Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

On September 23, 2024, New England Machinery (NEM) will celebrate a significant milestone: 50 years of excellence in the packaging industry.  From its inception as a small start-up to becoming a globally recognized leader in packaging equipment, NEM’s journey is a testament to its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Founding and Early Success

NEM was founded in 1974 in a modest 2,500-square-foot facility in Stamford, Connecticut, by a group of visionary packaging engineers. Their mission was simple yet ambitious: to build reliable, high-performance automated packaging equipment. The company’s first breakthrough came with the design of the NEM Unscrambler for Schering Plough, a pharmaceutical giant. This machine, which ran on production lines for an impressive 30 years, laid the foundation for NEM’s reputation for building durable and reliable equipment.

Evolution and Expansion

Since its early days, NEM has continually expanded its product line to meet the diverse needs of its customers. From compact, space-saving unscramblers to high-speed, heavy-duty models, NEM offers a comprehensive range of machines designed to handle any packaging challenge. This adaptability has allowed NEM to serve a wide array of industries, including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, household, and chemical.

Key developments over the years include:

• • 1980s and 1990s: NEM introduced various specialized machines, such as the glass Unscrambler, Rotary Capper, Orienter, and high-speed Lidder, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.
  • 2000s: The adoption of servo-driven technology and the introduction of models like the fully enclosed Compact Unscrambler with push-button changeover marked a leap forward in efficiency and user-friendly operation.
  • 2010s and Beyond: NEM continued to innovate with the Beltless Rotary Unscrambler and the first 3-in-1 Sealing System that caps, induction seals, and retorques, saving a customer over 20 feet in valuable production line space. In 2024, the company is set to debut its first integrated unscrambler with a labeler, further streamlining packaging operations.

Unparalleled Product Portfolio

NEM’s product portfolio includes Unscramblers, Cappers, Orienters, Pump Placers, Lidders, Retorquers, Scoop Feeders, Pluggers and more. Every machine meets CGMP compliance and can be built to meet clean room class requirements, accommodate wash-down demands, have special corrosion resistant finishes, explosion-proof electrical, and more.

NEM’s full line of Unscramblers is most impressive. No other manufacturer has the breadth of unscrambler models that NEM does. Some standout unscrambler models include:

• • NEM Heavy Duty Unscrambler (NEHHBT): Capable of handling various container shapes and sizes at high speeds, this model is a versatile choice for demanding production lines.
  • NEM Compact Unscrambler (NEHCP): Known for its space-saving design and integrated hopper elevator, this machine is ideal for operations where floor space is at a premium.
  • NEM Low Profile Unscrambler (NEHHLP): With a design that places the sorting bowl at floor level, this model allows easy access and visibility, making it user-friendly and efficient.
  • NEM Vertical Feed Unscrambler (NEVF): Perfect for smaller containers, this model saves floor space by positioning the hopper directly under the sorting bowl, facilitating gravity-feed pucking applications.
  • NEM Rotary Beltless Unscrambler (NERBU): Featuring a unique sorting bowl, this high-speed, beltless model is perfect for small containers in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Innovative Milestones and Industry Recognition

New England Machinery has not only expanded its product line but also achieved significant industry recognition. Over the years, the company received the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Award, the Governor’s Business Diversification Award, recognized as a Sterling Finalist for Manufacturing Excellence by Florida Makes and inclusion in the Top 10 Most Innovative Machines at the Healthcare Expo as part of Pack Expo. These awards reflect its commitment to quality and innovation.

In 2022, NEM became part of Massman Companies, a group of dedicated companies sharing the mission to provide customers with the BEST RUNNING MACHINES IN THE FACTORY.  This acquisition positions NEM for further growth and innovation while continuing to build on its legacy of quality and reliability.

A Future of Innovation and Excellence

As NEM celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company remains focused on the future. Ongoing investments in R&D and a commitment to customer satisfaction will continue to drive NEM’s growth and success. With a legacy built on reliability, innovation, and excellence, NEM is well-positioned to lead the packaging industry for the next 50 years and beyond.

Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead

NEM’s 50th anniversary is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of its employees, the trust and loyalty of its customers, and the partnerships that have fueled its growth.

Here’s to half a century of packaging excellence and to many more years of building the future of machinery solutions. Happy 50th anniversary, New England Machinery!

NEM’s First Unscrambler sold to Schering Plough in 1974	NEM Unscrambler-Sorter-Pucker in 1978	NEM introduces first mini-compact unscrambler in 1985	NEM Compact Unscrambler in 2024