Beat Labour Shortages and Accelerate ROI with Automated Packaging

Across the packaging sector, line shortages and rising minimum wages are two of the greatest challenges facing small-to-medium sized manufacturers. For operations that are heavily reliant on manual packaging, these issues can lead to inefficiencies in both output and cost and make scalability difficult or even impossible.
Automating packaging processes offers a powerful solution to SMEs. The introduction of automation even at entry level, can give businesses a real chance to stay competitive, while improving overall efficiency, profitability and reducing reliance on manual resources.
As packaging machine manufacturers for more than a century, we understand the challenges that lines face – both daily and seasonally. In this article, we’ll highlight how just one of our machines – the TFS cartoner – provides SMEs with all the tools they need to overcome them.
Addressing labour shortages with automation
Labour shortages are a rising concern in the manufacturing and packaging sector, fast becoming a crisis as businesses find it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain skilled workers. With unfilled positions growing across the industry, production slowdowns and increasing pressure on the remaining workforce are becoming driving factors as the need for a solution grows more urgent.
By integrating automated packaging solutions, manufacturers can significantly reduce their dependency on manual labour and give themselves more flexibility with the option to scale operational activity.
Key benefits include:
- Reduced reliance on manual labour: The TFS Cartoner automates essential packaging processes, minimising the need for additional staff.
- Consistent and reliable output: Using a packaging machine creates vital consistency in both packaging quality and output speed.
- Less training and onboarding: Our machines provide a simplified approach to both operation and maintenance, reducing the time and cost associated with training.
Combat rising labour costs
Minimum wage increases can put significant financial pressure on businesses, especially smaller operations. Labour-intensive packaging lines are particularly vulnerable, as wage hikes directly impact production costs. Automating the packaging process, whether fully or in part, allows businesses to control these costs more effectively:
- Lower payroll expenses: Fewer seasonal or additional workers are required, which means reduced wages, benefits, and HR costs.
- Fewer errors and waste: Automated packaging reduces the likelihood of errors, minimising product wastage and returns.
- Energy and resource efficiency: The TFS Cartoner optimises material use and energy consumption, leading to further cost reductions.
Faster Return On Investment with the TFS Cartoner
Investing in automation often raises concerns about the return on investment (ROI). However, the TFS cartoner is specifically designed for small-to-medium-sized businesses, offering an affordable entry point into automation while delivering rapid ROI.
How the TFS Cartoner accelerates ROI:
- Quick installation and integration: The machine is designed for easy setup, meaning minimal downtime.
- Increased packaging speed: Faster output means accelerated distribution - more products shipped in less time.
- Scalability for growth: As demand increases seasonally, the machine can handle higher volumes without additional labour costs - and scale back when required.
- Enhanced product quality: Consistent, precise packaging improves brand reputation and customer satisfaction.
Future-proof your line with Jacob White
Labour shortages and wage increases are not going to go away in the manufacturing and packaging sector. This means that automation isn’t just a convenience meant for large operations anymore - it’s a rapidly growing necessity for business of all sizes. The Jacob White TFS Cartoner allows small-to-medium manufacturers to future-proof their operations, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and long-term profitability.
By investing in the right automated solutions, businesses can not only overcome today’s workforce challenges but also position themselves for sustainable growth in the future. Ready to streamline your packaging process and maximise ROI? Find out more about the Jacob White TFS Cartoner today and take the first step toward a more efficient, cost-effective future.