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Emerson enhances control system software

Global technology and software leader Emerson expanded its DeltaV Automation Platform with the DeltaV Version 15 Feature Pack 2 update for its distributed control system (DCS). The new release aims to empower users to easily transition to a DeltaV DCS from more third-party control systems, the company says, as well as expands support for data-rich Ethernet device networks and reduces the complexity of state-based control implementations. “DeltaV Version 15 Feature Pack 2 provides users new functionality, capabilities and enhancements to further expand seamless data and I/O integration as well as applications to more easily modernize their operations, improve connectivity and collaboration, and lock operation excellence,” said Claudio Fayad, vice president of technology for Emerson’s process systems and solutions business, in a statement. A common barrier to control system modernization is the high cost and labor requirements of transitioning I/O. DeltaV IO Connect lets users replace legacy control systems with modern DeltaV software and controllers while leaving legacy I/O infrastructure in place and also supports third-party control systems, the company notes. The DeltaV control system also have increased the types of data in addition to the diagnostic capabilities of the wide variety of supported Ethernet-based communication protocols, it says. Such enhancements advance the solid foundation of DeltaV automation to exchange increasing volume and variety of data from the next generation of field device networks, it adds.

Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America announces more American-made bottles

Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America, an operating business of Ardagh Group, introduced a new series of craft beverage bottles to its growing portfolio of American-made bottles. The 12-ounce glass craft beverage bottles are available for purchase directly from AGP-North America in three different colors: emerald green, flint (clear) and amber (brown) glass. The bottles are designed and manufactured in the United States, made by AGP-North America in high-quality glass that is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without any loss in purity or quality, the company says. “We’ve been packaging Excel Bottling Brands in Ardagh’s amber and flint 12-ounce craft beverage bottles, and we recently transitioned to Ardagh’s emerald green bottles,” said Mitch Reed, executive vice president at Excel Bottling Co., in a statement. “Now, we can change flavors and glass bottles throughout the day without making any revisions to the filling and packaging equipment, making it much easier on our operations while offering several different beverage varieties for consumers.” Ardagh notes that consumers are more committed to sustainability and are more-health conscious. “Ardagh Glass Packaging continues to focus on developing its portfolio of American-made glass bottles to offer craft beverage producers increased flexibility for packaging their products,” said Rashmi Markan, vice president, beer and beverage at AGP-North America, in a statement. “The new, 12-ounce craft beverage series of bottles complement a wide variety of craft beverages, offering brand differentiation with a trusted, sustainable glass bottle that fully protects the flavor of the beverage.”

Sidel launches Qual-IS, an aseptic quality supervisor

Qual-IS is the latest unique solution by Sidel aimed to merge all activities related to quality control in a digitally, intelligent and integrated way. The company says it is a pioneering approach to quality management, focused on driving quality rather than simply monitoring it. “Qual-IS is our latest digital solution — a smart, dynamic quality control system, specifically designed to sustain a high level of quality control at all times thanks to its advanced tractability and data analytics,” said Enrico Savani, product manager for sensitive product filling, in a statement. “Our customers are able to secure food safety and quality with Qual-IS, ensuring consumer satisfaction, trusted brand reputation and boosting business and profitability.” The digital solution can be accessed through mobile, desktop or HMI installed on the production line and across laboratory facilities. Qual-IS integrates six key components, including a simple plan; laboratory management; tractability; hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP); calibration certificates and quality status, the company shares.

Multi-Conveyor’s accumulation design defeats application challenges

Multi-Conveyor has built a series of carbon and mild steel constructed modular plastic belt conveyors. These new conveyors are designed to transport and accumulate product from several cartoner discharges to feed downstream packaging solutions. More than 200 feet of accumulation facilitates the unobstructed continuation of cartoner output production in the event of downstream case packing interruptions, the company says. The cartoners discharge product in groups onto flat top plastic belt conveyors, including the overhead mounted side grip metering belts that manipulate the carton flow from groups to properly spaced individual cartons for downstream equipment. The company says it sourced incline and decline spirals by Ryson and combined them with an overhead bridge section that created a multi-functional pass-thru for operator traffic and material flow below. Two spiral units were brought in-house and integrated into the line for factor acceptance testing to confirm transfers and compatibility with client product, it notes.

In the second half of 2025, the Carton Council, Elof Hansson and Upcycling Group will open a new facility on the West Coast. The initiative combines the environmental and economic benefits of carton recycling with market demands to create more sustainable products. Upon completion, the partners project it will use an average of 750 tons of recycled cartons a month. “This new facility not only validates the value of carton recycling, but will also provide a significant boost to recycling efforts across the West Coast, offering local materials recovery facilities a new viable domestic option for their recycled cartons,” said Jason Pelz, vice president of recycling for the Carton Council, in a statement.

Developer and operator of temperature-controlled distribution centers, Vertical Cold Storage, entered a purchase agreement to acquire a frozen distribution center from Dothan Warehouse in Dothan, Ala., making its 10th facility in the network. “This latest acquisition shows our commitment to the protein industry and to building a nationwide network of high-performance frozen and refrigerated warehouses,” said West Hutchison, president and CEO of Vertical Cold Storage, in a statement. “We look forward to supporting the many great processers and retailers in the region, and to welcoming the Dothan team members on board.”

Saddle Creek Logistics Services announced the promotion of Grady Martin to chief operating officer. This new role will allow Martin to oversee the company’s nationwide operations. “Saddle Creek now operates 52 locations around the country, totaling in 33 million square feet of space. As we continue to increase our geographic footprint and the complexity of our solutions, strong operational oversight is essential,” said Mark Cabrera, CEO at Saddle Creek Logistics Services, in a statement. “In his tenure at Saddle Creek, Grady has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to finding new ways to better serve our clients and provide an optimal working environment for our associates. We know he will provide even more value in his expanded role, helping to drive peak performance and uphold our long-standing reputation for service excellence.”

ProMach brand Texwrap recently hired Tracey Fikes to serve as the company’s western regional sales manager. He will be working with customers to help them identify the best packaging solution for their operation from the company’s industry-leading line of shrink wrappers and bundlers. “I was drawn to the Texwrap brand because of its well-earned reputation,” Fikes said in a statement. “Sales representatives are there to help customers solve their problems and set them up for future success. I look forward to being that trusted advisor who customers can rely on.”

Continental is set to partner with global telematics provider Samsara. The goal of this collaboration is to deliver comprehensive, data-driven fleet management solutions with a focus on truck trailers. “Our collaboration with Samsara will deliver comprehensive and user-centric solutions, enriching the overall experience of fleet customers,” said Clarisa Doval, head of digital solutions at Continental, in a statement. “We envision this as the first of many projects to provide even more holistic and actionable insights to fleet operators. After all, tires have a significant impact on the sustainability of a fleet and on its costs. On average, they are an influencing factor for half of a fleet’s costs.”