions for carbonated soft drinks.” Notably, Sidel and StrongPack share common values, such as employee safety and high quality standards. “The project execution, including the piping installation, the layout design and the processing area definition, has been performed with an absolute focus on accessibility and functionality. It was excellent. There were no shortcuts taken,” he adds. 

The overall production capacity of the Agbara plant currently lies at a remarkable 850 million PET bottles per year, including both standard and coated bottles. The two regular PET packaging lines are running at 36,800 bottles per hour (bph) and 46,000 bph. In addition, the versatile canning line produces 40,000 cans per hour. For the latter, the entire line layout and concept has originally been developed to support non-alcoholic malt production, a beverage which is quite popular in Nigeria. “We believe there is a growing market for this drink and that’s why, since the beginning, we put a pasteuriser – designed to handle sensitive products – in our can line. It is not only for the malt but also to be able to manage other drinks like iced tea and juices in cans. These are not yet extremely popular in Nigeria but this setup already prepares us for the future and keeps our production highly flexible,” explains the Managing Director of StrongPack.

Lightweighted bottle saves three tons of PET resin per day

The complete PET line featuring Actis in a Combi configuration and handling two bottle formats (35 cl and 50 cl) is fuelling the unique production advantages offered to CSD brands by the Agbara site. Actis (Amorphous Carbon Treatment on Internal Surface) is Sidel’s proven plasma coating technology, extending the shelf life of beverages by up to five times while enabling package lightweighting, yet with no compromises on recyclability. These benefits, paired with the ease of operations and the many Actis references installed globally, currently accounting for more than five billion bottles produced across CSD, beer, juices, tea and coffee, are exactly why StrongPack selected this solution. “The reduction of the 35 cl bottle weight down to 15.5 grams allows us to roughly save about three tons of resin per day. That is three tons that are not going to the landfill,” says StrongPack.

Helped by the Actis technology and the increased shelf life of the PET bottles, StrongPack plans to reach additional markets in West Africa that otherwise would not be available to them. Choosing Actis also offered the opportunity to develop a new bottle design for their 35 cl and 50 cl formats, which not only matches Actis’ requirements but also stands out at the point of sale – a key factor in the Nigerian market. “Today, we are particularly pleased with Actis, so much so, that we have renewed our confidence in Sidel and already ordered a second PET line featuring this technology,” StrongPack Chairman, Eric Thibault, concludes proudly. 

Editors Note: The images within this document are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used for reproduction.  If high resolution copies are not attached with the document, please contact Katherina Riesner at F&H Porter Novelli for copies – see contact details below.

-----------------------------------
For editorial, advertising and sponsorship enquiries, please contact:
F&H Porter Novelli
Katherina Riesner, Consultant
Tel: +49 (0) 89 121 75 180
Email: sidel@fundh.de  

For any other enquiries, please contact:
Sidel
Lucia Freschi, Public Relations Manager
Tel: +39 0521 999452/Cell: +39 3472632237
Email: lucia.freschi@sidel.com

ACG Inspection to Open ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Switzerland
-A three-day ‘Technology Open House” to celebrate innovation
-Helping customers to be ‘future-ready’

 
October 8, 2019 
Yverdon, Switzerland

ACG Inspection, a division of ACG – the world’s only integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging solutions company - is to open a new ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Switzerland, supporting the company’s continued global expansion. The office will be the headquarters for logistics, development, data, service support, FAT and project management for ACG Inspections in Europe.

To celebrate the launch in Yverdon, the company is holding a three-day ‘open doors’ celebration, inviting customers and media to join the team at the ‘Centre of Excellence’. At this event, ACG Inspection will showcase its future-ready technologies, such as: Brand Protection, Geo-Location Identification, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Temperature Monitoring, Inspection 4.0 (AI Powered) and End-To-End Tracentication. Visitors to the centre will be able to experience live technology demos across all three days.

Commenting on the launch of the ‘Centre of Excellence’, Mr. Ettore Cucchetti, CEO, ACG Inspection, said: “Our team’s focus is centred around better understanding of customer challenges. Our new ‘Centre of Excellence’ will allow the team to create adaptive solutions in response to customer needs and requirements – helping to make them future-ready. It is set to be a hub of R&D in the region, with aims to discover new technologies for serialization, aggregation, PAT, blister inspection, authentication, and track & trace solutions (including geo-localisation and temperature monitoring). We will subsequently be moving in a new business and assembly premises for Europe of about 1000m2. This facility is planned to be ready by the end of 2020.”

Mr. Philippe Leuba, State Councillor in charge of the Department of Economy, Innovation and Sport, added: "The arrival of ACG Inspection SA adds to the Health Valley, which already has nearly 400 businesses and a total of about 20,000 jobs. Beyond these figures, investments in pharmaceuticals lead to the provision of new treatments for the patient.” 

Following the opening of an ‘Experience Studio’ by ACG Inspection in Moscow in January this year, the Switzerland office becomes a part of ACG Inspection’s European base.
 

