Pack Expo East 2026 Recap

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Real Conversations. Real Automation. Real Momentum.

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Pack Expo East 2026 in Philadelphia delivered exactly what we come to these shows for: meaningful conversations with manufacturers who are serious about improving throughput, reducing labor strain, and building packaging lines that scale.

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From the moment the doors opened, our booth stayed active with operators, engineers, managers, and leadership teams looking for practical automation solutions, not buzzwords. The common thread across nearly every discussion was clear: production demands are rising, labor is tight, and consistency is non-negotiable. The good news? The right equipment choices and line layouts can make a measurable impact fast.

The theme we heard again and again: “We need to do more with less.”

Across food, snack, bakery, nutraceutical, and general CPG applications, manufacturers shared similar pain points:

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Manual packing and hand-loading creating bottlenecks
Inconsistent weights and product giveaway impacting margins
Changeovers taking too long and costing uptime
End-of-line constraints (case packing / palletizing) limiting total output
Difficulty finding and keeping labor for repetitive packaging work

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Our team spent the show doing what we love: breaking down these challenges and mapping out the most efficient automation path, whether that means starting with a single packaging station or building toward a complete end-to-end line.

Highlights from the booth: the lineup that drew the crowd

This year, we brought a full range of packaging and automation systems so attendees could see how the pieces fit together in a real production environment.

Robotics & End-of-Line Automation

Automation at the end of the line was one of the biggest topics of the show. Many teams are ready to reduce repetitive manual tasks and improve consistency, especially in case handling and palletizing conversations. Our Cobot System and RoboPacker sparked strong interest as flexible, scalable options for operations looking to take the next step.

Bagging & Primary Packaging

Bagging and portion packaging were constant conversation drivers, especially for operations balancing speed with accuracy. Systems like the RotoBagger, EcoBagger + Auger Filler, and 2 Lane Stick Pack were central to discussions around efficiency, dosing accuracy, and clean, repeatable packaging results.

Weighing, Feeding & System Support

When accuracy and consistency matter, weighing systems become the heartbeat of a packaging line. We spent a lot of time talking through product behavior, ideal hopper sizes, and how the right scale configuration impacts speed and cost control. The 14 Head Scale and EliteWeigh Weigher 24H 0.5L generated strong interest for teams wanting dependable performance across different product types.

VFFS & Packaging Platforms

For teams focused on throughput and uptime, our VFFS and packaging platforms were a key draw. The MarsRapid VFFS, ComboPack Case Former & Bag Inserter, and Pack500 flow wrapper drove great conversations around film handling, seal integrity, changeover simplicity, and building a platform that supports growth.

What happens next

To everyone who visited our booth, thank you. If we didn’t get enough time together on the show floor, we’d love to continue the conversation with a quick line review call. Whether you’re upgrading a single component or planning a full automation roadmap, our team can help you:

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Confirm the right packaging format and system configuration
Estimate throughput improvements and labor savings
Identify bottlenecks and prioritize upgrades by ROI
Build a phased plan that scales with your production goals

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If you’re ready, reach out and we’ll schedule a follow-up. Contact us today.

Let’s keep the momentum going.

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PLAN IT Packaging at Pack Expo East 2026

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Packaging Type

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Booth 1739 | Philadelphia | Feb 17–19, 2026

If you’re heading to Pack Expo East 2026, we’d love to see you. This year, we’re bringing a serious equipment lineup built for real production floors designed to help manufacturers increase throughput, reduce labor strain, improve consistency, and scale with confidence.

Whether you’re upgrading a single station or mapping a full end-to-end line, our team will be onsite to walk through formats, speeds, product handling, and the smartest automation path for your operation.

What we’re bringing to the show

1. Robotics & End-of-Line Automation

PackMaster, Cobot Palletizer is a flexible, cost-effective solution that simplifies palletizing for a wide range of products and case sizes. Capable of handling one or two pallets and medium to heavy loads of up to 60 kg, it adapts easily to varying production needs. Its intuitive HMI system allows for quick programming, testing, and setup, helping save time and boost productivity all within a much smaller footprint than traditional palletizer systems.

