SOMIC Packaging will introduce its new SOMIC 202 machine platform to the North American market at PACK EXPO International 2026, alongside its established SOMIC 434 system and new digital service technologies designed to improve end-of-line packaging efficiency.
The company will demonstrate the technologies at booth N-4740 during the event, which takes place from 18–21 October at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The new SOMIC 202 has been developed as a compact solution for standard packaging applications and manufacturers looking to introduce or expand automated shelf-ready packaging operations.
Designed to handle regular slotted cases or flat carton blanks at speeds of up to 20 packs per minute, the platform combines a space-saving footprint with automated secondary packaging capabilities.
The technology is particularly applicable to confectionery manufacturers handling products such as chocolate bars, pralines, candies, biscuits, wafer products and seasonal assortments, where frequent format changes and careful product handling can be important considerations at the end of the production line.
Compact platform targets packaging automation
SOMIC said the 202 platform is intended to provide a more accessible route into automated end-of-line packaging while retaining the reliability and processing technology associated with its larger systems.
The machine can be configured for trays, wraparound cartons and regular slotted cases, allowing producers to automate the transition from primary packs to transport or shelf-ready secondary packaging.
Tool-free format changes using the company’s QuickChange system are intended to support manufacturers processing multiple products or packaging configurations on the same line.
Alongside the SOMIC 202, visitors will see the SOMIC 434, the company’s modular high-performance cartoning platform.
The 434 can be configured as a case packer, tray packer or wraparound system, as well as a multifunction machine capable of producing several carton formats.
Automatic adjustments across multiple machine areas are designed to reduce the time required for format changes and improve production availability.
For confectionery manufacturers, this flexibility can be valuable when moving between different bar sizes, multipacks, seasonal products and retail-ready configurations.
SOMIC’s packaging systems are designed to handle products including chocolate bars, pralines, confectionery, biscuits and candies, with secondary packaging options ranging from trays and wraparound cartons to two-piece tray-and-cover formats.
Digital services focus on reducing downtime
PACK EXPO will also mark the North American debut of SOMIC Eagle and SOMIC Connect, two digital service technologies developed to support faster troubleshooting and reduce machine downtime.
SOMIC Eagle uses multiple cameras to record the packaging process and capture the sequence immediately surrounding a machine fault.
Video footage can then be combined with diagnostic information to help operators and service technicians identify what triggered the problem.
SOMIC Connect collects information including PLC and HMI logs, error messages and other diagnostic data and allows this information to be securely shared with SOMIC’s technical service team. When combined with SOMIC Eagle, the package can also include relevant video footage.
The technologies are intended to provide greater visibility into machine performance while shortening the time required to investigate production interruptions.
SOMIC has specialised in end-of-line packaging machinery for more than 50 years and supplies systems across the food industry, including dedicated applications for confectionery, chocolate and snacks.
The company said the PACK EXPO demonstrations will highlight how compact machinery, flexible carton formats and data-led servicing can help manufacturers increase automation while maintaining the flexibility required by increasingly diverse product and packaging portfolios.
