Colbert Packaging, a leader in the pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging industry, has invested in a robust solution to ensure defect-free shipments, improve operational efficiency, and maintain compliance with industry standards.
The company has integrated the LearyVIEW Print Solution, powered by EyeC and W. H. Leary, into its production processes, transforming its quality control, efficiency, and market positioning.
Colbert Packaging sought a vision system that could detect and eliminate defective products before shipment, prevent costly returns from overseas customers, meet stringent industry requirements for defect scanning and serialization, improve operational efficiency through automation, and give them an advantage in the packaging market.
Nick Stober, Director of Quality Systems and Compliance, from Colbert Packaging, highlighted: “We needed a system that could scan products before shipment within our company network. It is especially important before a shipment makes a journey overseas, to ensure defects are caught early and prevent costly returns.”
Colbert Packaging partnered with W. H. Leary to implement the LearyVIEW Print Solution due to its seamless integration with existing Leary gluing systems, technologically advanced defect detection technology powered by EyeC’s 100% inspection system, compact size, requiring only 18 inches of additional space versus other solutions needing 6-8 feet, strong technical support from both W. H. Leary and EyeC, and ease of installation.
Wanda Speer, Marketing Manager, Colbert Packaging, added: “By scanning all cartons, we are mirroring what our customers are doing. That is incredibly valuable to them.”
One of the unexpected benefits was its impact on sales. “We’ve used our system as a marketing tool,” said Stober. “It has helped us win business that we might not have secured otherwise.”
Prior to implementing the vision system, Colbert Packaging, like many other carton producers, would run the risk of having to discard entire batches due to an inability to pinpoint specific defects. Stober explained: “In the past, it took a team to sort quality defects. Now, with the LearyVIEW Print inspection system we utilize technology and automation to verify quality standards are achieved.”
The automated inspection system also allows Colbert to refine upstream processes. For example, adjustments were made to the printing process for certain customers to eliminate recurring defects, leading to significant efficiency gains.
The system acts as a learning tool, enabling Colbert Packaging to identify defects early and implement corrective actions. Jeff Bates, National Sales Manager, W. H. Leary, noted: “If you catch something in the middle of your process, you can correct it immediately, avoiding further waste.”
By eliminating the need for human sorting, the system ensures accuracy, speed, and consistency.
Looking ahead, Colbert sees a future where every folder gluer in its facility is equipped with a LearyVIEW with EyeC vision system. “I think the market is heading in that direction,” said Stober. “As we look at our sustainability program, reducing rework and waste contributes to additional ROI.”
For further information visit Leary.com and Colbertpkg.com.