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RoboPacker, Robotic Case Packer is a 3-in-1 solution that combines picking, case erecting, and packing within a single compact footprint. Equipped with a vision system for product orientation, an Omron PLC, and a 4-axis robot, it delivers precision and efficiency for a variety of product types. Designed for fast changeovers and seamless integration, this robust system ensures reliable, high-performance operation. Its user-friendly interface and versatile layout allow it to handle multiple product sizes and formats, making it an ideal choice for modern, high-output packaging lines.

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2. Bagging & Primary Packaging

RotoBagger, Rotary Premade Pouch Machine is ideal for mid-to high-speed production in demanding 24/7 environments. Specifically designed for premade pouching applications, this machine delivers packaging speeds of 40–90 bags per minute (BPM), with Duplex and higher-speed models available to meet increased throughput needs.

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EcoBagger Mini, Linear Premade Pouch Machine + EliteFill, Auger Filler is a compact, servo-driven pre-made pouch machine built for powders and granular products needing accurate dosing and clean fills. Engineered for efficiency and reliability, this durable system delivers consistent performance with quick changeovers. Its intuitive, user-friendly design makes operation simple while providing the flexibility to package products in multiple sizes and formats.

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SP200, 2 Lane Stick Pack is a compact, entry-level stick pack machine designed for small to mid-sized production environments. It can be configured with auger, granular, or liquid fillers to handle both solid and liquid products. With up to 5 lanes and a maximum film web width of 8" (210mm), it’s ideal for tight spaces thanks to its minimal footprint, even in height.

3. Weighing, Feeding & Support Equipment

EliteWeigh, 14H Multihead Weigher delivers exceptional accuracy and speed with robust stainless steel construction. Featuring precision german load cells, tool-free maintenance, and versatile integration with various packaging machines, it's ideal for precise weighing and packaging of diverse products from granules to fragile items.

4. VFFS & Wrapping Equipment

MarsRapid, VFFS is a continuous motion, ultra-high-speed vertical form fill seal machine engineered for large-volume packaging. Designed to achieve up to 200 cycles per minute, it delivers exceptional throughput without compromising reliability or consistency. Built for efficiency, the Mars Rapid integrates seamlessly with weighers and fillers, ensuring smooth operation across a variety of applications. Its user-friendly interface and quick-changeover design provide the flexibility to handle multiple product sizes and formats, making it the ideal solution for high-output packaging environments.

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MarsCompak, VFFS is a compact vertical form fill seal machine designed for pillow, stand-up, zippered, and gusset pouches. Capable of producing up to 80 bags per minute, it offers a versatile solution for both food and non-food applications. Engineered for reliability and efficiency, this robust system ensures consistent performance while keeping operations streamlined. With its user-friendly controls and rapid changeover design, the MarsCompak integrates seamlessly with filling systems and provides the flexibility to package a wide range of product sizes and formats.

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Pack500, Flow Wrapper is a large-format flow wrapper supporting products up to 20” wide. Designed for high-speed lines and large products. Specifically designed for optimal performance, this robust system ensures reliability and efficiency. Featuring user-friendly operation, it facilitates seamless integration and rapid changeovers, providing versatility for various product sizes and formats.

Let’s talk about your line

Bring your product, your bag format, and your target speed we’ll help you map the best system configuration and show what it looks like in the real world. 📞 Give us a call toll-free at 1-866-339-3407 or tell us a little more about your goals here. We look forward to getting started and building the future of packaging automation together.

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📍Visit PLAN IT PACKAGING at Booth 1739

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Royal Food Products Scales Production with PLAN IT Packaging

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Royal Food Products, a third-generation family business based in Edmonton, has grown into one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of frozen savory pastries, producing more than three million kilograms annually. With demand for their signature sausage rolls continuing to surge, the company turned to automation to increase throughput while maintaining the quality their customers expect.

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To support this growth, Royal Food Products partnered with PLAN IT Packaging Systems to modernize their packaging operations. Their most recent investment, a MarsCompak vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) line with an integrated ELITEWEIGH multihead scale, replaced a labor-intensive manual process and delivered immediate results.

