In the rapidly evolving landscape of food and beverage packaging, innovation and efficiency are key drivers of success. Established over two decades ago, ACE Technologies has emerged as a leader in providing cutting-edge process, inspection and packaging solutions. With its extensive expertise and a commitment to delivering top-notch services, ACE Technologies stands out for its ability to adapt to market trends and technological advancements.
Shweta from Food Infotech had the opportunity to speak with Vinayak Mohan, the Senior Manager and Head of Packaging Sales Department at ACE Technologies. In this interview, Vinayak Mohan highlights ACE Technologies’ unique strength in end-of-line automation, particularly its significant reduction in manpower requirements and enhanced hygiene standards. He underscores the company’s ability to implement sophisticated, high-efficiency solutions—such as packing high speed lines with minimal staff and improving CIP processes—demonstrating a commitment to innovation and operational excellence in the food and beverage industry.
To explore the innovative edge and strategic insights of ACE Technologies, let’s delve into the full interview.
Could you start by telling us a bit about ACE Technologies and your role within the company?
My name is Vinayak Mohan, and I oversee the F&B Packaging division at ACE Technologies. ACE Technologies is a leading provider for Process, Packaging, Inspection, Labeling and End of Line Packaging solutions with our range of “Indigenously manufactured equipment’s “as well as “Imported equipment’s”, backed up by complete after Sales Service for Beverage, Food, Pharma and Cosmetics Industry.
Our focus is on enhancing efficiency, quality, and safety through customized turnkey solutions tailored to specific industry requirements. Our extensive product portfolio includes processing, packaging, and material handling systems designed to optimize production workflows. We manage everything from the initial handling of packaging materials to the final inspection and automation of the entire process, ensuring comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients.
Could you detail some of the recent innovations and solutions that ACE Technologies has introduced to the food industry?
Certainly, At ACE Technologies, we focus on providing comprehensive automation solutions across various stages of the packaging process. Our innovations span from the initial handling of raw materials to the final packaging and inspection stages. We are committed to optimizing every aspect of the packaging line, ensuring efficiency, precision, and hygiene throughout.
We have partnered with leading international companies to enhance our offerings. For instance, we collaborate with BOHRER, Germany, renowned for their expertise in crate washing machines. CT PACK, Italy for Primary and end of line packaging, TMG, Italy for End of Line packaging etc. This partnership allows us to integrate cutting-edge technology for the production needs and ensuring product quality.
Our solutions also extend to other sectors like dairy, biscuits, confectionery etc demonstrating our versatility and expertise in various food & beverage industries.
Tell us about your key innovations?
One of our standout innovations is in the end-of-line automation. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the packaging process typically required a large workforce—often as many as 30 to 40 people dedicated to packing operations. With the advent of heightened hygiene standards and efficiency demands, our technology has revolutionized this process. We now offer solutions that allow us to achieve the same level of packaging efficiency with just two-three operators. This significant reduction in manpower not only enhances hygiene but also streamlines the entire operation.
For instance, we have automated several packaging lines in ice cream packaging, chocolates packaging and biscuit packing. This system addresses common issues such as product wastage and rejection with high efficiency, which were previously overlooked. By reducing wastage and improving overall packing precision, we’ve set a new benchmark in the industry.
Our client roster includes some of the top names in the industry, such as Mondelez, HUL, Mars, ITC, Britannia, Parsons, Nestle etc. Our continued innovation in automation not only supports these key players but also demonstrates our commitment to advancing packaging technology across various sectors.
Could you elaborate on the types of automation solutions ACE Technologies offers?
At ACE Technologies, we provide comprehensive automation solutions that cover various stages of the packaging process. Our focus is on delivering complete solutions for both primary, secondary and tertiary automation, which are critical for optimizing efficiency and minimizing manual intervention.
Can you share a case study where ACE Technologies’ automation solutions significantly improved a client’s efficiency?
We implemented an automation solution that streamlined their entire carton handling process, from the packing area to the finished goods area. With our automation system, it led to a significant reduction in manpower and enhanced the overall efficiency of the operation. Additionally, our solution improved hygiene standards by minimizing manual handling and incorporating robotic technology, which also enhanced the quality control.
How does ACE Technologies stay ahead of market trends and adapt to evolving needs?
Our approach to staying ahead of market trends involves continuous engagement with global developments. By attending international exhibitions and participating in training programs, we ensure that our solutions remain cutting-edge. We recognize that automation adoption in India often lags behind global trends, so we strive to bridge this gap by bringing the latest advancements to our local clients more swiftly.
What differentiates ACE Technologies from its competitors in the market?
Our differentiation lies in our robust service and support infrastructure. We pride ourselves on providing not just products but comprehensive solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. We are backed up with service engineers trained directly by OEMs, is a testament to our commitment to quality support. This level of expertise and support is what sets us apart from competitors who may not offer the same depth of service.
Are there any new solutions or technologies you are currently developing or planning to introduce?
Yes, we are continually working on expanding our portfolio. While we have established ourselves strongly in automation, we are now focusing on backward integration, pneumatic conveying systems and other innovative solutions. We plan to introduce these new technologies in the coming years to further enhance our offerings and meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Can you share some insights into ACE Technologies’ future plans?
We have exciting plans on the horizon. We are in the process of establishing a new factory in Baroda. This facility will enable us to expand our capabilities beyond our current offerings, including conveyors, powder filling lines, and liquid filling lines. This expansion will allow us to cater to a broader range of industry needs and reinforce our position as a leader in packaging solutions.