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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Headquarters |  Streetsboro, Ohio |
| Products | Bag Packaging Machinery, Materials and Equipment |
Number of employees | 800 (2008) |
| Website | http://www.autobag.com// |
Automated Packaging Systems is a Northeast Ohio-based company that designs and manufactures bag packaging systems. The company patented the original Autobag® bag-on-a-roll materials, bag packaging systems, as well as subsequent technical innovations.
History
editAutobag Packaging - Invention and Overview
editAutomated Packaging Systems, Inc., is a Northeast Ohio-based company that designs and manufactures automated bag packaging systems that dramatically increase efficiencies in manufacturing. The company has numerous patents [1] representing an array of technical innovations, and is an industry leader. The company is noteworthy because it recognized the value of new polybag packaging materials resulting from the post war expansion in technology and the opportunities presented by the corresponding expanding economy, thus creating a new industry.
Founders
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Founded in 1962 by Hershey Lerner, Bernard Lerner and Arthur S. Gould, the company has grown from the relatively modest sales of its first machines out of a Long Island, New York garage to its current installed base of over 25,000 machines.
The founders’ experience in packaging actually precedes the founding of Automated Packaging Systems.
Hershey Lerner, the older of the two brothers, began his career learning about packaging technology at Action Bag & Envelope in New York. He was an inventor who garnered an array of patents, one-third in the packaging industry. At Action Bag & Envelope he developed a polyethylene bag manufacturing division.
Following his success at Action Bag & Envelope he organized an Industrial Stapling Division for Swingline Manufacturing Co. where he also patented a hand-held stapler with a unique rotating cartridge chamber that was capable of holding 5,000 staples. During this time he also invented a device that synchronized printing with bag making. This would prove to be a critical element in future endeavors.
Bernie Lerner, six year younger than his brother, developed a strong working knowledge in the process for sealing vinyl and for removing excess adhesives from belts in automated applications. His packaging technology experience includes the Custom Made Bag Division of Potdevin Manufacturing Co. and the Standard Folding Trays Co. In these companies he acquired a wealth of experience in engineering, machinery design and maintenance.
Arthur Gould, graduated from Duke University and began selling for Dobeckum Co, a Cleveland Ohio–based chemical firm, before joining the Lerner brothers to form Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
The Opportunity
editThe key to this new company’s emergence was the increasing demand for packaging efficiency and speed coupled with an array of new materials, in particular polyethylene plastic film. Adding to this demand was the evolution of the American consumer shopping experience. As the variety of competing products exploded in the mid twentieth century, manufacturers were constantly looking for ways to make their products more attractive to consumers, creating packaging that complemented their products. Of particular interest was transparent packaging that allowed customers to see the product while it was on freestanding store shelves. Packaging was no longer an afterthought in the manufacturing process, but an integrated component.
This shift in thought represented an opportunity. Small to mid-size manufacturers were incapable of increasing production, while still using existing packaging techniques, without a corresponding increase in labor and costs. Thus creating the opportunity that Automated Packaging System’s founders would seize.
The solution was to invent a machine that would feed preformed bags-on-a-roll into loading position, already opened. Once developed, this system enabled smaller manufacturers to enter new markets without significant cost increases.
The First Product
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The company’s first product was a simple configuration but it embodied two distinct inventions critical to the company’s success. The machine was simply a box, with 1,000 bags on a roll and an electric blower that would open the bags as they came into the loading position.
The bag-on-a-roll however, was, and continues to be, the unique system component that Automated Packaging System invented. Automated Packaging Systems invented the perforated, pre-opened bag-on-a-roll. These bags are formed on a continuous roll and a perforation separates the bottom of one bag from the top of the next. The top is not sealed and as the bag comes into position, the blower opens the bag so that the user can fill the bag. The bag is sealed as it leaves the loading position. The bag-on-a-roll is a patented component in the Automated Packaging Systems solution and is branded with the registered trademark of Autobag®.
The initial development of the first Autobag and the bag-on-a-roll concept was developed before the company had a single full-time employee. Automated Packaging Systems is like many quintessential American companies, a result of the perfect storm of ingenuity, risk-taking and sweat equity.
History
editFounder Art Gould, also the first sales professional, describes the challenging sales process for the product. The solution was almost too simple. According to Gould, “What would you think if some guy walked in off the street and told you he could speed up a packaging function by a factor of 10:1 or more, and then showed you a roll of plastic bags, a cardboard box and an air blower.” Based on these experiences, the Lerners and Art were convinced that selling the bags without the associated delivery system would be a loosing proposition. The bags would be nothing more than a commodity, resulting in intense competition.
