Contract Packaging is in the process of expanding their capabilities through the investment in four new automated packaging lines that will come into service over the course of the next year. Each of these lines will start with long-term volume already committed to them resulting in more consistent utilization of our existing production space. They also allow us to take advantage of the newest and best technology that is available for our type of production needs.
The first line that will be ready for production in February is a high speed (up to 300 per minute) direct fill system that is designed to loose fill pasta with an added pouch. It will occupy production area 95/96 in the West Facility and is projected to run on all three shifts. Automation on case packing, palletizing and pasta feeding will allow this line to run with five people while producing twice the volume that we do on our current highest speed lines.
The second new line will be another 150 per minute direct fill line similar to the ones that are currently in the West Facility designed to loose fill pasta with an added pouch. This line will be housed in our Main Facility and is expected to be installed in April of 2026. It will feature similar automation to existing lines allowing it to be staffed with three people.
We will also be adding another cup line at the West facility that is slated to start in August of 2026 and occupy production line 70. This will put a lineup of three consecutive cup lines that will run on three shifts. This line will feature similar automation with tweaks that we have learned through operating the first two lines with the addition of scales for filling allowing greater flexibility in the type of things we can package.
Lastly we will be adding a large format direct fill cartooning line in the main plant production area 35/37. This too will feature the latest automation and we will build walls to segregate this area to eliminate cross-contamination possibilities with other lines. The time frame on this project is a little bit up in the air at the moment, but there is a good chance this will be up and going by May of 2026.
No doubt, this is a very aggressive time-line on introducing four new production lines to our operation. Crest staff and suppliers are working hand-in-hand to make this all happen as planned and we are very much looking forward to the day where everything is up and running as planned.