Tension Showcases the fitPACK500™ at ProMat 2025

Karen Loggia on March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025 — KANSAS CITY, Mo., and CHICAGO, Ill. — Tension Packaging & Automation will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of automation systems during ProMat 2025 in Chicago, March 17–20, 2025.  

At the premier trade show, which includes the world’s leading manufacturing and supply chain solution providers, Tension will feature the company’s products, the fitPACK500™, HPS300, SLAM, Z-Sort, MAX-PRO 24 and TensionCONNECT™ workflow integration software. These products offer solutions for optimizing packaging and automation while addressing some of the biggest challenges in fulfillment, such as rising labor and shipping costs. 

Tension will feature a live look at their innovative fitPACK500, a right-sized packaging system engineered for speed, cost savings and versatility, all within a small footprint. It automatically adjusts package dimensions — length, width and height — and provides a more customized fit without compromising throughput. The Tension team looks forward to showing fitPACK500 at ProMat 2025. 

“The fitPACK500 is a versatile and compact system, designed to take the guesswork out of packaging by creating true right-size packages on demand,” said James Herbert, vice president and general manager of Tension Packaging & Automation. “With its small footprint, the fitPACK500 maximizes floor space efficiency while its optimized packaging minimizes shipping costs. Additionally, its intuitive controls make operation seamless, ensuring the best shipping rates and delivering operational efficiencies through its impressive versatility to create custom package lengths, widths and heights.” 

ProMat 2025 attendees can experience a live demonstration of the fitPACK500 from Tension’s booth at the exhibition. Advanced reservations for the live demo are encouraged. 

In addition, Tension Packaging & Automation Senior Marketing Manager Erin Moloney will also speak at the “Latest & Greatest Advances @ ProMat 2025 in 45 Minutes” ProMat 2025 session on March 17 at 11 a.m. Central, in the MHI Industry Groups Theater. On March 19 at 10:30 a.m. Central, Tension Packaging & Automation Senior National Accounts Manager Herman Kuhlendahl will speak at the “Seamless SLAM Automation: Things You May Not Be Thinking About – Automation that Improves Order Flow from Pick to Ship” in the MHI Industry Groups Theater. 

At ProMat 2025, Tension will exhibit in the South Building, booth S3853, at McCormick Place in Chicago, March 17–20, 2025. For more information on ProMat 2025 and how to attend the session “Latest & Greatest Advances @ ProMat 2025 in 45 Minutes,” or the session on “Seamless SLAM Automation: Things You May Not Be Thinking About – Automation that Improves Order Flow From Pick to Ship,” visit https://www.promatshow.com.  

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About Tension Packaging & Automation 

Tension Packaging & Automation is an industry leader in comprehensive packaging and automation solutions. With a team of dedicated experts, we design, engineer and build scalable automation systems with intuitive, integrated end-to-end software tailored for the pharmacy and eCommerce order fulfillment sectors. As specialists in system integration, we provide extensive expertise across manufacturing, installation, equipment, robotics, software engineering, and ongoing support for both standard and custom automation needs. Learn more at https://tensionautomation.com/. 

Tension Packaging & Automation’s parent company, Tension Corporation, was founded in 1886 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. 

New eBook: Warehouse Packaging Automation: From Start to Scale

Karen Loggia on February 18, 2025

The eBook Warehouse Packaging Automation: From Start to Scale is a step-by-step guide designed to help eCommerce and pharmacy fulfillment businesses explore, implement, and scale automation effectively. Packed with ROI-driven insights, practical tools, and real-world examples, it simplifies the journey to transforming warehouse operations.

Are you ready to transform your warehouse operations but feel overwhelmed about where to start? Our new eBook, Warehouse Packaging Automation: From Start to Scale, is here to guide you through the process, step-by-step. Designed for companies in eCommerce and pharmacy fulfillment, this comprehensive resource simplifies the journey of exploring, implementing, and scaling automation in your warehouse. 

Why Read This eBook? 

Understanding and adopting warehouse automation can feel daunting. That’s why we created this guide: to break down the process into manageable steps and provide actionable insights tailored to your business’s unique needs. 

