Packaging automation increases production and improves line efficiency. Almost two-thirds of consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies have automated their packaging and processing lines, but wineries have been slower to adopt these technologies. Many winery owners know they will benefit from automation and both cartesian and robotics but have difficulty making progress on implementing automation — and the pandemic only exacerbated the decision-making process.
Wineries worry that they don’t have the internal knowledge, skill or expertise to identify the best solution for their needs. With labor shortages already an issue, managers are concerned that it will be difficult for their labor force to adapt to the change. And, perhaps most critical, winery owners want to know that the return will justify the investment.
Beth Zarnick-Duffy understands these concerns after almost 30 years at EMS USA, the leader in the product handling, palletizing equipment and automated warehousing sectors. As the Executive Sales Director, she focuses on packaging operations at wineries and food & beverage companies, as well as the can and glass container manufacturers that supply these industries.
“I work with companies to improve their line efficiency, reduce their labor costs and automate their plant or improve their existing automation processes,” she says. “I do this with the confidence of knowing that EMS Group produces the leading capital equipment that utilizes the latest technology. My goal is to help these companies find the best product-handling solution at a competitive price.”
In a world bombarded with supply shortages, wild weather, and other uncertainties, top wine manufacturers need a trusted partner they can rely on. EMS USA works with you to engineer and design the right solution for your business — at no cost to you! Whether it’s bulk or case depalletizers, carton erectors, partition inserters, case packers, conveyors, palletizers, shuttle cars or automated warehousing systems, EMS USA has the automation equipment you need.
In the end, no matter how straightforward or complex your integrated solution, your investment in automation will yield faster production, greater line efficiency, and accelerated ROI.
Wineries know that they can rely on EMS USA to design flexible solutions for single systems and complete lines for everything from new installations to upgrades, and even revamping and relocating existing systems. These automation solutions and the associated digital infrastructure that governs your plant can be fully integrated with your management software.
Winemaking is as much an art as it is a science, which is why partnering with the right OEM is critical to the process. You need an OEM that has in-depth knowledge of the wine industry and can work with you to improve your manufacturing process. To that end, here are the 5 things you need from your original equipment manufacturer:
2. RELIABILITY: You need an OEM partner that works with you to ensure your manufacturing line is optimized and running smoothly. This should be evident from the early design phase through installation, and beyond. EMS provides advanced engineering and design with expert 24/7/365 support. Plus, our innovative 3-D interactive manual and no Proprietary Parts makes maintenance easy and worry-free!
3. FLEXIBILITY: Your wine-making facility and process is unique, and you need an OEM that works with you to provide flexible solutions that support your business goals. Whether you need just a single machine or a full line, working with an OEM that provides innovative solutions is critical to your success. With EMS, you get our equipment designed, built, and commissioned to meet your needs.
4. AFFORDABILITY: When you invest in new equipment, working directly with the equipment manufacturer eliminates the increased costs charged by a 3rd party representative of an OEM. Such investments should readily produce improved efficiencies that positively impact your bottom line. Our clients can attest to the fact that their investment in EMS USA equipment results in proven, accelerated ROI and a lower total cost of ownership.
5. SUPPORT: Avoid frustrations of unanswered questions and unsolved problems by choosing to work with an OEM that provides excellent customer service. Look for an OEM that offers sales, service, and customer support through USA-based offices. That way, your operation can quickly get the assistance they need. EMS USA provides exceptional stateside sales, service, and support. You get the benefits of premier product handling equipment designed in the heart of Italy’s ‘Packaging Valley’ with the promise of USA-based sales staff, technicians, spare parts, and more.
Is now the time to invest with so many supply chain issues?
EMS USA understands the concerns wineries are facing in a post-pandemic world. With bottlenecks in almost every supply chain, how do wineries ensure that their investment in automation won’t cause more problems or introduce new issues?
“We expanded our staff of stateside technicians and representatives at our EMS USA headquarters in Florida” says Zarnick-Duffy. “We knew it was vitally important for our customers to have 24/7/365 service, parts and support in the face of supply chain issues stemming from the pandemic. We want them to be confident that we won’t leave them waiting for production, equipment installation, or service because of the pandemic. Our engineers and technicians are available to support them in every step from design to installation and maintenance because we know it is critical for the peace of mind they need for long-term success.”
As you move your winery toward smarter product handling solutions with a greater level of automation, your efficiency, reliability and ROI will accelerate. The first step is to identify a knowledgeable partner with the expertise to assess your needs and help you design the system that will deliver the greatest ROI for you.
Discover Why EMS USA is the Preferred OEM
To learn more, visit emsgroup.com/beverage to see our array of Palletizers, Depalletizers, Conveying Systems, Case Packers, Automated Vertical Warehouses, and more. Get the Next Generation Factory you need from the partner you can rely on to help you remain competitive.
