Two AUSPACK 2022 exhibitors, Foodmach and SMC, share a case study of collaboration around new air filtration technology.
With a history spanning five decades, Foodmach has become synonymous with delivering packaging applications around Australia, and the go-to for automation, robotics, integration and turnkey packaging projects.
Foodmach has a solid reputation to uphold and looks for closely aligned suppliers that can deliver on quality, price and lead time, and naturally, a great deal of trust is required in developing these relationships.
“As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), we consider costs, availability and support. Support remains the most important factor; suppliers need to save us time. When we ring them up, they should be able to assist us in the shortest possible timeframe,” explains Ian Drummond, head of pneumatics for Foodmach.
Foodmach felt that SMC Corporation ANZ met the brief and first began working with the automation giant in 2015, and the partnership was further solidified through a substantial sales drive and pricing strategy, which included a high level of service promise.
“Initially, we turned to SMC as some of our clients’ had specified their pneumatic products, but over time we learned more about their range and realised that there wasn’t much that they couldn’t help us to achieve. We were also happy with their excellent sales and technical support teams,” Drummond added.
Big on looks and performance
A business partnership takes years to establish and is founded on aligned values and trust.
“I started working with Foodmach in 2015. Being locally based in Echuca (Northern Victoria) where their head office is located has its advantages,” said Angus Christian, area sales manager for SMC.
Recently, SMC launched the AC-D series – its new-generation mainline filtration range – which the company said is more modular in design than its predecessor and even bigger on performance.
“One of the key benefits is the reduced time needed to assemble and clean air service units,” Christian added.
As the ‘heart of the factory’, air preparation is extremely important, and Christian knew that the product would be perfectly suited to Foodmach’s machines and would ensure a uniform, modular design, improved flexibility and easy assembly.
However, this was a brand-new product with no proven track record in Australia as yet, so the question remained: would Foodmach trust SMC enough to opt for the new product?
“Simply put, yet. SMC works closely with our end users and partners to ensure that we offer products to meet their needs and markets. This is evident in our modifications to existing ranges and new product R&D,” Christian said.
Robert Voisey, control systems engineer at Foodmach, said the company embraces new technologies and stays abreast of new product development at SMC.
“The new AC-D series was no exception. Another great plus is that this series is readily available to order, saving us on lead times. It’s also easier to assemble and aesthetically appealing,” Voisey continued.
With the option to include safety components such as dual redundancy, air pressure monitoring and dump valves, Voisey believes that the AC-D series delivers on scope and flexibility.
“We now have a standard default on this series, but we also appreciate the fact that we can chop and change because it is modular and easy to do. In addition, we keep our own stock to custom build as we need to,” Voisey added.
Weighing up costs vs. efficiency
Responding to ever prevalent concerns around pricing, Voisey believes that one has to weigh up a host of factors. Another consideration is the risk involved in new product selection.
“A component can be more expensive to purchase, but lower in labour costs. With it becoming harder to find skilled labour, we opt for smarter componentry where possible,” he said.
“Factors such as whether the device is low-risk to change out, whether training is available, and whether its tried and tested are generally considered. This series is easy to install and replace, and very little training is required.”
Christian concluded that AUSPACK 2022 attendees should pay them a visit at their stand for the opportunity to see the new series in action.
Visit SMC (stand E140) and Foodmach (stand E150) at AUSPACK 2022 from 17-20 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
