Hamrick Manufacturing (hamrickmfg.com) has built its reputation on providing affordable packaging solutions to various industries across the globe. They have spent years perfecting the art of the drop packer, and have proven its reliability when packing any type of product, including glass, metals, and rigid plastics. When Hamrick approached Herbalife with a solution for new packaging lines, Hamrick Manufacturing never thought about the possibility of a Soft-Set. Hamrick’s Soft-Set Case Packer uses an overhead pneumatic assembly, usually consisting of vacuum cups, gripper bars, or inflatable bladders that secure the product and lower it into the case rather than the drop/catch method usually used on our Case Packers.

“Herbalife had currently been running their products on pick & place units, and were concerned about damaging the the product. Drop packing was discussed, but ultimately ruled out," states Jordan Hamrick, sales and marketing manager. "We decided that at the speeds they were running (120/240 bpm), our Soft-Set assembly was a great cost-effective solution,” said Jordan. “We worked very closely with Herbalife and their associates throughout the entire process to make sure everyone was on the same page.”

 Hamrick built its first Soft-Set Case Packer in the 1980s, lowering 24-count glass bottles into cases. “We’ve always had the capability to soft-set (Hamrick’s alternative to pick & place), but we had experienced no troubles drop-packing tough applications,” said Phil Hamrick, president. When customers ask for Soft-Set, Hamrick provides it, but they have sold many drop-packers to glass manufacturers, craft breweries, distilleries, and food companies that have successfully run millions of cases. "We feel confident knowing that we can assist our customers with whatever way they feel comfortable packaging,” adds Hamrick.