The investment will be mainly used for capacity expansion, touchless automation and digital printing technologies in APS facilities
Sealed Air’s Automated Packaging Systems offers automated bagging systems. (Credit: AngelAlarcon from Pixabay)
Packaging solutions provider Sealed Air is set to invest over $30m to expand and upgrade global facilities with advanced manufacturing and digital technology.
The investment will allow the company to expand global production capacity, as well as invest in new equipment systems to meet the demand for Automated Packaging Systems (APS) AUTOBAG brand solutions.
In 2019, Sealed Air acquired APS, which is involved in the manufacturing of automated bagging systems.
The company will use the investment for capacity expansion, touchless automation and digital printing technologies mainly in APS facilities in Streetsboro and Bedford Heights, Ohio and Keyser, West Virginia. The expansion activities are expected to be completed this year.
Sealed Air is also planning to enhance capacity and install new equipment at APS sites in Malvern, UK, Cavite, Philippines and Qingpu, China.
Sealed Air stated that the expedition of e-commerce driven by the pandemic has increased demand for automated packaging solutions across multiple end markets such as e-retailers, consumer goods, medical supplies, industrials, and food.
The firm’s touchless automation initiative will help create new jobs, including around 80 APS jobs in Ohio and West Virginia.
Sealed Air chief growth and strategy officer Sergio Pupkin said: “The successful acquisition and integration of APS into SEE has accelerated our growth and innovation in touchless automation and bagging systems for e-commerce, industrial, and food customers.
“As our customers shift their facilities to a more touchless environment, we are experiencing increased demand for our AUTOBAG automated equipment, and sustainable packaging materials.”
In August last year, the company made an equity investment in Plastic Energy Global, the parent company of an advanced recycling technology company Plastic Energy.
Sealed Air’s brands consist of CRYOVAC brand food packaging, SEALED AIR brand protective packaging, BUBBLE WRAP brand packaging and SEE Automation solutions, in addition to AUTOBAG brand automated systems.