Machines for Packaging: The Ultimate Guide for Modern Production Lines

by The Brand Office

In today’s production environment, choosing the right machines for packaging is about more than speed. It’s about building a system that is flexible, reliable, and engineered to grow with your business. At MFT Automation, we specialize in everything from basic building blocks to complete integrated systems to help manufacturers streamline operations with automation that’s efficient, consistent, and tailored to unique needs.

Machines for Packaging: The Base Components

Every modern packaging line starts with its core components. These packaging machines are the building blocks of automation:

  • Friction Feeders: Designed for accurate and repeatable feeding of flat products such as paperboard, leaflets, or pouches.

  • Automatic Label Machines: Ensure products are identified, branded, and trackable with precision placement.

  • Conveyors: Move products seamlessly between processes, keeping lines efficient and minimizing downtime.

  • Tray Formers: Quickly create trays for secure packaging and transport with toolless components and easy operation.

  • Components & Accessories: From vacuum belts to static minimizers, accessories allow manufacturers to fine-tune performance for maximum uptime and throughput.

These individual systems form the foundation, but the real advantage comes when they’re integrated together.

Integrated Systems: Automated Systems for Packaging

The next step in packaging automation is combining multiple machines into a cohesive solution. An automated packaging machine links processes for greater efficiency and reliability. At MFT Automation, we engineers systems that integrate:

  • Processing: Feeding, collating, and preparing products.

  • Printing: Adding codes, expiration dates, and variable data.

  • Labeling: Attaching primary or secondary labels with precision.

  • Verifying: Using inspection technology to ensure accuracy and compliance.

This type of automated packaging equipment eliminates bottlenecks, reduces errors, and keeps production moving smoothly from start to finish.

Total System Solutions: Multi-Faceted, Standardized Automation

For high-volume manufacturers, total system solutions take automation even further. MFT’s standardized systems are designed to solve complex challenges while maintaining repeatability and reliability. Popular solutions include:

These total solutions highlight how we combine proven standard systems with custom engineering to fit into your unique workflow and compliance needs.

Human-Centered Engineering for Packaging Operations

Investing in the right machines for packaging goes beyond equipment. Our goal is to solve real production problems, supporting your operators and ultimately your bottom line. MFT Automation brings decades of design and engineering expertise to every project, offering systems that are scalable, efficient, and built for the demands of modern manufacturing.

Whether you need a single packaging machine or a fully integrated system, our people-centered approach means we listen first, then design a solution that helps you achieve ROI, flexibility, and long-term success. Talk to one of our automation experts today about your latest challenge.

Meet the Tray Former 500: Compact, Flexible, and Built for What’s Next

by MFT Automation

This year at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, MFT Automation unveils the next generation of tray forming technology.

The Tray Former 500 is our newest innovation in packaging automation: a compact, operator-friendly system that’s designed to bring your production line speed, flexibility, and efficiency. 

In an industry where change is constant with new products, shifting demand, tighter spaces, this next-generation tray former helps operations keep pace without compromise.

Why a New Tray Former Matters Now

Manufacturers across food, medical, and cannabis industries are facing the same challenges:

  • More product SKUs to run in shorter cycles.
  • Limited floor space for new automation.
  • Growing demand for uptime and quick ROI.
  • Staffing, skill, and operator training hurdles.

Traditional tray forming equipment wasn’t built for this level of agility. That’s where the Tray Former 500 comes in. 

Key Features of the Tray Former 500

Compact Footprint

MFT Automation’s new Tray Former 500 takes up less space on your production floor without sacrificing performance. For facilities where every square foot counts, it’s a system that delivers maximum output in a smaller package.

Toolless Flexibility

Switching between tray sizes or product runs has never been faster. With a toolless, quick-change design, operators have easy access to swap dies and components. This ability to adapt means your line can handle shifting demands with less downtime and more throughput.

Operator-Friendly Interface

Built with intuitive controls, the Tray Former 500 is operator-friendly, engineered for reduced training time and simple day-to-day operation. Operators can get up to speed quickly and focus on production, rather than troubleshooting.

