Bringing Packaging Automation Directly to Your Door: A Q&A with Tom Austin

Manufacturers and distributors are under increasing pressure to improve productivity, address labor challenges, and keep products moving efficiently through the supply chain. That's why Group O's Packaging Solutions team is partnering with Lantech to bring packaging automation directly to businesses across the region through the upcoming Packaging Tour. The week-long event will include customer site visits and conclude with a public open house at Group O Headquarters in Milan, Illinois on August 26. 

To learn more about what visitors can expect, we sat down with Tom Austin, Packaging Automation Specialist at Group O.

Q: For those who may not be familiar with the Lantech Packaging Tour, what is it?
Tom Austin: The tour features a fully equipped mobile demonstration truck designed by Lantech, a leading packaging equipment manufacturer. Inside the trailer, visitors can see a stretch wrapper, case erector, and case sealer operating in real-world applications. The concept is simple: instead of asking customers to travel to a trade show or demonstration center, we bring the technology directly to them. That creates a much more hands-on experience and allows more people within an organization to see the equipment in action.

Q: Why is the hands-on aspect so important?
Tom Austin: Videos, brochures, and online demonstrations are helpful, but there's nothing like seeing equipment operate in person. When the truck visits a facility, engineers, maintenance teams, supervisors, operations leaders, and purchasing personnel can all gather around the equipment, ask questions, and see exactly how it works. That level of engagement helps organizations better understand how automation could fit within their own operations.

Q: Many companies hear the word "automation" and assume it means a major investment. What would you say to organizations just beginning to explore automation?
Tom Austin: One of the biggest challenges manufacturers face today is labor availability. Automation can help address that challenge while also improving consistency and productivity. Many companies are surprised to learn that the return on investment can be achieved more quickly than expected when they factor in labor savings, increased throughput, and reduced product damage. 

Q: Beyond labor savings, what advantages can packaging automation provide?
Tom Austin: Automation helps ensure products are packaged consistently and securely. That can reduce shipping damage and costly returns while increasing operational output. The goal isn't just to move packages faster. It's about protecting products, improving efficiency, and creating a more reliable process from start to finish. [Lantech Truck Q & A | Word]

Q: What equipment will visitors see during the demonstration?
Tom Austin: The demonstration showcases three key components of end-of-line packaging automation:
 • Case Erectors that automatically form corrugated boxes
 • Case Sealers that securely seal completed boxes
 • Stretch Wrapping Equipment that stabilizes palletized loads for shipment
Visitors will see how products move through the packaging process from carton creation to final pallet wrapping. 

Q: What tends to surprise people the most about the truck?
Tom Austin: It's usually how much they can interact with the equipment. This isn't a static display. Everything is operational. Visitors can watch the equipment run, ask detailed questions, and better understand how the technology could work in their own environment. That hands-on experience creates a much greater understanding than simply reading about automation. 

Q: What if a company is interested in automation that goes beyond the equipment featured in the truck?
Tom Austin: The truck is really a starting point. While we're demonstrating packaging equipment, Group O can help organizations evaluate broader automation opportunities as well. Whether it's a standalone packaging solution or a larger integrated automation project, our team can help businesses identify opportunities and determine what makes the most sense for their operation.

Q: When and where can people see the truck?
Tom Austin: During the week of August 24, the truck will visit customer locations throughout the region before arriving at Group O Headquarters in Milan, Illinois on Wednesday, August 26, for a public open house. Visitors will be able to tour the truck, watch live demonstrations, meet packaging experts, and learn more about automation solutions that can improve efficiency and productivity. There is no formal registration required for the open house. Attendees can stop by, explore the equipment, and speak directly with Group O's packaging automation specialists. 

See the Technology in Action

Have Questions?

For additional information about the tour, on-site demonstrations, packaging automation solutions, or the August 26 open house, contact:

Tom Austin
Packaging Automation Specialist
(563) 449-4847
Tom.Austin@GroupO.com  

About the Lantech Packaging Tour

The Lantech Packaging Tour brings packaging automation technology directly to manufacturers and distributors, providing a hands-on opportunity to explore solutions that can improve efficiency, throughput, load stability, and operational consistency. The tour culminates with a public open house at Group O Headquarters in Milan, Illinois on August 26