From October 18-21, the Group O Packaging and Automation team will join thousands of industry professionals at PACK EXPO International in Chicago to explore the latest advancements in packaging, automation, material handling, and supply chain innovation.

As one of the largest packaging and processing events in North America, PACK EXPO brings together more than 2,600 exhibitors and solutions serving over 40 industries, making it an ideal opportunity to identify emerging technologies and best practices that can help our customers improve efficiency, reduce costs, and prepare for future growth.

But for Group O, attending PACK EXPO is about more than seeing the latest equipment. It is about discovering practical innovations that can be applied across our customers' operations and bringing those insights back to help solve real business challenges.

Automation That Delivers Practical Results

Automation continues to evolve at an incredible pace. While robotics and advanced automation systems often grab headlines, we are particularly interested in solutions that help customers improve productivity, address labor challenges, enhance workplace safety, and increase operational flexibility.

Our team will be exploring:

 • Collaborative robotics and robotic palletizing
 • Mobile robotics, AGVs, and AMRs
 • End-of-line automation
 • Packaging line optimization
 • Vision systems and quality control technologies
 • AI-enabled equipment and predictive maintenance solutions

We're especially interested in technologies that can provide measurable operational improvements while offering realistic implementation paths for manufacturers and distribution operations of all sizes.

Materials Optimization: The Other Half of the Equation

Automation and materials optimization are often viewed as separate conversations, but we see them as two parts of the same strategy.

The best automation systems are supported by the right materials. Likewise, optimized materials often unlock new automation opportunities.

At PACK EXPO, our team will be evaluating innovations in:

 • Sustainable packaging materials
 • PCR and recycled-content films
 • EPR support innovation
 • Stretch wrap optimization
 • Protective packaging solutions
 • Corrugated and paper-based alternatives
 • Load containment and shipping efficiency solutions

By viewing automation and materials together, organizations can reduce waste, lower costs, improve throughput, and create stronger overall supply chain performance.

Focusing on the Future of Material Movement

One area we are particularly excited about is the continued evolution of material movement technologies.

As manufacturers face increasing demands for efficiency and labor optimization, automated solutions for moving products, raw materials, and finished goods throughout facilities are becoming more important than ever.

Our team plans to spend significant time exploring:

 • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
 • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
 • Warehouse automation
 • Intralogistics solutions
 • Smart fulfillment technologies

These solutions have the potential to improve productivity while helping facilities operate more safely and efficiently.

Learning What Customers Will Need Next

PACK EXPO provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with equipment manufacturers, technology providers, packaging innovators, and industry experts.

The conversations happening on the show floor often reveal broader trends that shape future investment decisions across manufacturing and supply chain operations.

Our goal is to answer these questions:

 • Where is automation technology headed? 
 • How is AI influencing packaging and manufacturing operations?
 • What sustainability initiatives are gaining momentum heading in to 2027?
 • Which solutions are delivering measurable ROI?
 • What are the workforce challenges that are influencing equipment design and adoption?

Getting answers to these questions will help us better guide our customers as they evaluate future investments and improvement opportunities.

Bringing Innovation Back to Our Customers

One of the most valuable aspects of PACK EXPO is the opportunity to gather ideas that can be applied long after the event concludes.

Throughout the show, the Group O team will be focused on identifying technologies, solutions, and trends that can help our customers:

 • Increase operational efficiency
 • Reduce packaging and shipping costs
 • Improve throughput
 • Address labor shortages
 • Support sustainability goals
 • Build more resilient supply chains

When we return from Chicago, our focus will be turning those discoveries into actionable recommendations that create meaningful business value.

Group O Team Attending PACK EXPO 2026

Representing Group O at PACK EXPO International 2026:

We are excited to connect with partners, explore new technologies, and bring innovative ideas back to the customers and industries we serve. See you there!