At this time the company was still operating out of the garage on Long Island when Art secured one of the young company’s largest orders; a manufacturer that wanted to put 10 million rubber balls in polyethylene bags. This order was the impetus for moving to Cleveland, Ohio, where the company established a permanent infrastructure and continued to grow.
The arrival in Cleveland introduced Ridley Watts and Herb Crowther to Automated Packaging Systems. Ridley and Herb, were with American Packaging (AmPak) Company. After seeing Automated Packaging Systems in action, AmPak offered working capital and a facility more appropriate than the Long Island garage if Automated Packaging Systems relocated to Brooklyn, Ohio [1].
Ultimately Herb Crowther, who had been the more reluctant of the two AmPak partners, became so impressed with Automated Packaging Systems that he sold his share of AmPak to Ridley, purchased Ridley’s share of Automated Packaging Systems and became President of Automated Packaging Systems. Whereas the Lerner brothers and Art brought a wealth of ingenuity and engineering skill to the table, Herb brought more than 12 years of business experience.
Automated Packaging Systems then moved into a new facility that afforded the luxury of enough space for a formal research and development operation. Eighteen months after occupying the new facility Automated Packaging Systems completed development of the H-50, an automated system that enabled the filling and sealing of 8,000 bags per shift. An optional imprinter allowed the automatic printing of information regarding the package contents and a hopper feed was available that would double the unit’s per shift capacity.
Accessories that further automated the packaging function quickly followed the H-50. For example, counters, weigh-scales and other in-feed systems were integrated with the bagger to increase packaging productivity.
Equipment and Technology
editBag Packaging Equipment
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Automated Packaging Systems equipment is used in a variety of applications. The company’s focus has been on automating and improving the efficiency of bag packaging operations. Current machinery offered by Automated Packaging Systems address hand loading, semi-automatic loading, and fully automatic bag packaging systems. These plastic bagging and sealing systems are available as tabletop models as well as stand alone workstations.
The original Autobag product is conceptually still present in the company’s current offerings. They follow the original design, which is comprised of pre-opened bags-on-a-roll that are automatically fed to the loading position. Over the years Automated Packaging Systems has incorporated modern technological improvements and is largely responsible for the automation and increased efficiency of modern bag packaging systems.
Autobag - Automated Packaging Systems
editCurrently the company manufactures Autobag®, SidePouch™ and AirPouch™ systems, along with custom-engineered bag packaging solutions. The company also markets imprinters, assorted feed mechanisms and conveyors.
Autobag Baggers
editThe Autobag packaging systems deliver a pre-opened bag from the patented bag-on-a-roll system to the loading position. The machine opens the bag, the bag is filled, and then sealed before dropping away and allowing the next bag to move into position for loading.
The operating system incorporates advanced electronics and user-friendly touch-screen controls for fast job setup and changeover, plus diagnostic functions for most machines. These baggers run a wide range of bag sizes from 2 inches to 16 inches wide. Many in-line printing options are available for integrated Print-n-Pack™ systems. Autobag bag-on-a-roll materials are specifically designed to work with the Autobag bagging systems.
SidePouch – High Productivity Bag Packaging Systems
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The SidePouch packaging system operates similar to the Autobag system in that it delivers pre-opened bags to the operator ready for loading. The significant difference between this system and the Autobag machine is that this machine feeds the bags from the side, allowing multiple bags to be open and filled simultaneously.
A conveyor of pre-opened bags are staged in front of a 60-inch wide loading area where one or more operators can hand-load single or multiple items into each bag. Or, the system can be automated for high-speed kit packaging and simultaneous printing. In either case, the SPrint SidePouch bag packaging system offers a fast return on investment in high-productivity applications.
Airpouch Void-Fill Systems
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Void-fill air systems create plastic “air pillows’ that are used to protect products during shipping and are an alternative to traditional peanut, foam and paper packing materials. The systems operate by feeding preformed bags, similar to the system used in packaging systems, but rather than filling the bag with product, the system fills the bag with air and seals the bag into an air pillow. Systems are typically operated in semi or fully automatic modes and the air pillows are used as needed. A wide range of sizes and materials are available, including recycled plastic and biodegradable films.
Furthermore, many users believe void-fill air pillows are more environmentally friendly than other packaging materials, provide excellent protection, increase product visibility, and reduce shipping costs.
Other Packaging Equipment
editImprinters
editAutomated Packaging Systems markets high-speed thermal transfer imprinters that integrate with the company’s bag packaging systems to clearly label or graphically enrich the packaging of products. These systems not only enable users to increase efficiency by eliminating the need for a separate label printing operation by printing directly on the poly bag during the bagging process, but also ensure regulatory compliance when specific labeling concerns must be addressed.