-Ends-

About ACG

ACG group is the world’s only integrated pharma manufacturing solutions company absolutely committed to delivering exceptional solutions to the global pharmaceutical industry. The company’s diverse product range of Capsules, Films & Foils, Engineering, and Inspection systems meets international regulatory requirements.  ACG is committed to just one goal:  to offer everything needed for efficient capsule and tablet manufacturing.

ACG has over 5 decades of experience and is present in over 100 countries, with more than 4,500 associates around the world.  Our customer-centric approach has won us many loyal, satisfied customers and partners by nurturing relationships. 

For communication issues, contact ACG media relations management team at 
press.office@acg-world.com
8879793484/ 9871830883

Stevanato Group signs an Exclusive Agreement with Haselmeier to License Axis-D Pen-injector Technology and Intellectual Property for the Therapeutic Area of Diabetes Care

Piombino Dese (PD), October 7, 2019 - Stevanato Group, an Italy-based producer of glass primary packaging and global leader in providing integrated capabilities and solutions for combination products, and Haselmeier, a Switzerland and Germany-based developer and manufacturer of innovative self-injection devices, today announced an exclusive agreement to license the Axis-D pen-injector technology and intellectual property (IP) in the Therapeutic Area of Diabetes Care.
The Axis-D pen-injector was designed and developed by Haselmeier together with its partners; a version of this pen-injector is currently on the market today, having been launched by a major pharmaceutical company and approved for use, among others, by the European Medical Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
Stevanato Group plans to utilize this technology and IP to provide a new pen injector to support the needs of diabetes patients around the world. Once the design for the device is finalized, it will be produced at one of Stevanato Group’s manufacturing facilities based on the company’s extensive tooling, molding and assembly expertise. Sub-assembly and final assembly equipment will be provided by Stevanato Group operations in Denmark. 
Frédéric Gabriel, Chief Innovation Officer at Haselmeier, said: “We are pleased and proud to have Stevanato Group as our strategic partner for Axis-D in Diabetes. Stevanato Group has demonstrated in past years a consistent development strategy coupled with unique integrated capabilities and is able to leverage Haselmeier’s pen injection platform to bring it to the next level. Such platform has already been proven in the market, from an IP, performance and user perspective. It also demonstrates Haselmeier’s strategic orientation to exploit its IP over various paths, either with its’ own development and manufacturing capabilities or together with a strategic partner.”
“Consistent with its vision Stevanato Group always welcomes strategic agreements with key players in the market to broaden its global capabilities” said Paolo Patri, Chief Technology Officer at Stevanato Group “We value our relationship with Haselmeier as a device technology partner. With this agreement, we continue to expand our portfolio of devices for patients suffering from diabetes. This complements ongoing work on our award winning 1ml cartridge-based wearable device, which will give our biopharmaceutical partners the opportunity to provide patients with both standard and alternative treatment solutions with such devices. "
For more information, please contact:
Steven Kaufman, steven.kaufman@stevanatogroup.com
Frédéric Gabriel, f.gabriel@haselmeier.com   

About Stevanato Group
Founded in 1949, the Stevanato Group is the world’s largest privately-owned designer and producer of glass parenteral packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. It is comprised of Ompi, specializing in glass primary packaging, Balda dedicated to manufacturing diagnostic consumables, delivery devices and medical components. It is also comprised of Spami, Optrel, InnoScan and SVM, specializing in glass processing, inspection systems, assembly and packaging solutions. The Group also benefits from SG Lab activities, which provides analytical and testing services on the potential interaction between drug and container.

For more information please visit www.stevanatogroup.com

About Haselmeier
As expert in subcutaneous drug delivery systems for self-administration, Haselmeier provides
innovative and award-winning individual system solutions to support patients for a successful
therapy. Haselmeier primarily works with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies  by developing and manufacturing traditional and connected pens and auto-injectors that are convenient, precise in dosing, and enable an enhanced patient experience to support therapy efficiency. Haselmeier covers all steps – from design to planning and industrialization – in the creation of high-quality self-injection systems. Next year, the well-established company will be able to look back on a 100-year-old success story. Spread across eight global locations on three different continents, the Haselmeier Group employs a workforce of more than 240 people.

For more information please visit www.haselmeier.com

5 years of engineering innovations, technology and digitalization

In order to spread awareness of the latest technologies and open source solutions that empower Indian machine builders and factories to implement advanced automation solutions, the Ethernet POWERLINK Standardization Group has been organizing the Smart Industry Conference for the past 5 years. The fifth edition of the Smart Industry Conference in Pune centered around bringing digital transformation to the Indian manufacturing market cost-effectively. Partners of the Smart Industry Conference included ABB India; Unlimit IoT, a Reliance Group Company; and B&R Industrial Automation. C4i4Lab, a world class center promoting innovation and adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions, was the supporting organization of the conference in order to enhance global competitiveness of Indian industry.

