In a market defined by agility and fast product turnover, the packaging industry faces the challenge of delivering faster, more flexible, and more adaptable solutions. The need to shorten lead times, ensure component availability, and respond to increasingly personalized demands is transforming the design and operation of packaging lines.
In this context, modular automation has emerged as a key tool for manufacturers like WOLF Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH, who are committed to innovative solutions to optimize their production processes.
Modular automation in vertical packaging machines
With more than 4,000 units installed worldwide, WOLF Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH is a global reference in the development of vertical packaging machines, used in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Their solutions handle product ranges from 5 g to 10 kg and are primarily aimed at medium to large FMCG companies requiring reliable performance even under demanding logistics conditions.
During the pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks pushed the company to seek a scalable and robust alternative. This led to a collaboration with Bosch Rexroth, whose ctrlX AUTOMATION system significantly enhanced WOLF’s operational capabilities.
ctrlX AUTOMATION: Flexibility for a rapidly evolving Industry
Designed for high-demand sectors, ctrlX AUTOMATION integrates industrial controllers (ctrlX CORE), I/O modules, HMIs, IPCs, compact servo drives (ctrlX DRIVE) and safety systems (ctrlX SAFETY), all connected via the Linux-based ctrlX OS. This open ecosystem allows for easy programming, optimized web engineering, and fast integration of new functionalities through the ctrlX World apps.
According to Tobias Gerhard, Senior Director of Consumer Goods Business Development at Bosch Rexroth, “The key lies in flexible and scalable automation. ctrlX AUTOMATION offers agility, efficiency, and adaptability.”
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Fast and efficient integration
One of the key advantages of this solution is its rapid implementation. In WOLF’s case, the system was integrated in just three weeks, ensuring full compatibility with their existing infrastructure. Web-based engineering and intuitive ctrlX MOTION programming enabled the company to maintain its internal technical standards without compromising productivity.
In addition, the compact servo drives and single-cable connection technology reduced cabinet wiring, resulting in cleaner, more efficient, and easier-to-maintain vertical packaging machines.
High availability for continuous production
Bosch Rexroth’s delivery reliability was critical for WOLF at a key moment. According to Arno Wördemann, Sales Director at the company: “Finding Bosch Rexroth as a partner was a blessing. Thanks to their reliability and technical support, we were able to secure a crucial order that we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to fulfill.”
Beyond the technology, Bosch Rexroth supports its partners with a wide range of services and assistance, ensuring operational continuity even in times of global uncertainty.
Automation as a lever for competitiveness
WOLF’s case demonstrates that investing in open, modular, and scalable automation systems not only meets current market demands but also prepares companies for future challenges. In an industry where every second counts, solutions like ctrlX AUTOMATION don’t just accelerate processes, they transform packaging into a driver of innovation and competitive advantage.
Bosch Rexroth provides automation, joining, and material handling technologies, fully integrated and intelligently connected turnkey solutions that help digitize and optimize the value chain. This saves customers time and money while ensuring innovation and project viability.
Bosch Rexroth’s automation power reaches across the entire process chain, from product processing to primary, secondary, and end-of-line packaging, all the way to storage and internal logistics.
At Barcelona Packaging Hub, we are committed to excellence in the packaging sector, and for that, we rely on partnerships with leading technology partners like Bosch Rexroth. Together, we work to deliver innovative solutions that help tackle the challenges of the future. If you want to learn more about how to improve your packaging operations, feel free to contact us.