Harpak-ULMA’s platform uses smart controls for advanced self-diagnostics, remote connectivity and monitoring, as well as augmented reality experiences for use in operations and maintenance
Upward Farms announces collaboration with Harpak-ULMA to launch fully automated, scalable packaging operations. (Credit: Business Wire)
Indoor aquaponic vertical farming company Upward Farms has announced its collaboration with Harpak-ULMA to launch fully automated, scalable packaging operations.
Harpak-ULMA is a smart, connected packaging solutions provider which will help Upward Farms to reach its expansion and rapid growth plans.
Upward Farms is set to open a 250,000ft² plant in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania in 2023.
Customers in New York City, Westchester, and New Jersey can buy fresh, regionally cultivated microgreens from Upwards Farms, as well as sustainably raised hybrid striped bass.
Packaging procedures account for a sizeable amount of production activities for businesses that manufacture minimally processed natural products.
End-to-end automation, which covers everything from product loading to palletising, completes the picture and almost eliminates operational performance fluctuations that can be attributed to manual or semi-manual procedures.
Harpak-ULMA’s smart connected design offers ruggedized reliability for precise, high-volume, low-waste packaging applications.
The platforms made by Harpak-ULMA use the latest smart controls that allow advanced self-diagnostics, remote connectivity and monitoring, as well as augmented reality experiences for use in operations and maintenance.
In addition to improving production agility, flexibility, and scalability, utilising digital technologies in packaging processes ensures a consistent digital thread across corporate activities, which is essential for performance visibility and monitoring.
Upward Farms CTO and co-founder Ben Silverman said: “Harpak-ULMA shares our forward-looking philosophy of sustainability, innovation, and automation.
“We have demonstrated the difference technology creates in the controlled environment agriculture sector – as they [sic. Harpak-ULMA] create in packaging.
“That sort of philosophical alignment around ‘what’s possible’ creates a solid partner for our aggressive growth strategy.”
Harpak-ULMA CEO Kevin Roach said: “We are extremely happy that Upward Farms elected to collaborate with us on such an important advancement in food production. Vertical aquaponic farming advances food chain sustainability tremendously – including a very positive impact on food distribution and its associated reduction in carbon footprint.
“Combining next-generation production and packaging technologies allows us to re-invent the feasibility and profitability of sustainable food production and distribution practices. We are very proud to play a role in such an important and much-needed project.”