Thermal transfer printers provide printing of high-resolution graphics, bar codes, alphanumeric text, and custom logos for a strong brand identity in creative packaging solutions.
InFeed Systems
editEfficiently bagging, sealing and printing packaging requires a constant source of material to be bagged. Modern automated bagging systems often include weigh scales, automatic counters, conveyors and other equipment that can be integrated into the packaging system. These infeed systems are designed to accommodate a wide range of product sizes, shapes, weights and volumes for high-speed packaging.
Bag Packaging Materials
editBag Packaging Material While automated packaging machines can be used to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization, automating the process will not have the maximum effect if the machines do not have the appropriate packing material. In this context packaging material refers to the composition of the bag itself. Genuine “Autobag” materials generally refer to pre-opened bag-on-a-roll that are extruded, manufactured, converted and printed by Automated Packaging Systems.
Polyethylene
editPolyethylene is a thermoplastic commodity ideal for the packaging industry. Polyethylene is an enhanced linear, low-density material typically used in applications requiring superior durability and strength. Polyethylene also possesses excellent printing characteristics.
It is a high tensile strength film that is available in clear through opaque and a various combinations. It is also available in an array of plain and custom printed materials. The most popular packaging applications for polyethylene include hardware, automotive, crafts, medical devices, electronics and void-fill air pillows.
Polypropylene
editPolypropelyne is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications, including packaging. Polypropylene is generally used in applications where the clarity of the packaging material is critical. Polypropylene is a high-strength, multi-layer film that provides superb haze properties and high oxygen transfer rates, which allows it to prevent odor from leaking out of the package. The most popular packaging applications for polypropylene include foods, pet supplies and retail.
Barrier/Co-Extruded
editBarrier/co-extruded films are available in a variety of materials. Barrier/co-extruded films can also be manufactured in multiple layers and offer various degrees of permeability, all of which can affect the bag’s contents. The most popular packaging applications for barrier/co-extruded include mail order fulfillment, frozen foods and pet foods.
UV Protective
editMany polymers used in packaging materials are degraded by UV light. This UV degradation is one form of polymer degradation. Sensitive polymers include thermoplastics, such as polypropylene and polyethylene as well as specialty fibers like aramids. UV absorption leads to chain degradation and loss of strength at sensitive points in the chain structure. Many packaging materials are now resistant to these elements.
Translucent and opaque materials provide high UV(a) and UV(b) protection, strength and machine-ability. The most popular packaging applications for UV protective films include pharmacy fulfillment, unit dose packaging, medical packaging and security applications.
Corrosion Resistant
editThese unique bag packaging materials includes corrosion inhibitors that protect the contents from rust and tarnish without the need for costly coatings. The most popular packaging applications for corrosion resistant films include automotive, aerospace, medical devices and jewelry.
Static Dissipative Films
editStatic dissipative films manage static electricity and are engineered for products that may be damaged by static charges. The most popular packaging applications for static dissipative films include electronics, electrical components, and wireless devices.
Opaque Films
editThese films are available in white, gray or black and protect and conceal contents. The most popular packaging applications for opaque films include mail order fulfillment, pharmacy fulfillment and bulk parcels.
Military Spec Compliant
editMilitary spec compliant films are waterproof/greaseproof materials that meet military requirements for strength and durability. The most popular packaging applications for mil-spec films include aerospace components, automotive components, and government military supplies.
Other Specialty Films
editThere are an array of poly bag materials that are application specific. The most popular packaging uses for other specialty films include scratch resistant applications, frozen foods and biodegradable.
Void-fill Air Pillow
editVoid-fill Air Pillows are puncture resistant air cushions made from polyethylene plastic film, used to protect products during shipping and in storage.
This protective packing material is cleaner and requires far less storage than traditional EPS peanuts or paper packaging materials. This polyethylene is also available as recycled material and biodegradable material. The film comes in standard widths of 8 and 10 inches long with several width options for a wide range of protective packing applications.
Trademarks
editAutomated Packaging Systems has rights reserved for the following trademarks:
Accu-Count®
Accu-Scale®
AirPouch™
AutoBag®
AutoLabel™
DuraClear™
Kit-Veyor®
Maximizer™
OneStep™
PaceSetter™
Print-n-Pack™
SidePouch™
Systems Advantage™
Notes
editReferences
edit- Troy, B (2003). "We Celebrate 40 Years - That's Just the Beginning.
External links
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