HMPS is enhancing the performance, usability, and flexibility of its packaging machinery by integrating Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk Optix HMI platform across its portfolio.
As a Gold OEM Partner in Rockwell Automation’s PartnerNetwork, HMPS has worked closely with Rockwell to deliver advanced automation solutions tailored to the needs of Australian manufacturers.
This latest evolution sees HMPS integrating OptixPanel HMIs into its machinery range, including its newest Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machines to be showcased at ROKLive in Adelaide from 23-25 June.
HMPS machines are used across a wide range of packaging environments where reliability, speed, and ease of use are critical.
With the introduction of FactoryTalk Optix, HMPS can deliver a more modern, intuitive, and data-rich operator experience – enabling faster decision-making on the plant floor and greater adaptability across applications.
“The latest OptixPanel platform allows HMPS to offer faster changeovers, clearer operator guidance, and smoother day-to-day operations,” said Adrian Giecco, regional vice-president, ANZ at Rockwell.
“Operators can view real-time production data, make adjustments quickly, switch recipes in just a few clicks, and plan maintenance more effectively – helping reduce downtime and improve overall productivity.”
For end users, the result is less downtime, faster changeovers, and easier day-to-day operation.
Operators can quickly identify and resolve issues through clear, guided alarms and visual prompts, while built-in training content and on-screen documentation reduce reliance on external support.
VFFS machines are widely used in food and consumer goods manufacturing to form bags or pouches from rollstock film, fill them with product, and seal them in one continuous process. Typical applications include snacks, coffee, tea, grains, frozen vegetables, confectionery, pet food, and powdered products.
This is particularly valuable in high-throughput environments such as food and consumer goods manufacturing, where even small reductions in downtime and faster changeovers can deliver significant productivity gains.
HMPS also exports its machinery to international markets, supporting manufacturers with high-performance packaging solutions developed in Australia.
“With the latest Rockwell HMI, HMPS is well positioned to support customers across the globe, where consistency, scalability, and ease of support are critical,” Giecco added.
According to HMPS, selecting the latest Rockwell HMI platform across its machinery range supports both operational simplicity and long-term customer value.
“We’re focused on making our machines easier to operate, maintain and optimise,” said Glen Foreman, national sales manager at HMPS.
“With the new interface, operators can troubleshoot issues more quickly, access the information they need directly on the machine, and complete changeovers with minimal effort. That translates to less downtime, faster onboarding, and lower support costs for our customers.”
“It also means customers benefit from proven Rockwell technology, strong local support, and a platform that can scale with their future automation needs.”
Next-gen HMI on display at ROKLive
HMPS’ latest VFFS machine will be featured at ROKLive, Rockwell Automation’s flagship industrial automation event, to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 23-25 June.
“ROKLive is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how modern machine design can improve productivity, usability, and data visibility for manufacturers,” Foreman explained.
“We’re looking forward to showing how our latest VFFS solution, powered by Rockwell technology, can help customers package smarter and operate more efficiently.”
The collaboration between HMPS and Rockwell Automation highlights how machine builders and technology providers can work together to simplify packaging operations while improving user experience.
“With its latest VFFS machine set to debut at ROKLive, HMPS is demonstrating how modern HMI technology can help manufacturers improve performance, reduce downtime, and operate with greater agility,” Giecco concluded.