“The equipment we recently purchased has significantly increased our throughput and is helping us maintain our profit margins,” says Paul Meyer, President of Royal Food Products. “It also allows us to reinvest in our employees and future equipment.”

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Since startup, the new system has delivered major productivity gains.

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“The day we turned it on, we saw a 24% increase in productivity,” Meyer shares. “Depending on the product, we’ve seen a 56–80% increase in output. It’s surpassed our expectations—an amazing asset.”

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Beyond performance improvements, the automated solution also enhanced accuracy and reduced waste.

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“Since implementing the new machine, we have better finished weights, less waste, more accurate counts, and easier labor requirements,” Meyer explains.

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PLAN IT’s team provided hands-on training and ongoing support throughout the project.

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“PLAN IT has been excellent to work with from start to finish,” Meyer adds. “They have a responsive support network, and I’d be happy to work with them again.”

This partnership has helped Royal Food Products remove production bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities demonstrating the real-world impact of smart, scalable automation.

Ready to elevate your packaging line? Connect with our team today for a free consultation and discover how smart automation can transform your operation.

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Flow Wrapping & Automatic Feeding Systems Machines

Multihead Weighers

Premade Pouch Machines

Auger Powder Filling Machine

Multihead Weighers

Net Linear Weigher

Bag Case Inserting & Uncuffing Machines

Horizontal Form, Fill & Seal Machines

Vertical Form Fill & Seal Machines

Stick Pack Machines

Sachet Pack Machines

Flow Wrapping & Automatic Feeding Systems Machines

Premade Pouch Machines

Case Former Machine

Case Sealer Machine

Cobot Palletizer

Robotic Case Packers

Case Former Machine

Case Sealer Machine

Cobot Palletizer

Robotic Case Packers

Check Weigher Machine

Metal Detector Machine

X-Ray Machine

All Solutions

Food & Beverage

EliteWeigh Multihead Weigher Paired with the Rotobagger™

The Carnivore Bar

Food & Beverage

EliteWeigh Multihead Weigher Paired with the Rotobagger™

The Carnivore Bar

Baked Goods

How to Pack Shortbread Cookies with The Rotobagger

Achieving Precision in Cookie Packaging

Powder & Granular

Packaging Powders with Auger Filler & Premade Pouch Machine

Factory Acceptance Testing: Ensuring Seamless Integration

Frozen Foods

20-Head Washdown Eliteweigh - Built for Frozen Products

Factory Acceptance Testing: Ensuring Seamless Integration

Confectionery

MarsRapid VFFS & 24H EliteWeigh Multi-Head Weigher (x4 The Speed)

Elevating Co-Packing with Automated Solutions

Pet Care

Package Pet Jerky Tenders With Us

Factory Acceptance Testing: Ensuring Seamless Integration

Household

Plan It Packaging – Automatic Case Packing for Rigid Tubs

Factory Acceptance Testing: Ensuring Seamless Integration

Personal Care

Effortless Palletizing: PackMaster Cobot Highlights

Factory Acceptance Testing: Ensuring Seamless Integration

Health & Medicinal

EliteCount with the EcoBagger Mini – Fully Automated Edible Packaging

Factory Acceptance Testing: Ensuring Seamless Integration

All Industries

Pack Expo East 2026 Recap

The theme we heard again and again: “We need to do more with less.”

Highlights from the booth: the lineup that drew the crowd

Robotics & End-of-Line Automation

Bagging & Primary Packaging

Weighing, Feeding & System Support

VFFS & Packaging Platforms

What happens next

PLAN IT Packaging at Pack Expo East 2026

Booth 1739 | Philadelphia | Feb 17–19, 2026

What we’re bringing to the show

1. Robotics & End-of-Line Automation

2. Bagging & Primary Packaging

3. Weighing, Feeding & Support Equipment

4. VFFS & Wrapping Equipment

Let’s talk about your line

Royal Food Products Scales Production with PLAN IT Packaging

Royal Food Products Scales Production

The Carnivore Bar

Elevating Co-Packing with Automated Solutions

Pack Expo East 2026

Sweets & Snacks 2026

Pack Expo International 2026

Washdown MarsCompak VFFS in Frozen Environments