Designed for Uptime

Every detail of the Tray Former 500 is designed to minimize maintenance and maximize reliability. From durable components to easy access for adjustments, it’s built to keep your production lines moving.

Applications Across Industries

The versatility of the Tray Former 500 makes it a strong fit across multiple sectors:

  • Food & Beverage: Feed and form corrugated, cardboard, or other unformed packaging products for prepared foods with precision and speed.
  • Medical & Pharma: Maintain consistency and reliability in regulated environments where accuracy matters most.
  • Cannabis: Adapt to a wide variety of tray sizes and packaging formats in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

Smarter Investment, Faster ROI

Automation isn’t just about keeping up, it’s about moving ahead. With the Tray Former 500, your production line achieves:

  • Decreased downtime through toolless components.
  • Increased efficiency in tight spaces.
  • Reduced training requirements thanks to intuitive controls.
  • A strong return-on-investment with an adaptable system.

In short, it’s a new-and-improved system designed for the long haul and ready to grow with your business.

See It First at PACK EXPO

The Tray Former 500 will make its debut at PACK EXPO Las Vegas. Attendees will be able to see live demonstrations, talk with our automation experts, and experience firsthand how this system is driving tray forming forward.

If you’re heading to the show, make sure to stop by booth W-544 to see us and the Tray Former 500 in action. And don’t forget, you can register for free with our comp code: 85G78.

Visit our website or connect with our team anytime to learn how the Tray Former 500 can enhance your packaging line.

Sustainability in Printing & Packaging: Meeting Market Demand Without Compromise

by MFT Automation

Sustainability has moved from a nice-to-have to a non-negotiable in today’s packaging industry. Brands are under growing pressure from consumers, regulators, and their own environmental commitments to reduce waste, lower emissions, and choose eco-friendly materials. The challenge? Meeting these sustainability goals without sacrificing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or quality. 

That’s where we aim to provide expert insights and resources for you: the modern manufacturer. We design automated packaging equipment and automatic label machines that support greener practices while keeping production running at peak performance.

Circular Manufacturing: Closing the Loop

At the heart of sustainable production is circular manufacturing–a model that keeps materials and products in use for as long as possible. Instead of the traditional “take, make, dispose” approach, circular systems aim to design out waste, extend equipment lifespan, and reuse materials wherever possible. MFT Automation supports circular manufacturing by:

  • Designing for Durability: We engineer machines to withstand long production cycles, reducing the frequency of replacement.
  • Refurbishing and Recertifying Equipment: Extending the life of our own machinery and helping you buy high-quality used systems at a lower cost.
  • Precision Automation: We manufacture automatic label application and feeding systems that minimize misprints, material waste, and downtime.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials

Switching to biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials is a key step toward sustainability. But these materials can behave differently than traditional substrates–making accuracy and control in production lines more important than ever. When you incorporate eco-friendly packaging components, you need a solution that offers maximum control and precision. MFT’s product labeling machines and feeding systems are engineered to:

  • Handle delicate, flexible, or thinner eco-materials without damage.
  • Apply labels with precision and consistently, reducing wasted product and rework.
  • Integrate seamlessly into existing lines so manufacturers can make sustainable changes without disrupting production.

The Role of Automation in Sustainability

Automation, by design, maximizes efficiency, consistency, and control–making it a powerful driver of sustainable production. Compared to traditional machinery, automated solutions deliver greater accountability, repeatability, and real-time data visibility. MFT systems are engineered with intuitive operator interfaces and advanced monitoring capabilities, providing insights into processes, software performance, bottlenecks, and errors. This combination of precision and intelligence supports you in meeting your production targets while advancing sustainability goals through:

  • Less Waste: Precision-driven systems cut down on misprints, over-labeling, and defective packaging.
  • Energy Efficiency: Modern automated packaging equipment often consumes less energy than older manual or semi-automatic systems.
  • Data Tracking: Integration with vision inspection and track-and-trace systems allows for better monitoring of materials and waste output–informing continuous improvements.