Importance of digital transformation in making factories future ready
Digital factories are no longer fiction but a reality. Concepts such as digitalization, Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing have gained traction in India to increase effectiveness and efficiency. Customers are demanding fast delivery of top-quality products, while manufacturers strive to operate at minimal costs. The focus is therefore on increasing production and profitability with existing infrastructure. 
The conference started with a presentation on "Digitalization across the value chain" by Subrata Karmakar, LBL Manager, ABB Robotics and LSM, ABB RA India. He described how factories are shifting toward agility – with low volume, high mix and shorter cycles. Digitalization will bring manufacturers even closer to the customer and will be a key driver of future growth. In this journey, robotics will play a vital role in providing digital solutions at every level.

This was followed by presentation on "Digital transformation - Making factories future ready", delivered by Prabhat Singh Sengar, Sales, Process and Factory Automation, B&R Industrial Automation. Manufacturers are trying to improve shop floor efficiency and need to look at factors such as optimizing plant performance and availability, optimal utilization of energy and production resources and minimizing maintenance costs. Speaking on edge architectures, Sengar explained how these middleware solutions enable factories to become smart and go a long way to improving efficiency. He concluded with an intriguing case study of an Indian tier-2 supplier of renowned multinational and Indian automotive manufacturing units. By implementing B&R's APROL solutions, the user has integrated all possible components in their factory, which are now being monitored 24/7. This has helped them to achieve higher productivity and OEE and reduce wastage, inventory costs and losses.

Transforming the manufacturing ecosystem with Industrial IoT
A panel discussion on the subject "Key strategies for end-to-end Industrial IoT implementation and its value proposition" was conducted by Ranjithkumar G, Specialist - Technology and Network, B&R Industrial Automation. The prominent panelists for the discussion were Subrata Karmakar, LBL Manager, ABB Robotics and LSM, ABB RA; Pravin Bambal, Vertical Head (I4.0), Unlimit IoT and Tanay Sil, Head - Business Development, B&R Industrial Automation. 

Industrial IoT will definitely be trending for the next decade and will affect virtually every industry vertical and permeate entire business processes. The Industrial IoT is an integral component of a broader digital transformation. There are many motivations for implementing Industrial IoT – from strengthening customer engagement and loyalty to accelerating market penetration and global competitiveness, as well as enhancing operational efficiency, organizational effectiveness and profitability.  

As the benefits of Industrial IoT become more widely understood, the pertinent challenge for many companies is how to implement the associated solutions. They grapple with questions such as how and where to start and which skills and technology partners are needed. After pointing out these issues, the moderator asked the panel to describe one strategy for Industrial IoT implementation that has proven effective in their experience. The panel agreed that selecting the right technology partner and the right communication protocol are crucial elements to ensuring long-term ROI. 

The panel also deliberated on "How to acquire meaningful data from brownfield installations and use it for decision-making" since data engineering is gaining importance today. It is significant to have a checklist and know which data is relevant for clients. The challenges faced by brownfield facilities need to be solved through customized digitalization strategies. Acknowledging these challenges, Tanay Sil introduced B&R's Orange Box as an effective solution that can help connect these digitally isolated machines and provide Greenfield benefits. Topics such as the significance of open technology, data reliability, safety and security were also discussed.

Data engineering and open communication technology
The final session of the conference focused on data engineering as a driver for digitalization. Taking up the topic, Robin Dmello, GM, Unlimit IoT, discussed some of the problems companies face when they collect and store data – particularly in an era when our machine learning models require huge amounts of labeled data. While discussing the next big transformational change, he gave an example of rising demands of various cognitive features in connected cars. Hidden in the data are valuable clues to the vehicle's performance and health, which can be used to provide a better driver experience and improve vehicle quality and reliability. 

The latter half of the session saw a presentation on "Industrial interoperability from sensor to cloud" by Ranjithkumar G, Specialist – Technologies and Network, B&R Industrial Automation. He spoke about the benefits to industrial automation offered by OPC UA over TSN, the undisputed Industrial IoT highway. He described OPC UA over TSN as an open, unified standard for Industrial IoT communication, suitable for applications on the factory floor or in converged IT/OT ecosystems with seamless connectivity from the sensor to the cloud.  

This year's Smart Industry Conference gave participants a roadmap for successful digital transformation with a focus on the perspective of the Indian market, informed by global trends and technologies. The conference offered a mix of technical presentations, panel discussions and demos, each aimed at different aspects of the connected factory. With around 150 delegates, the conference provided a wealth of know-how on the topics of automation, Industrial IoT and digitalization and showcased successful implementations from Indian shop floors and factories.

A panel discussion at the Smart Industry Conference addressed "Key strategies for end-to-end Industrial IoT implementation and its value proposition".

About B&R
B&R is an innovative automation company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. On July 6, 2017, B&R became a business unit of the ABB Group. As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and factory automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With Industrial IoT communication standards like OPC UA, POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automation Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering. The innovative spirit that keeps B&R at the forefront of industrial automation is driven by a commitment to simplifying processes and exceeding customer expectations.

For more information, visit www.br-automation.com.