With high-performance equipment, great flexibility and end-of-line expertise, the family-run company Somic Verpackungsmaschinen has become a leading supplier in the end packaging sector. Its customers include FMCG and healthcare manufacturers around the world.
By Alfons Strohmaier
Ever since their foundation, good leadership and fair interaction with people has been one of the most important factors in the success story of the family-owned company Somic Verpackungmaschi-nen GmbH & Co. KG. This was clearly emphasized at the 45th annivarsary celebration for this specialist in end-of-line packaging systems at the company’s current headquarters in Amerang/Bavaria. The highlight of the celebration, attended by over 150 business customers from all areas of the FMCG and healthcare industries, was the launch of the Somic ReadyPack. The new compact system will be officially presented to trade visitors at trade fair FachPack in Nuremberg. Furthermore, around 1,500 visitors from the region were able to gain an insight into the world of packaging at the following weekend‘s open day.
“We live technology and remain human," explains CEO Patrick Bonetsmüller, who took over the position from his father and company founder, Manfred Bonetsmüller, in 2015. In an interview, he summarizes the corporate philosophy: “We want to offer people added value, be it as customers, business partners or employees.” With this self-conception, Somic has delivered a top performance and has established itself as a prominent player in the world of packaging. “This can only function with a capable team that works well together with commitment,” the company leader proudly looks back at what has been achieved.
To come up with solutions for specific challenges and problematic tasks and implement them in the production processes was the idea, when Manfred Bonetsmüller recognized the necessity of automation in the food industry back in 1974. The visionary approach still contributes to the extraordinary success of Somic to date through consistent growth and constant innovation and realignment. Headquartered in Amerang, the company produces end-of-line packaging machines of the highest quality for the world market, using state- of-the-art technology and maximum precision. With passion and technical know-how, Somic effectively masters the challenges of packaging automation.
Today, four independent divisions produce top-quality products for both multinational corporations and successful medium-sized companies. Since 2014, the Somic Group has also had its own subsidiary in the USA. Currently, the company employs around 370 people worldwide and generates annual sales of more than EUR 50 m. The company has set new standards with their mechatronic machine series 424. Depending on customer requirements, the diverse product portfolio offers individual solutions. The Somic end-of-line packaging machines convince with their long service life, high performance and an exceptional flexibility.
The machine manufacturer remains true to this quality promise with the new Somic ReadyPack. Based on the components of the 424 series, the company has developed a very compact model for standard tasks that can be re-configured as a tray or wrapper packer for one-piece cardboard packaging and can be delivered in a very short time. “With this new development, we want to address customers who think ahead and want to switch from manual packaging to automation,” explains Stefan Julinek, Sales Director at Somic. With the ReadyPack, the company offers a perfect solution between high-tech and an attractive return-on-investment. “The machine is also a reasonably priced supplementary model in the modern consumer goods industry, suitable for test runs, short-term assignments or temporary special editions,” adds Bonetsmüller.
With very compact machine dimensions of around 3 m x 3 m, the Somic ReadyPack has the full functionality and proven control unit of all Somic machines. The format range is a cardboard length of 150 to 450 mm and a width of 100 to 300 mm, and it can process up to 160 packs per minute. If the customer initially decides on a tray packer, he can later convert this to the wrap-around packer. With a comparatively low investment volume, the manufacturer does not compromise on the quality of the Somic ReadyPack.
“Think global, act local” is the motto of the company. The spirit of partnership ranges from planning to commissioning the machines as well as the competent and reliable service worldwide. Somic products convince all along the line – also with the most modern handling and transport systems of the subsidiary SomiCon. The Somic Group thus provides its customers with all-round convincing solutions, including many market and innovation leaders in their industries. The company, as a matter of fact, is not only distinguished by its outstanding technology, but also by its customer proximity, customer satisfaction and perfect service. Whether machine assembly or commissioning: the Somic technicians accompany all processes – from installation and test run to quality control.
In addition to the regular inspection and maintenance, the company also offers personal advice on the phone or on site. Remote diagnostics can help to troubleshoot problems and often solve existing problems in the production directly. “We know the conditions and requirements in the production halls, and as a specialist in final packaging, we can provide
our customers with comprehensive advice. That‘s what the name Somic and the reputation of our well-trained workforce stand for,” emphasizes CEO Patrick Bonetsmüller. And both, business customers and guests from the region, were able to get an impression of this special atmosphere, the familiar and friendly interactions, and the attractive working conditions at the company during its festivities in Amerang.
FachPack, Hall 1, Booth 243