Meeting the Demand for Responsible Packaging

Consumer awareness around packaging waste is at an all-time high and regulations are increasing worldwide. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing opportunities to those prioritizing sustainable innovation. By combining automatic systems, refurbished equipment programs, and expertise in working with sustainable materials, MFT Automation helps you meet new environmental commitments without compromising quality or efficiency.

Looking to make your packaging operations more sustainable?

Let’s build a system that’s good for the planet and your bottom line. Contact MFT Automation to learn how our automated packaging equipment and product labeling machines can support your evolving sustainability goals.

Automation for Traceability: Future-Proofing Food, Pharma, and Cannabis Packaging

by MFT Automation

Traceability is the backbone of product safety, recall readiness, and supply chain visibility. In industries like food, medical, pharmaceuticals, and cannabis, compliance is non-negotiable and consumer trust is hard-earned. As rules and regulations change and evolve, flexible, automated traceability systems are now essential.

At MFT Automation, we engineer labeling and serialization solutions that help your manufacturing operation meet the growing demand for traceability with precision, speed, and confidence.

Why Traceability Matters

Today’s supply chains are under a microscope. From source to shelf, products must be identifiable, verifiable, and traceable through every stage of the packaging and distribution process. Regulatory agencies are tightening standards while consumers expect transparency and accountability.

Whether you’re working in food safety, pharmaceuticals, or medical packaging, traceability supports:

  • Rapid and accurate product recalls
  • Inventory control and expiration management
  • Authentication and anti-counterfeiting measures
  • Regulatory reporting and compliance readiness

Automation ensures these processes aren’t just accurate–they’re scalable.

Traceability Across Industries: Different Needs, Same Mission

While the need for traceability is universal, the requirements vary depending on your industry:

  • Food Industry: Must comply with FDA’s FSMA rules, trace ingredients, and ensure product recall precision.
  • Pharma & Medical Packaging: Requires serialization, tamper-evidence, and compliance with DSCSA and cGMP standards.
  • Cannabis: Demands strict seed-to-sale tracking with RFID and labeling to meet rapidly changing state and national regulations.

In all three sectors, the margin for error is razor-thin and the need for real-time, automated traceability solutions is rising.

Labeling + Serialization: Two Key Systems for Compliance

MFT Automation provides end-to-end labeling and serialization systems to help operations meet evolving standards across industries. These systems allow you to meet strict traceability requirements while optimizing production speed and minimizing risk.

Impresso Labeler Series

Our versatile print and apply label machine series is ideal for RFID and UPC labeling—two cornerstones of trackable packaging. 

Benefits:

  • Reliable application of RFID or barcode labels
  • Seamless integration into packaging lines
  • High-speed throughput with consistent label placement
  • Compliant with evolving pharma packaging and cannabis regulations

Track and Trace System

This fully integrated system combines product feeding, printing, vision inspection, and reject mechanisms into one cohesive solution.

Benefits:

  • Serialization coding for lot, batch, and unit-level tracking
  • Inline vision verification to ensure coding accuracy
  • Reject functionality to remove non-compliant products
  • Ideal for medical packaging, pharmaceuticals, and high-scrutiny food production lines

Compliance Doesn’t Have to Be Complex

The regulatory landscape is only getting more demanding. But with the right automation, staying compliant doesn’t have to slow you down. MFT Automation’s systems are engineered for reliability, customization, and future scalability–whether you’re labeling ice cream pints or unit-dose medical vials.

From RFID-ready print and apply label machines to integrated Track and Trace systems, we can help you build transparency and compliance directly into your production lines.

Looking to Upgrade Traceability?

MFT Automation works with food, pharma, and cannabis manufacturers to implement automation systems that meet today’s traceability standards and adapt to tomorrow’s. If you’ve got a unique challenge or are curious about improving your automated traceability, let’s talk.

Meeting the Moment: Why Washdown & Hygienic Equipment Is on the Rise in Food and Medical Packaging

by MFT Automation

In industries where cleanliness isn’t just a standard–it’s a mandate–equipment design plays a crucial role. From food production lines to medical and pharma packaging facilities, the need for hygienic and washdown-ready equipment has never been more urgent. At MFT Automation, we’re seeing a clear trend: demand is rising for systems that can handle both rigorous sanitation and high-performance throughput.