Here’s what you’ll gain: 

  • Clarity: Learn how to assess your current operations and identify when automation makes sense for your organization. 
  • ROI-Driven Insights: Discover how to align your productivity goals with achievable returns on investment. 
  • Practical Tools: Access checklists for everything from order flow optimization to integration planning, ensuring your team stays organized and focused. 
  • Scalability Tips: Get expert advice on starting small and scaling effectively as your operation grows. 

A Peek Inside: 

The eBook covers key milestones in the automation journey: 

  1. Assess Current Operations – Identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. 
  1. Align Productivity Goals with ROI – Create a roadmap that ensures measurable value. 
  1. Break Down Order Flow – Optimize processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 
  1. Secure Buy-In and Plan Integration – Prepare your team and systems for seamless adoption. 
  1. Go Live and Plan for Long-Term Success – Maintain performance and adapt to future growth. 

Who Is This eBook For? 

Whether you’re just beginning to explore warehouse automation or are looking to enhance an existing system, this guide is designed to meet you where you are. It’s perfect for operational managers, warehouse directors, and business leaders in industries looking to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and stay competitive. 

Ready to Start Your Automation Journey? 

Download Warehouse Packaging Automation: From Start to Scale today and take the first step toward transforming your warehouse operations. 

Download Now 

How fitPACK500 Aligns with Industry Trends for Sustainability, Labor, Fulfillment and Growth

Karen Loggia on January 20, 2025

The packaging industry is evolving rapidly, with trends like sustainability, labor shortages, and eCommerce growth reshaping priorities. The fitPACK500TM, a revolutionary rightsized packaging system, empowers businesses to address these challenges with eco-friendly materials, labor-saving automation, and scalable solutions tailored for modern fulfillment needs.

The packaging industry is at a tipping point, where sustainability, labor shortages and e-commerce growth are reshaping the rules of the game. As highlighted in the 2024 PMMI State of the Industry Report, businesses that embrace innovative solutions now will be the ones to lead the pack tomorrow. With challenges come opportunities—and smart automation is the key to staying ahead. 

The fitPACK500TM, a revolutionary rightsized packaging system, can help companies stay ahead of these trends. 

What Is the fitPACK500?  

The fitPACK500, developed by Tension Packaging & Automation, is a revolutionary rightsized packaging system designed for efficiency, cost savings and versatility. It adjusts package dimensions—length, width and height—to fit a variety of product sizes, reducing material waste and optimizing transport space. By creating secure, custom-sized packages, the fitPACK500 helps minimize shipping costs by reducing DIM weight surcharges and optimizing productivity all within a compact footprint. Perfect for fulfillment centers and eCommerce operations, it streamlines packaging processes while cutting costs and enhancing efficiencies. 

A More Sustainable Future 

The PMMI report highlights a clear shift toward sustainability, with companies prioritizing eco-friendly materials and operational efficiencies to reduce waste. 

The fitPACK500 is a game-changer for sustainability initiatives: 

  • Right-sized Packaging: Minimizes excess material usage, ensuring only the necessary amount is used for every shipment. 
  • Optimized Transport Space: More compact packages reduce the number of shipments needed. 
  • Material Flexibility: Compatible with poly material containing post-consumer content (PCR), the fitPACK500 supports your sustainability goals while meeting customer expectations of environmentally responsible business practices. 

Addressing Labor Needs with Automation 

Labor shortages continue to impact the industry, pushing companies toward automation. The PMMI report underscores how automation is essential for overcoming workforce challenges. 

The fitPACK500 addresses these issues by: 

  • Intuitive HMI: Powered by TensionCONNECT™, it ensures easy operation with minimal training. 
  • Integration Readiness: Seamlessly connects with third-party systems. 
  • Cost Reduction: Because fitPACK can accept a variety of product sizes for packaging, it reduces the need for extra staff to operate additional packaging lines needed to accommodate better-fit packaging for various product sizes. 

Fulfillment Optimization: Faster, Smarter and Cost-Effective 

With DIM weight fees and oversized packaging surcharges on the rise, optimizing fulfillment processes is critical. 

The fitPACK500 offers: 

  • Cost Savings: Rightsized packaging minimizes DIM weight surcharges and optimizes shipping costs. 
  • Efficiency: Processes up to 20 packages per minute with precision, handling package creation, deflation and labeling seamlessly. 
  • Error Reduction: Built-in tracking and verification ensure accurate fulfillment, even during peak periods. 

