Hey folks! As someone who has worked in packaging automation for years, I wanted to share my thoughts on the top case erector manufacturers out there.
I’ll give you an insider’s look at 10 of the biggest names in the industry, along with my experiences working with their machines. Hopefully, this helps guide you as you look for the right case erector for your application!
Table of Contents
As the sales manager for Packaim Machinery, I obviously have to brag about our case erectors first! Our engineers have decades of experience designing durable, flexible machines made to thrive in the toughest production environments. We only use top-quality steel, machined parts, and industrial components, so our erectors will run 24/7 for years without failure.
The versatility of Packaim case erectors is unmatched. Our quick-change tooling and adjustable guides let you switch between case sizes and styles in minutes without requiring mechanical adjustments. Our machines can erect and seal anything from small shelf-ready boxes to large bulk cases without breaking a sweat.
We also pride ourselves on being a partner to our customers for the long haul. Our technicians can provide online and on-site support to resolve any issues and train operators. And we keep spare parts stocked for quick turnaround times. When you buy a case erector from Packaim, you gain a team of packaging experts who have your back.
Of course, I’m biased about Packaim’s superiority. But you can look at our hundreds of satisfied customers around the world as proof. Our erectors achieve 99% uptime and rapidly pay for themselves through efficiency gains. If you want the best performing, most flexible, and lowest maintenance case erector available, choose Packaim. I’m confident you won’t regret it!
Lantech is another well-known name in case erecting that’s been around for decades. Their case erectors are built like tanks and can run boxes all day without fail. I especially like their rotary arm-style case erectors that can pop up and seal cases at very high speeds.
The downside with Lantech is that their machines tend to be pretty complex. They work great when running full-time on a couple of case sizes, but aren’t as flexible for quick changeovers. Their erectors also rely on proprietary parts and controls, so service can get costly. But they do make great equipment if high output on limited case sizes is your goal.
Combi is a case erector manufacturer out of the US that makes excellent equipment. Their machines have brilliantly simple designs that are both versatile and low-maintenance. For example, their case erectors use vacuum plates to grab the box blanks rather than mechanical arms. This makes size changeovers as easy as adjusting a few guides.
Combi erectors are extremely configurable as well. You can add IP rated motors, stainless steel construction, and all types of infeeds and outfeeds to tailor the machine to your environment. For most applications, Combi makes an ideal hassle-free case erector.
Wexxar has built a reputation for making the fastest case erectors money can buy. Their flagship DELTA 1 can erect and seal corrugated cases at a blazing 36 boxes per minute. These heavy-duty machines have robust welded steel frames and industrial servo motors to drive their high speeds.
I once watched a Wexxar case erector churn through thousands of boxes without a single jam or stoppage. Very impressive! Now, that level of speed and power doesn’t come cheap. And their erectors are overkill for many user’s needs. But if you need a monster case erector for 24/7 production, Wexxar should be on your shortlist.
Pearson specializes in entry-level and mid-range case erectors for light industrial applications. Their machines are competitively priced and offer a good balance of speed, flexibility, and durability.
What I appreciate about Pearson is that they engineer their erectors to be very simple and intuitive. The machines use basic mechanical motions rather than complex pneumatic systems. So they are easy for operators to set up and maintain. Pearson also has great educational videos and manuals to help users get up to speed quickly.
For simple case erecting and sealing, Pearson erectors are a great choice. For an affordable and user-friendly case erector, Pearson is hard to beat.
Endoline is a British manufacturer that builds rock-solid case sealing and erecting machinery. Their erectors are constructed from thick industrial-grade steel and are built to last. These machines even comply with IP69 washdown ratings so they can withstand sanitary food and chemical environments.
I like Endoline’s servo-driven erectors because of their smooth precision motions and low-maintenance designs. Their flexibility is also impressive—you can switch out magnetic tooling in minutes to run entirely different case sizes. Like most European machinery, Endoline equipment doesn’t come cheap. But you certainly get what you pay for in durability.
Douglas is a family-owned case erector manufacturer out of Minnesota with over 50 years in the business. Their forte is building affordable, easy-to-use case erectors for small to mid-size companies. Douglas offers both mechanical and servo-driven models to suit different speed and budget requirements.
The great thing about Douglas erectors is that they use common off-the-shelf components, so replacement parts are inexpensive and quick to source. Lead times are also very fast, usually just a few weeks. If you need an economical yet reliable case erector without the hassle, I can certainly recommend Douglas. They make great machines.
Hamrick is another budget-friendly case erector brand based in Ohio. They produce basic mechanical and pneumatic erectors for light-duty applications.
While Hamrick machines won’t win any speed contests, they reliably get the job done. Their erectors are straightforward to operate and only need minimal maintenance like occasional chain lubrication. And the company is very helpful if you ever need tech support or parts down the road.
For an inexpensive short-run case erector, Hamrick is worth considering. Just don’t expect the fastest cycle times or huge long-term duty cycles from their machines. But they deliver good value for the price point.
You probably know 3M for tapes and Post-It Notes, but they also make packaging equipment including case erectors. Specifically, 3M’s HS Series are nice little tabletop erectors targeted at ecommerce and medical companies.
The 3M erectors run off 120V power, so you can literally plug them into any wall outlet. They handle case blanks up to 20″ long and can process 5-10 cases per minute. For a compact erector, the 3M machines are fast, flexible, and surprisingly robust. The only downside is their steep price tag, which is 3x competitors with similar specs.
Lastly, I want to mention Effytec out of Spain. They are the new kids on the block in case erecting, formed just a few years ago. Effytec’s edge is building all servo-driven erectors with advanced safety features, smart diagnostics, and intuitive controls. Some models even have robotic case packing capabilities built in.
I toured Effytec’s factory recently and was impressed with their innovations. However, they are still working out bugs that come along with new product launches. So the jury is still out on their long-term reliability. But if you want the latest technology in case erecting, check out Effytec.
Final Thoughts
Well, those are my takes on the top case erector manufacturers in the marketplace today. I hope reviewing my experiences gives you a helpful head start on picking the right equipment. No two applications are the same, so take time to research what machine specs align with your specific needs.
And don’t hesitate to request quotes and demos from multiple vendors. Comparing options side-by-side is extremely valuable. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to chat packaging.
Jason
I’m the author of this post, with over 10 years of expertise in the field. Should you seek insights or information about case erectors, I’m here to assist. Let’s connect and explore the world of packaging together.