How MSI Express is Optimizing End-of-Line Packaging with Collaborative Palletizing

At MSI Express, we navigate the challenges of modern contract manufacturing daily—from tight labor markets to increasing safety concerns and the constant demand for efficiency. Every challenge has a solution through innovation and we continuously seek better methods to enhance our operations. A key recent advancement in our operations is the integration of cobots to optimize end-of-line packaging.

Cobots, or collaborative robots, are designed to work alongside human employees, automating specific repetitive tasks. In the food co-manufacturing industry, automation has become increasingly critical, with reports indicating that the adoption of robotics in food processing will continue to find more applications.

Addressing Key Co-manufacturing Challenges

Labor logistics, possible repetitive strain injuries, and the demand for cost efficiency required us to rethink our packaging processes and consider implementing cobots. Many steps in the workflow were labor-intensive and posed ergonomic risks to our team. We needed a solution that could reduce dependency on manual labor while ensuring safety and operational continuity.

"One of the biggest reasons we implemented cobots was to mitigate the risk of injury. Repetitive tasks can lead to strain, and we wanted to improve safety for our employees. Additionally, automation offered cost savings and reduced the need for labor, which is crucial as it's becoming harder to retain workers in our industry." — Mike Reilly, Vice President of Engineering, Maintenance, and Safety at MSI Express

Why Use Cobots in Palletizing?

Collaborative robots execute repetitive, high-strain movements with precision and reliability. At MSI Express, palletizing packaged food is a key part of our production flow that fits this automation profile perfectly. To address this need, we selected the RPZ-10 collaborative palletizing system from IRIS Factory Automation.

The key benefits we've experienced include:

• Enhanced Safety: Manual palletizing involves repetitive heavy lifting, increasing the risk of strain-related injuries. By automating this process, we've significantly reduced these risks and improved overall workplace ergonomics.
• Labor Optimization: The cobots allow us to maintain output levels with fewer workers, addressing labor shortages without compromising production capacity. Our employees can now focus on higher-value tasks, increasing job satisfaction and operational agility.
• Cost Efficiency: With a rapid return on investment, the cobots have proven to be a cost-effective solution.
  

"We didn’t increase throughput, but we maintained our output with fewer people on the line—that’s a huge win in today’s labor market. Safety also improved, and our employees have been able to shift to higher-value roles, which has positively impacted job satisfaction." — Mike Reilly

Seamless Integration with IRIS Factory Automation

Partnering with IRIS Factory Automation was a strategic decision. Unlike traditional equipment providers, IRIS offered a full-service automation experience—designing, installing, and providing long-term support for the system. Their expertise ensured a smooth transition, minimizing disruptions to our operations.

"What stood out to us about IRIS was their commitment to full integration. They don’t just sell the equipment; they handle the entire process from start to finish, including installation and ongoing support. Plus, they offer additional automation solutions when needed, so we’re not just buying a product—we’re investing in a partner for the long term." — Mike Reilly

The integration process was straightforward, and the IRIS team provided hands-on guidance every step of the way. Their ability to tailor automation solutions to our specific needs reinforced our confidence in both the technology and the partnership.

The Future of Automation at MSI Express

The success of our collaborative palletizing initiative has paved the way for further automation investments. Cobots have proven to be an invaluable asset when appropriately applied. Moving forward, we plan to expand our automation capabilities, ensuring that MSI Express remains at the forefront of co-manufacturing innovation.

"Cobots aren’t the end-all, be-all solution, but when they fit your business needs, they’re a no-brainer. The payback period is short, and they create a safer environment for employees. For us, it’s been a positive experience, and we plan to continue to grow with even more automation and cobots in the future." — Mike Reilly

For brands looking for a reliable co-manufacturing partner, our investment in automation means faster, safer, and more consistent production. By leveraging cobots and digitally enabled manufacturing systems, MSI Express ensures precision, efficiency, and flexibility in packaging and manufacturing. Whether you need to scale production quickly, reduce error rates, or improve product handling, our automation-driven processes deliver a competitive edge.

Partner with us to experience seamless, high-quality manufacturing solutions that meet the demands of today’s market while positioning your brand for future growth.