Here’s why–and how we’re helping your food and medical manufacturers meet the moment.

Why Washdown & Hygienic Equipment Is Trending Now

Across the food industry and medical sectors, consumer expectations and regulatory requirements are tightening. Whether it’s preventing cross-contamination, complying with FSMA or FDA regulations, or improving food industry quality control, you need solutions that can withstand aggressive cleaning protocols–without compromising performance.

Some key drivers behind the current demand:

  • Heightened food safety standards across global supply chains
  • Increased scrutiny from regulators and retailers
  • A rise in automated, high-speed packaging lines that require easy, reliable cleaning
  • Greater emphasis on cleanroom-ready systems for pharma and medical packaging

Where Washdown Systems Matter Most

Industries that handle consumables or sterile products rely on washdown-ready systems to ensure cleanliness and compliance, especially in environments with frequent exposure to moisture, bacteria, or allergens.

Primary sectors include:

  • Food production & packaging: from dairy to meat to baked goods
  • Medical device packaging: where hygiene and precision are critical
  • Pharma packaging: requiring contamination-free equipment for blister packs, vials, and more

In all of these processes, equipment like washdown conveyors, interleavers, and packaging systems must not only operate efficiently–they must also be easy to sanitize, resist corrosion, and maintain integrity after repeated cleanings.

The Benefits of Washdown & Hygienic Equipment

MFT Automation engineers systems with sanitation top of mind. The benefits of our washdown and hygienic equipment include:

  • Use of FDA-Approved materials
  • Reduced risk of contamination and product recalls
  • Durable stainless-steel designs for long-term reliability
  • Faster, more efficient cleaning cycles to reduce downtime
  • Customizable solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing food packaging equipment or medical workflows

MFT Automation’s Commitment to Clean Design

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all automation. Every piece of washdown equipment we build is engineered to perform under pressure–literally and figuratively. That includes:

  • Open, accessible designs that eliminate hard-to-clean areas
  • Corrosion-resistant components ideal for high-moisture environments
  • Flexible, modular systems that integrate into broader automation lines
  • Hygienic models of our most in-demand systems, including interleavers, friction feeders and labeling machines

Whether it’s food packaging equipment for a high-speed deli line or a hygienic conveyor system for medical packaging, our team delivers custom-engineered systems that help you stay compliant, efficient, and future-ready.

Let’s Build for Cleanliness and Compliance

If you’re looking for automation that meets today’s sanitary demands without slowing your operation down, let’s talk. MFT Automation offers trusted solutions for the food, medical, and pharmaceutical sectors–engineered with quality, flexibility, and compliance in mind.

Automation Solutions for Summer Surge: How Food & Beverage Companies Can Keep Up

by MFT Automation

When the Summer food and beverage demand heats up, your production line shouldn’t break a sweat. For many companies, summer brings a seasonal surge with more orders, tighter turnaround times, and higher expectations from retailers and distributors. Whether you’re packaging frozen treats or labeling cold brew, your automated packaging and labeling equipment needs to keep up with the industry needs.

At MFT Automation, we design systems that not only keep up, they get you ahead of the curve.

Summer Demand Calls for a Better Packaging Solution

From Independence Day celebrations and promotions to back-to-school prep, the summer calendar is packed with product pushes. But if your packaging or labeling systems aren’t built for flexibility and speed, you’re facing:

  • Delays that put a strain on your bottom line
  • Inconsistent labeling that can affect shelf appeal or compliance
  • Downtime that puts your entire schedule, and business at risk

MFT’s automated, high-speed systems are designed to adapt to shifts in volume, package size, and product variety without sacrificing quality.

How MFT Automation Help You Keep Up (and Get Ahead)

Here’s how MFT solutions give food and beverage manufacturers a summer advantage:

Labeling Systems Built for Speed and Precision

Whether you’re working with pouches, bottles, or boxes, our friction feeders and labelers can handle variable packaging with consistent accuracy even in fast-paced environments.

