Sleeving machine in action to support sustainable packaging in dairy markets.
(video: Cama Group)
by F.S.
Market proximity, international packaging market research and development
CAMA designs full carton forming and closing lines, as well as case packers, wrap around systems, display systems, and sleeving machines. The machines are based of the Cama systems, which are versatile, compact, and high-productive in the food industry and beyond.”In such a historic moment, Cama has chosen to be close to its customers. Cama’s offices in Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Holland, North America, China, and Australia are examples of how the company helps its customers in everything from system design to construction to assistance and spare parts warehouses close to the production facilities”, as Cristian Sala, Sales Executive Manager, explains.
“The mix of factors such as proximity to markets and constant research and development of 5% per year has allowed the Cama group to exceed the order of 90 million euros in 2021. Proximity to outlet markets is definitely strategic for being a qualified and highly reliable partner. We understood this with the Anglo-Saxon headquarters, whose presence was appreciated when the country was dealing with Brexit and a pandemic at the same time “, says Cristian Sala.
“Over the years, we’ve also developed a line of compact machines that are very adaptable and adjustable to meet the needs of our customers. Cama has become a significant partner for many multinational companies as a result of this. The plants are equipped with more modern automation systems, robotic solutions, and very fast automatic format change to save set-up times and increase production flexibility. The market has changed: we’ve moved from large-batch products to small-batch, differentiated productions. Today’s manufacturing facilities consider this conceptual evolution of the production setup: efficiency, flexibility, and ease of use.“
The presence in North America is expanding
Cama was founded in Europe, and today its branches can be found on all continents, beginning with North America, a geographical area of particular interest due to the growing demand for automatic systems. To address this trend, the Italian company is strengthening its structure by hiring new technicians and managers to support large groups with significant local production, even if they are not multinationals. In fact, it is essential to assist customers with the entire management of their production project, from initial consultation to final realization.
Automation isn’t the only aspect of the Factory of the Future
“Cama has been incorporating the most recent technological advancements into its production lines for quite some time. I’d start with our automatic format change,” Alessandro Rocca, Group Sales Director, explains. “This is one of our strengths, which gives us a significant competitive advantage in production.” It allows you to change the package quickly and safely, and in addition to saving time, it reduces errors and accidents compared to manual operations: automation and intelligence of systems for today and the future.“
Is it possible that we are in the presence of the Factory of the Future?
“The technology we use goes beyond just automating production processes; there is much more to it. Today, you can have the benefits of Industry 4.0 as a dowry,” says Alessandro Rocca. “Interconnected machines in plants, equipped with augmented reality, Cama solutions to digitize the production process, manage it, and verify its predictive and preventive maintenance by sending the necessary spare parts, including format change and machine training.“
“For our vision of the Factory of the Future, all operations can be managed from a tablet, which adds to the technological aspects and simplifies operations. The information is digital with tutorials and webinars; paper manuals are no longer required; in fact, they can be found on our digital channels as always-available support: just a tablet and the scan of a dedicated QR code to have all the information at your fingertips in real time.“
Automation, networked intelligence, and accessibility are all themes found in the Factory of the Future, which allows you to control all elements of production from afar. The road has already been paved, and the pandemic has favored these more sought-after technical solutions.
Custom manufacturing plants for bakery, coffee, pet food, and other products
“Cama is an expert in secondary packaging. We take charge of the packaged product and transport it all the way to palletization,” says Cristian Sala. “We collaborate with a variety of partners depending on whether we are working in the bakery, coffee, or other application sectors.“
“For pet food, for example, we’ve established a network of specialized companies to supply the entire plant, from the ingredient process to the end of the line. The pet food example also applies to other applications in food and non-food. Food production has tremendous growth potential, and in addition to human consumption, we must consider pet consumption, which is rapidly increasing in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and with it, pet food manufacturing“, a field for which Cama develops dedicated solutions.
Cristian Sala explains, “Cama’s consulting approach allows you to build a complete tailor-made line or even just a section. Our solutions are tailored to specific industries, taking into account the unique requirements of the industrial business.”
The Cama Generation 4.0.
(video: Cama Group)
What characterizes the Factory of the Future?
“Anyone who has never had the need to create extremely advanced systems is now forced by the market: automation and greater safety are required, and we are the support to create the appropriate and efficient solution,” Alessandro Rocca explains. “If a multinational knows how to proceed in the construction of extremely advanced plants, there are customers who, despite having large productions, must face the construction of advanced plants for the first time due to market conditions. We work closely with him from design to implementation and staff training, overseeing the entire management of a complex project. We assist the customer in maintaining a high level of production by utilizing the most efficient solutions for his objectives. This is the path that has been chosen, and the best options in production use intelligent automated solutions that, when combined with augmented reality, make it simple to operate production machines. We lead our customers down this new path to the Factory of the Future.“
The importance of packing raw resources
“This period of material lack of supply creates uncertainty in deliveries and puts a strain on the entire supply chain,” Cristian Sala explains.
“Determining the delivery date of the plants is difficult if the materials required to make them work are in short supply. Companies have production plans and forecasts based on the introduction of these lines, but if raw materials are unavailable, a domino effect takes place with unpredictable results. We will have to deal with this situation for at least the first half of 2022, if not the entire year. For our part, we try to solve the problem of sourcing raw materials with partner-suppliers in various countries, sometimes proactively offering alternative solutions, and hoping for a short-term improvement in the situation.“
