Page 65 - Food&Drink magazine April-May 2023

5 ■ MARCH – APRIL 2023 MACHINERY MATTERS
Markem-Imaje unveils smart eTouch-S labelling system
Markem-Imaje has launched the eTouch-S intelligent print and apply labelling system, enhancing its global portfolio of end-to-end supply chain solutions.
With a proprietary design and patented technology, the eTouch-S applicator is the latest addition to Markem Imaje’s 2200 series, and has been developed from the ground-up in response to customer demand for reduced environmental impact, according to Markem-Imaje.
Capable of production speeds of over 150 packs per minute, and compliant to EN415-10 safety standards, the eTouch-S offers fully unhindered operation without the need for additional safety measures, regardless of application type and installation constraints.
Markem-Imaje says the built-in AI ensures that labels are applied “to an exacting standard on every pack, at the highest production speeds”.
The applicator’s SoftTouch technology offers full movement control and application monitoring, alongside pack sensing, which allows application without unnecessary force, and the ability to automatically detect variation in pack position.
An optional Advanced Trigger Sensor (ATS) provides the ability to label on packs with infinitely variable distances and speeds with constant label placement, and without the requirement for operational intervention or complex line integration.
“The eTouch-S is a truly intelligent, high-performance print and apply system,”
said Mike Kirk, print and apply product marketing manager at Markem-Imaje.
“It’s a gamechanger
for customers looking for
a solution that is
exceptionally safe, lightning fast, hugely durable and simple
to operate, all while
reducing downtime.
“The eTouch-S
applicator is ideal for any
business looking to be fully
compliant with labelling standards, while eliminating the need to
regulate production
throughput, require
changes to existing
production methods, or for expensive additional pack control.”
Markem-Imaje has developed a new hybrid driver, which provides the eTouch-S with a combination of high-speed motion accuracy, and in-built hardware safety to remove the need for additional safety measures even at high speed.
Designed with reliability in mind, the eTouch-S drastically reduces maintenance requirements, thanks to its minimal moving parts.
Efficient design allows for lower print speeds at higher throughput, regardless of the data complexity or content, reducing machine burden, decreasing wear and total cost of ownership.
The eTouch-S includes all the enhanced features of the Markem Imaje’s 2200 Series, making the overall solution extremely easy to use, efficient and reliable.
All models in the 2200 Series offer an intuitive user interface and a simple media path, allowing operators to replenish label and ribbon rolls in less than 40 seconds.
The in-built auto-change/tandem functionality means that should a 2200 Series go offline, a second labeller will immediately take over the task to eliminate downtime associated with media changes.
The eTouch-S system is available in Australia from Markem-Imaje, or its partners Foodmach and Nexus. ■
Agito signals growth with new business director
Automation and integration specialist Agito Group has brought in Phil Houghton as its new global business development director, which signals a significant step forward in the ongoing growth and expansion
of the business globally. Houghton will be
responsible for building strategic relationships, and creating and implementing a sales and marketing plan that will grow the business.
In January last year, Agito announced a move to accelerate its global expansion, entering
a joint venture with end-to-
end supply chain specialist Hilton Food Group. Adding Houghton to the team is part
of the global growth strategy.
Houghton brings extensive experience in developing
automation solutions for clients, collaborating across a range
of industries.
“With over 30
years’ experience
in sales, strategy
and leadership
roles, Phil already champions
the values we
have here in the
business,” said
Emma Townsend,
CEO of Agito Group.
“His in depth
knowledge of warehousing and logistics industries, and his ability to foster client relationships is extremely valuable, and we can’t
wait to see what he will
do for our business.”
Throughout his career, Houghton has held many senior
positions and has proven to be a trusted friend to clients and colleagues
alike. Most recently, Houghton was sales and marketing director at Breathe Technologies
and prior to
this, business development director at Knapp.
In both roles, he worked closely
with his team to develop innovative and practical automated warehousing solutions. He also worked closely with customers, problem solving and gaining a deep understanding of clients’ needs and priorities.
Earlier in his career, Houghton
was with Vanderlande and third-party logistics companies Wincanton and Clipper Logistics, where he was responsible for growing these businesses by securing multi- million pound warehousing contracts, and developing
and implementing successful long-term strategic plans.
Based in the UK, the role
has a global responsibility,
and Houghton will lead and mentor the team of sales engineers and solution experts in Australia, the UK and Europe.
“We want to leverage
our significant experience, and Houghton’s expansive network, commercial acumen, and depth of knowledge put us in an excellent position
to be able to achieve this,” Townsend concluded. ■
Phil Houghton
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