Custom Integration to Fit Your Line

No two production lines are the same. That’s why we specialize in custom configurations that integrate with your existing equipment that we design, build, and test in house to meet the needs and challenges of your unique system.

Hygienic and Durable Design

Our systems are engineered for the food industry, built with hygienic washdown materials and a focus on long-term durability in high-use environments.

On-Site Support and Scalability

Need to scale up for a promotion? Adjust labeling for a new product size? Our team is here to help with fast-response customer service and systems designed to grow with you.

Don’t Let Summer Slow You Down

Now’s the time to ensure your food and beverage production line is ready for the next wave of demand. Whether you’re planning ahead or trying to solve a bottleneck, our team is ready to engineer a solution that works for your unique operation.

Let’s talk about how MFT can help you make this your most efficient summer yet.

Efficient Automation Solutions for Growing Cannabis Operations

by MFT Automation

As the cannabis industry rapidly expands, the pressure on businesses to meet production demands while navigating ever-evolving packaging laws is intensifying. Whether it’s cannabis oils, edibles, or flower, the need for automation solutions that ensure efficiency, precision, and compliance is more crucial than ever. With the right systems in place, you can streamline your cannabis packaging processes and stay ahead of the curve—especially when it comes to packaging laws and regulations.

The Challenge: Meeting Demands Without Compromising Compliance

In the constantly evolving cannabis industry, manufacturers must keep up with growing demand while adhering to strict packaging laws, which can vary from state to state. These challenges require robust automation systems that can:

  • Maintain high throughput rates to meet growing demand
  • Ensure compliance with complex and ever-changing packaging regulations
  • Adapt to new products, packaging formats, and labeling requirements

Unfortunately, many cannabis manufacturers struggle with rigid automation systems that are not tailored to their specific needs. That’s where MFT Automation comes in—offering solutions designed to optimize your cannabis packaging, ensuring compliance without sacrificing operational efficiency.

The Solution: Tailored Automation for Cannabis Packaging Compliance

MFT Automation understands the unique challenges of the cannabis industry and offers a range of customizable automation solutions designed to ensure compliance, boost efficiency, and streamline operations. From compact, mobile feeder-labeler systems to advanced print-and-apply labeling machines, MFT’s equipment is engineered to meet the high demands of cannabis packaging while adhering to strict regulatory standards.

1.   Impresso Labeler and Friction Feeder

The Impresso Labeler and Friction Feeder System offers a compact and flexible solution for cannabis packaging lines. This system utilizes a friction feeder to provide versatility across various packaging formats.

The system’s adaptable software allows for precise control, making it ideal for long production runs with minimal downtime. Infrared sensor technology ensures accurate counting and overlap detection, while the single-sided control system ensures smooth, efficient operation. Its small footprint and ability to interface easily with standard industry connectors make the Impresso Labeler a perfect choice for your cannabis packaging lines that require mobility and scalability.

2.   Print and Apply Labeler

The Print and Apply Labeler provides on-demand printing of high-quality labels, including vital information like lot codes, barcodes, and compliance information. Its high-quality thermal printing technology guarantees long-lasting, durable labels that are essential for the cannabis industry, where packaging requirements frequently change. The Smart Pad system automatically adjusts to product height, ensuring accurate alignment and repeatable results.

This labeler integrates seamlessly into tight production spaces and existing production lines. With over 18 compatible print engines, the Print and Apply Labeler offers flexibility and ease of use for cannabis manufacturers, allowing them to match the labeler to their existing equipment without requiring additional training. Combined with MFT’s Friction Feeder, this system delivers precise, stable, and accurate labeling for every product.

3.   Tracking, Anti-Tamper, and Tax Stamping for Controlled Substances

For cannabis manufacturers who need to track products for regulatory compliance, MFT’s Track & Trace, Anti-Tamper, and Tax Stamp Systems are a game-changer. Tax stamps, which serve as both a proof of tax payment and an anti-tampering seal, are critical for cannabis packaging. These stamps use advanced technologies such as embedded serial numbers, security inks, holograms, and track-and-trace capabilities to ensure product authenticity and prevent counterfeiting.

