IMA Group, a global leader in the design and manufacture of automatic packaging machines, is pleased to announce the formation of a new division dedicated to the e-commerce market, in response to the increasing demand for online shopping and the growing importance of that segment in today’s economy.
The first machine is E-CO Flex for e-commerce
E-commerce has become a vital part of the retail industry, and it is projected to continue its rapid growth in the coming years. Advanced packaging automation is becoming more and more important to help e-tailers improving both throughput and cost position as labour market remain tight. To compete in this fast-moving market, and thanks to its over 60-years packaging expertise, IMA has designed advanced technologies to automate the packaging process.
The first machine introduced on the market is the E-CO Flex for e-commerce: this equipment simplifies e-fulfilment packaging by selecting the best-fit to size box for the products to be packed connecting to the customer’s WMS system. Once the most suitable box is identified, the blank is automatically picked from the magazine, erected and the box’s bottom is then taped using water-activated tape through IPG’s proprietary Water Activated Tape dispenser, inside the E-CO Flex. The result is a pre-assembled container presented to the operator, who simply inserts the items to be shipped and secures them with the required amount of dunnage. The operator reinserts the open-faced box back into the machine where the remaining void is measured: if necessary, the E-CO Flex is capable of automatically reducing the height of the box and then close it, adapting the flaps folding to the new box dimensions.
The possibility to have multiple stations into one unit
Automated packaging solutions, such as the E-CO Flex, with right-sizing capabilities allow e-tailers to combine multiple stations into one unit. By reducing the cubic footage of cases to a minimum, dimensional (DIM) weight pricing can be safely implemented, resulting in reduced material usage, including less corrugate, and often eliminating the need for void fill in compliance with the latest Sustainability policies that the IMA Group adopted.
IMA E-COMMERCE Division has established a partnership for the exclusive distribution in US and Canada with Intertape Polymer Group Inc. (“IPG”), a global leader in packaging and protective solutions.
“We are excited to present this new division and to offer our customers cutting-edge e-commerce solutions,” commented Dario Rea, Director of Research & Innovation at IMA. “IMA keeps investing on new market opportunities and technologies; E-commerce is an essential part of the modern economy and we are committed to being at the forefront of this rapidly evolving market”.
Info about IMA
Established in 1961, IMA is global leader in the design and manufacture of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, tea and coffee products, as well as in the automation of industrial processes. The IMA Group counts more than 6,800 employees, of which about 38% abroad. The Group is present in more than 80 countries, relies on 53 production facilities and holds more than 3,000 active patents and patent applications worldwide.
Info about IPG – Intertape Polymer Group
Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is a recognized leader in the development, manufacture and sale of a variety of paper and film-based pressure-sensitive and water-activated tapes, stretch and shrink films, protective packaging, woven and non-woven products and packaging machinery for industrial and retail use. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, IPG employs approximately 4,200 employees with operations in 34 locations, including 22 manufacturing facilities in North America, five in Asia and two in Europe.
