Somic to introduce unique, multi-component packaging machine at PACK Expo
Somic America, Inc. (booth E-8550) will unveil a revolutionary machine to the North American market at PACK Expo, October 14-17 in Chicago. The SOMIC-FLEX III represents a new concept that will give customers a true advantage in the marketplace with tremendous flexibility, outstanding speed and a host of other benefits.
The patent-pending SOMIC-FLEX III addresses requests from retail chains in the North American market looking for upright, two-part cardboard packaging. A leading manufacturer for end-of-line packaging technology, Somic is known for its design and development capability. The SOMIC-FLEX III takes multiple purpose, retail-ready packaging machinery to the next level.
Customers will find this new machine to be incredibly fast and flexible. They will have the ability to produce any type of packaging carton, ranging from a single wraparound carton to a multiple-component cover-tray-carton combination. Customers will also have the option to group products in an upright position or lying flat.
This capability is being driven by the newest generation of industrial automation with a Rockwell Automation control system. The SOMIC-FLEX III also is equipped with UL certified components. All machines for the North American market will be fully supported by Somic America’s new headquarters in Minnesota. Somic engineers will be in the booth at PACK Expo to answer any questions. For more information, visit www.somic.us.
Somic America bolsters Service Department by adding seasoned Technicians
Looking to team world-class packaging machinery and equipment with world-class talent to keep it operational and productive, Somic America has added two highly experienced associates to the Service Department. Alfredo Avila and Michael Kurtz are both seasoned road warriors with extensive and impressive electrical and mechanical skills.
Alfredo Avila
Avila has 20 years of printing and packaging experience. Most recently he was a field service engineer for FP International, a manufacturer of protective packaging solutions. After beginning his career as a printing equipment operator for the communications department at New Mexico State University in 1996, he became a field service engineer and worked at Heidelberg USA for over a decade. Known for his ability to solve tough issues with his troubleshooting abilities, Avila speaks fluent English and Spanish.
“Alfredo is a professional technician and well-liked. He’s the guy who handles the call when a project runs into an obstacle,” said Peter Fox, Vice President of Sales for Somic America. “For example, he created a solution for a customer that allowed a stationary piece of equipment to become mobile with a portable power supply. It not only increased production but also saved considerable cost. That kind of analytical problem solving will be very beneficial to our customers.”
Michael Kurtz
Kurtz brings a slightly different set of skills to the table. Following a stint with the U.S. Navy, he worked at Delta Airlines for almost two decades as a line maintenance lead technician and in other positions. In 2009, he made the switch to the packaging industry and has spent the last seven years installing and servicing a variety of vacuum packaging equipment for MULTIVAC.
“Michael has a different type of skill set that our customers will appreciate. He was looking for a new challenge and wants to continue learning new technologies, machinery and efficiencies,” remarked Fox. “He has very strong electrical and mechanical skills, and his experience with Beckhoff programmable logic controllers for servo drive systems and Allen Bradley touchscreen controls will bode well for our customers.”
For servicing of your Somic America equipment, please call (612) 247-1709.
LeahNé Thiele named Administrative Services Manager for Somic America
Capitalizing on an outstanding business career that includes a decade’s worth of packaging industry experience, Somic America, Inc. announces the appointment of LeahNé Thiele as Administrative Services Manager. She will report to Peter Fox, VP of Sales.
The hiring dovetails the recent news about the company moving North American headquarters from Chicago to Eagan, MN., a Minneapolis suburb. A Twin City area resident, Thiele has 30 years experience and joins Somic after serving as Finance Manager for the Church of St. Odilia. She was responsible for all financial reporting at the Catholic Church and school, and was involved as part of a team in a successful capital campaign that raised over $6 million.
Thiele’s packaging industry days took place at her previous job where she was the Director of Packaging Materials at Delkor Systems for nine years. In addition to overseeing financial reporting and providing analysis, she managed department staff that serviced customers. Prior work includes a 12-year run with Ecolab that included progression in the Finance department and culminated as Fleet Manager for one of top 40 largest fleets in the U.S.
“It is a very interesting opportunity with everything taking place at Somic. I worked with Peter Fox and Luke Gardner (Customer Support Manager) previously and they are good people,” said Thiele. “During my time at Delkor, I learned a lot about packaging equipment. That knowledge, plus the plan for growth, helped influence my decision to join Somic.”
“I am very excited to have LeahNé join our company,” said Peter Fox. “She is a very meticulous and ethical person and she has succeeded in every position she has worked. This is the perfect role for her with Somic and I know she will be a great addition to our staff.”
Somic America announces new North American headquarters site
Somic America Inc. has signed a lease on new office space for North American headquarters in suburban Minneapolis, MN. Company officials anticipate moving into the new building in March.
Located in Eagan, the building on Lone Oak Road represents a significant upgrade. With more than 13,000 square-feet of space, it triples the amount of room Somic operates from at its current headquarters in Bensenville, IL. When completed, the new facility will feature an equipment Showroom, offer increased office and warehouse space, and can
accommodate up to 30 employees.
“With sales and our customer base expanding, we simply outgrew the current space. Our new location resolves that issue and opens the door to many new opportunities,” said Peter Fox, VP of Sales.
“We plan on having room to demonstrate equipment and we will be able to stock more parts. The building is only 10 minutes from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and has great interstate access. Major corporation offices are nearby, as well as the Minnesota Vikings practice complex and many popular restaurants, so we are in an
area that is in high demand.”
Somic adds Luke Gardner to sales team
Luke Gardner
Bensenville, IL – October 26, 2017 – To help assist with expanding sales and provide
additional service to a growing customer base, Somic America, Inc. has hired industry
veteran Luke Gardner as customer support manager. He reports directly to Peter Fox,
VP of Sales, whom he worked with previously.
Gardner most recently spent two years with Bosch Packaging Technology as a sales
engineer for automated packaging equipment. At Bosch, he performed equipment
design reviews including identifying and quoting new machine solutions in HFFS, VFFS
and cartooning/case packaging equipment.
Prior to Bosch, Gardner served in the same capacity at Delkor Systems where he
worked for nine years and first met Fox. He began as a field service technician and
serviced customers worldwide before being promoted to a sales administrator position.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work for Somic in the secondary packaging
machine business. The size of the company is a great fit for the culture that I work well
with and is something I wanted to be a part of,” commented Gardner.
“My experience at Delkor, from coordinating requests for new quotes and after-market
sales projects to my technical and new machine sales experience, will be put to good
use. The variety and volume of work, plus the freedom to drive the process, is important
to me. Knowing Peter’s enthusiasm and passion for Somic equipment, it is good to know
from past experience working with him this is the right ground floor opportunity for me.”
Gardner earned a BS degree in Manufacturing Technology Management from the
University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He can be reached via email: l.gardner@somic.us.