UFP Packaging is on an ambitious path to scale its corrugated division. But growth alone isn’t the endgame – the company is rethinking what automation, efficiency and customer experience look like in the modern box plant.
“Our goal is to build world-class environments, with world-class people,” said Nick Hoffman, VP of Protective Packaging. “We want our customers to feel that we’re going above and beyond to meet their needs.”
UFP Packaging’s corrugated division is guided by an ambitious growth strategy focused on fully automated, cost-efficient operations. With facilities in Texas and Indiana—and expansion underway on the West Coast—UFP Packaging is positioning itself as a competitive force through operational excellence and a sharp focus on customer experience.
With its expansions, UFP Packaging sought partners who could match its pace and long-term vision. They have found that in SUN Automation Group and Latitude Machinery Corp. (LMC).
The Power of Partnership
UFP Packaging had already made significant investments following the acquisition of Titan Corrugated in Texas, with the focus on optimization rather than expansion. While it hadn’t initially planned to add new equipment to its Jeffersonville site, the availability of LMC machinery, combined with SUN’s technical support and responsiveness, accelerated the decision.
“SUN’s responsiveness, the quality of the equipment and their willingness to tailor solutions to our operators made a significant impact on our decision,” said Hoffman. “We ended up ordering two additional machines to support our forecasting strategy.”
While SUN Automation has a strong track record in customization and support, the impact on UFP Packaging’s operations was especially meaningful. Now, the company owns three LMC machines—two PP 618 Minis and one LMC 1230 mid-size flexo folder gluer.
The new machines feature full Helios integration, giving UFP Packaging advanced predictive maintenance and real-time analytics capabilities. It’s a step that aligns with the company’s vision for automation-driven efficiency and its customer-centric approach.
“Every decision we make is about improving the customer experience,” said Rick Peeples, National Director of Sales. “Having equipment that can scale with us, that can adapt to our workflow and give our operators confidence is foundational.”
More Than Machines
What sets the partnership apart, said Scott Jordan, Director of Operations, is the way SUN and LMC approached the installation and training process.
“The training was precise and methodical—some of the best we’ve ever had,” said Jordan. “My team came out of it not just trained, but confident. That’s rare.”
Additionally, SUN and LMC listened to operator feedback and modified software programming to better fit UFP Packaging’s workflow.
“It was like it was tailor-made,” said Hoffman. “That flexibility and collaboration aren’t something you expect. But it’s exactly what we got.”
What’s Next
As UFP Packaging prepares to launch its West Coast operation, the partnership with SUN Automation and LMC is more than just a vendor relationship; it’s a strategic alliance rooted in shared values: innovation, efficiency and a relentless focus on the customer.
“From day one, this was a partnership built on trust and shared vision,” says Bryan Fitch, Technical Sales Manager at SUN Automation. “UFP Packaging’s team is bold, forward-thinking, and laser-focused on doing things the right way. That’s a great fit for us—and we’re proud to be part of their journey.”
UFP Packaging is quickly emerging as a serious force in the corrugated market. With SUN Automation and LMC in their corner, they’re setting a new standard for automated, customer-focused packaging operations.