Designed for Growth 

As eCommerce continues its rapid expansion, businesses need solutions that scale with their operations. 

The fitPACK500 grows with your business by: 

  • Modular Design: Start with a core configuration and add features like recyclable materials handling or return-resealable strips as needed. 
  • Seamless Integration: Works effortlessly with upstream and downstream equipment, ensuring a streamlined fulfillment process. 
  • Future-Proof: Adapts to evolving business requirements without requiring costly investments in new machinery. 

“Good Things Come in Right-sized Packages” 

The trends outlined in the 2024 PMMI State of the Industry Report are shaping the future of packaging. From sustainability to fulfillment optimization, the fitPACK500 is engineered to meet these demands while driving growth and operational efficiency. 

As eCommerce expands, fitPACK500 ensures you’re ready to scale and succeed. Curious to see it in action? Request a demo today! 

 

Tail-Wagging Efficiency for Pet & Livestock Pharmacies: Spotlight on Tension’s Automated Fulfillment Solutions for Prescriptions and Supplies

Karen Loggia on November 21, 2024

Tension’s automated fulfillment solutions for pet and livestock pharmacies streamline order processing, maximize output, and reduce labor costs, helping to meet the growing demand for pet medications and supplies with seamless system integration and scalable automation.

An estimated 35% of the 57 million U.S. pet owners are Millennials, with 91% viewing “pet parenting” as a key part of their daily lives and regularly seeking veterinary advice for pet care. 

With the increasing focus on pet care and well-being, timely access to medications like flea and tick treatments and other essential supplies is more critical than ever. This surge in demand poses challenges for pet pharmacies—whether online, in vet clinics, or hybrid models—to efficiently fulfill orders. Tension Packaging & Automation’s innovative Pet and Livestock Pharmacy Fulfillment Systems meet this need by maximizing output, reducing labor costs, and boosting profitability with streamlined automation solutions. 

More Output, Less Labor 

Tension’s automated pet and livestock pharmacy fulfillment solutions are engineered to boost prescription output while reducing the labor associated with manual processes. Our comprehensive pharmacy automation equipment, components, and systems streamline essential functions—dispensing, packing, verification, and order delivery—empowering pet and livestock pharmacies to stay competitive and meet patient needs efficiently. By minimizing repetitive tasks for veterinarians and staff, more time is freed for high-value activities such as pet owner consultations and personalized care. 

Seamless System Integration, Ease of Use 

Whether you’re building a custom pet pharmacy solution or enhancing an existing setup, Tension’s technology adapts to your needs without disrupting ongoing operations. As a systems integrator, we offer a range of automation fulfillment solutions, from standard to custom-manufactured equipment. We take pride in delivering adaptable solutions tailored to meet customer needs, with the flexibility to scale as demands evolve.  

  • Our proprietary TensionCONNECT™ integration software ensures that all components, including hardware and software, work together seamlessly in an operator-friendly way. Whether integrating new or existing equipment and software, TensionCONNECT orchestrates system communications effortlessly.  
  • For pet and livestock pharmacies seeking optimized workflow solutions to help streamline fulfillment and prescription verification processes, our innovative PharmaPATH™ back-end pharmacy workflow software solution helps manage prescription workflows through one-task, dedicated workstations, all while integrating seamlessly with front-end pharmacy management systems.  

Scalable for Growth in Pet Care Needs 

As demand for pet medications grows, your pharmacy’s ability to meet it must keep pace. Tension’s scalable systems adapt to your evolving needs, whether you’re expanding into new markets or managing seasonal demand spikes. With modular designs like the JumpStart system, we ensure your pharmacy stays agile and responsive to pet owners’ needs. 

Paw-sitively the Best Solution for Pet & Livestock Pharmacies 

Whether your pharmacy focuses on veterinary medications or offers a full range of prescriptions and supplies, Tension’s Pet and Livestock Pharmacy Automation Solutions optimize your operations for maximum efficiency and performance. 

Tension’s innovative solutions are built to help your pharmacy grow—without the growing pains. If you’re looking to reduce labor in a way that offers seamless integrations with the flexibility to grow, now’s the time to explore what Tension can offer your pet and livestock pharmacy. For more information on how our systems can transform your operations, contact us today.