Signode (CONT’D FROM PAGE 54)
review performance under production-ready conditions. That alignment builds confidence—not just in the equip- ment, but in how it fits into the broader system. “Most customers have some automation already in place,” says Hantke. “We’ll meet them wherever they are in their automation journey. Our job is to fit into their sys- tem, not force them into ours. That’s the essence of our integration strategy.” Once testing is complete and the right solution is in place, the next step is making sure the team is prepared to run it with confidence. That means knowing how to op- erate the system, maintain it, and keep it performing day after day. The CEC houses the Reliability Services University, a hands-on training environment where customers can gain deeper familiarity with their equipment. Whether it’s walk- ing through operator controls, learning basic maintenance,
The best way to predict the future is to create it —Peter Drucker We can’t PreDict the future,
award-winning Multi-wall solutions. Whether visitors are exploring a single standalone system or a fully integrated line, the showroom delivers more than a product overview. It’s a chance to see the full picture of how machines, tech- nology, and consumables work together and how Signode builds solutions that meet the unique demands of corru- gated manufacturing. Making a capital investment in packaging equipment is a big decision, especially when it means integrating new systems into a live production environment. The Packag- ing Lab helps lighten the weight of that decision by giving manufacturers the opportunity to see it all work before committing to the purchase. The ISTA-certified lab simulates the full spectrum of re- al-world transit conditions a load can endure on a truck, train, boat, or plane: compression, vibration, impact, and environmental exposure. Corrugated customers work side by side with Signode’s application team to walk through packaging scenarios, observe performance firsthand, and adjust configurations in real time. Some teams arrive with irregular or specialty loads and want to compare how different containment methods— like the Lachenmeier hooder versus the Octopus stretch wrapper—perform under realistic conditions. Others use the lab to validate packaging strategies for new bundle profiles before scaling across the plant. In every case, the Packaging Lab offers a space to troubleshoot, adjust, and evaluate solutions with the support of the Signode team without the pressure of a live production line. The Lab also has been instrumental for customers looking to adopt automation in their facilities and want to validate its effectiveness before committing to the invest- ment. It’s also one of the clearest ways Signode reinforces the value of partnership: by giving manufacturers the tools to make informed, confident decisions and standing be- hind those decisions with data. Once the solution is defined, Factory Acceptance Test- ing (FAT) gives customers a deeper understanding of how their new equipment or protective packaging will perform once integrated in their own facility. “For FAT, we’ll set up full lines of equipment so cus- tomers can see how everything will run in their facility,” says Longardner. “It gives them a chance to validate the system, ask questions, and make sure everything is func- tioning cohesively.” The FAT process was designed to confirm that the equipment performs exactly as intended, in the layout and logic for which it was designed. Corrugated manufacturers often use this time to review multiple machines as part of a connected system, for example, strapping lines tied to wrappers or conveyors flowing into unitizers, ensuring ev- erything is working in sync. It’s a final validation step that helps prevent surprises during installation and integration. Teams can walk through safety features, fine-tune opera- tor settings, and work directly with Signode technicians to
but We’re DeDicateD to helPing create yours.
or building comfort with troubleshooting, the sessions are designed to give teams more ownership and confidence on the floor. For many corrugated customers, that kind of education helps reduce service calls, speeds up recovery during unplanned stops, and supports smoother handoffs across shifts. “The learning and training that happens here at the CEC spans Signode service techs, current and potential customers, and distributor sales teams,” says Longardner. “We want to make sure anyone who’s working with the equipment knows how it operates and how to support it.” The University, featuring a 60-seat classroom, also serves as a hub for ongoing learning for both customers and the 500+ field service engineers and technicians that comprise the Signode Reliability Services Team. The team utilizes the space to expand their technical knowledge and develop techniques for preventive, protective, and comprehensive care to better support customer needs. The customer service team also operates on-site, working near the equipment and teams they support. That connection helps translate day-to-day knowledge into more responsive, informed service. It’s another detail that reflects the facility’s broader focus: building solutions that last, and relationships that do too. To schedule your com- plimentary tour, contact Rick Hantke, Director of Marketing for Signode, at rhantke@signode.com or (773) 520-0110. A view from the balcony over the massive showroom floor of Signode’s Customer Experience Center in Roselle, Illinois.
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April 28, 2025
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