True Blue – AMT Magazine

Originally published by AMT

True Blue

Packserv says its Australian Manufacturing Awards win reflects its commitment to Australian manufacturers — by being an Australian manufacturer.

Sydney-based packaging machinery manufacturer Packserv was named Best Small Business at the 2025 Australian Manufacturing Awards, recognised for its long-term commitment to local manufacturing and support for Australia’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Packserv Chief Marketing Officer Julia Casey said the award reflects the company’s strategy of keeping production, innovation and intellectual property in Australia at a time when many machinery suppliers have shifted offshore.

“By keeping production onshore, we support jobs, retain intellectual property, and ensure businesses have access to advanced packaging technology without relying on imports,” she says.

“We have been able to respond immediately to the needs of FMCG manufacturers, minimising lead times and providing a high level of support to ensure they can compete effectively both domestically and internationally.”

Casey says an example of this is the company’s PLC Twin Head Filling Machine, launched in 2025, which offers small and medium-sized businesses access to Industry 4.0 technology at a scale that suits them.

“For many smaller producers, advanced automation has remained out of reach due to cost, complexity, or large space requirements,” she says.

“With this machine, operators can perform quick product changeovers using a touchscreen interface, maintain filling accuracy through automated controls, and monitor performance in real time with integrated data capture.”

The result is faster machine set-ups, less downtime and consistent output. The machine’s intuitive design, pre-set configurations and predictive maintenance capabilities are designed to minimise waste while remaining user-friendly for new operators.

Packserv also released a new square infeed conveyor in 2025, which indexes and aligns containers using sensors, preventing misfeeds and reducing the need for manual correction. A single conveyor can manage both cylindrical and non-cylindrical containers, reducing capital costs, improving safety, minimising manual handling and streamlining production.

Casey says all Packserv machines are designed for high-speed production and optimal energy consumption while maintaining a smaller footprint, helping reduce factory space requirements.

“These innovations matter because they arrive at a critical time,” she adds, citing international supply chain pressures, rising costs and increasing global competition.

The developments also come as Packserv recorded its strongest year of trade in the 2024–25 financial year, following several months of record-breaking sales.

“By focusing on operational efficiency, we tripled our manufacturing output and doubled our spare parts inventory,” Casey says. “This has allowed us to reduce response and delivery times, improve technical support, and better serve our clients across Australia and New Zealand.”

Packserv has also recently added a new mezzanine floor to its Marrickville, Sydney facility and made a significant investment in developing its in-house manufacturing capabilities, including investments in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technologies.

“By designing equipment that is practical and affordable, Packserv gives Australian businesses access to the same technological advantages as their global competitors, without the challenges associated with relying on offshore suppliers,” Casey says.

 

“Our ‘Buy for Life’ philosophy means equipment is designed to last indefinitely, with refurbishment options and trade-ins incorporated into our rental fleet. This reduces waste and ensures equipment does not end up in landfill.”

Casey adds that the company’s sustainability initiatives — including waste product reclamation and the use of recycled materials in manufacturing — enabled Packserv to reclaim and recycle more than 3.1 tonnes of metal in 2024, including:

• 1,600 kg of 316 stainless steel
• 1,400 kg of aluminium
• 53 kg of brass

Looking ahead to 2026, the company will focus on its recently launched PFM-5-4C – four-head, 5-litre pneumatic filling machine, suitable for food, pharmaceutical, HACCP- and TGA-compliant facilities, as well as industrial IECEx or ATEX-rated environments.

Designed to fill four containers ranging from 500 ml to 5 litres, the system also has the capacity to fill containers up to 200L or 1000L intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).

Packserv is also expanding internationally through trusted distributors, which Casey says will extend the company’s reach while maintaining its high standards of reliability.

“Packserv has a culture where creativity, knowledge-sharing and critical thinking are not only encouraged but expected,” Casey says.

“This mindset equips our team to think laterally, solve complex problems, and develop original solutions that benefit both our customers and the local industry.”

AMT – Australian Manufacturing Technlogy