MFT’s system integrates seamlessly into your automated production lines, allowing cannabis producers to apply tax stamps efficiently while maintaining full traceability from production to retail. Whether you need offset, intaglio, or inkjet printing for tax stamps, MFT provides the technology and expertise to meet your unique regulatory and security requirements.

Future-Proofing Your Cannabis Packaging with MFT Automation

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, the need for scalable, adaptable automation solutions becomes more important than ever. MFT Automation offers robust, flexible systems that not only keep your operations compliant but also allow you to grow with the market. Our equipment is designed to evolve with your business, ensuring you can meet future demands without compromising on quality or efficiency.

Ready to streamline your cannabis packaging operation?
Contact MFT Automation today to learn how our tailored automation solutions can help you meet the growing demands of the cannabis industry while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency every step of the way.

Scalable Automation Systems: Future-Proofing Printing & Packaging Operations

by MFT Automation

Companies face increasing pressure across industries to meet higher production demands while staying compliant with changing regulations. Especially in the world of printing and packaging, manufacturers need automation solutions that don’t just work today but can evolve as their businesses do. That’s where scalable automation solutions come in: improving performance, expanding capabilities, and evolving solutions to meet new problems.

The Challenge: Scaling Without Disrupting Production

For businesses in printing and packaging, growth can be a double-edged sword. Expanding product lines, increasing order volumes, and complying with new regulations require more efficient processes. But introducing new automation technology can introduce new challenges:

  • How do we upgrade without causing downtime?
  • Will the new system integrate with our existing workflow?
  • Can the system adapt as our needs change?

Many companies struggle with rigid, one-size-fits-all automation that can’t keep up with their evolving requirements. MFT Automation specializes in solving these challenges with scalable, modular systems designed for flexibility and growth.

The Solution: Adaptable, High-Performance Automation

MFT Automation’s industrial labeling machines, automated feeders, and print-and-apply labelers are built to handle complex, high-speed packaging operations. Our systems help businesses:

1. Solve Complex Printing & Packaging Problems

Automation is most valuable when it directly addresses industry challenges. MFT Automation designs solutions for:

  • Labeling: From game pieces and scratch-off labels to security labels like RFID and UPC barcodes, our industrial label machines ensure precision and consistency at high speeds.
  • Cutting & Placing: Our industrial paper cutters and automated placement systems streamline sheet handling for currency, paper, and specialty materials.
  • Feeding & Folding: Whether it’s booklets, envelopes, or direct mail, our friction feeders and modular components keep production moving smoothly.

2. Scale & Adapt as Your Business Grows

Static automation solutions become bottlenecks over time. MFT’s highly customizable approach to these systems allows businesses to:

  • Customize solutions to perfectly fit your specific packaging and printing processes.
  • Add or upgrade components as regulations shift and product lines expand.
  • Integrate seamlessly with existing production lines for minimal disruption.

3. Build Reliability into Every Stage of Production

At MFT Automation, we understand that automation isn’t just about machines—it’s about maintaining reliable production and strong partnerships. Our systems are designed for durability, and our team works closely with clients to engineer custom solutions and provide long-term support. We know that people are at the core of production, that’s why we prioritize training, service, and support for every system we engineer.

Future-Proofing Printing & Packaging with Scalable Automation

As industry demands grow, automation needs to be more than just a tool—it must be a strategic advantage. With MFT Automation’s adaptable systems, businesses in the printing and packaging industry can scale efficiently, stay compliant, and ensure seamless operations for years to come.

Curious how flexible automation might help solve your production problems? Contact MFT Automation today to find out how we can help optimize your production line with scalable, high-performance technology.

Automation Scalability: Creating Your Perfect Automation System

by MFT Automation

In today’s rapidly changing manufacturing environment, businesses demand efficiency, flexibility, and growth-ready solutions, all while keeping the quality of your product. The challenge? Finding automation systems that not only meet your current needs but also evolve alongside your business. At MFT Automation, we specialize in designing custom automation packaging systems that scale—so you’re always on the cutting edge of your industry. Read more