Cables for Packaging Machines

For the electrical equipment in their end-of-line packaging machines, the industry pioneers at Lantech have relied on cables and wires from HELU for the last 20 years. These cables, wires, and connectors enable reliable system operation even under the most challenging conditions. With their approvals and construction according to international standards, HELU cables and wires are the solution that allows Lantech machines to be utilized across the globe.

Whether in e-commerce, the food and beverage industry, or shipping and logistics, preparing goods for shipment requires quick and efficient processes as well as a high degree of safety and care. At the end of the supply chain, packaging can be the deciding factor in whether goods arrive undamaged. The global costs associated with shipping damage are estimated to be as high as several billion euros.

It has been Lantech's mission for the past 50 years to find solutions to this challenge. Founded by brothers Pat and Bill Lancaster in Louisville, Kentucky, the company specializes in end-of-line packaging solutions. These machines assemble and seal cardboard boxes, secure pallets with film, or process multi-part packaging. Lantech, which builds its systems in the USA and the Netherlands, has already shipped more than 100,000 systems around the globe.

Lantech: The Pioneer for End-of-Line Packaging Machines

The newly founded, family-operated business reached a major milestone in 1972 with its invention of the stretch wrapper, a system that continues to shape the packaging industry today. Around the world, billions of pallets are wrapped in stretch film every year to protect them during loading and transport.

Since then, Lantech has maintained its innovative spirit as well as its unwavering commitment to quality. This is reflected in the 98% availability of its machines, even under the most challenging conditions.

"Our machines work in cold and freezing temperatures, in moist and warm environments, and sometimes even outdoors," explains Ron Jansen, Hardware Developer with Lantech at its Malden location in the Netherlands. "In the food and beverage industry, they also often come into contact with aggressive cleaning agents. Despite this, our customers expect them to operate safely and reliably—sometimes around the clock, too."

One factor that is often underestimated, yet essential to making this possible, is the electrical connection technology found inside the control cabinet and throughout the system. For Lantech, this is critical to maintaining stable processes, high availability, and consistent quality. "This is why we rely exclusively on high-quality components from reputable manufacturers," underlines Jansen.

Cables for Packaging Machines: Functional and Standards-Compliant

In modern packaging machines, a number of systems, such as drives, safety technology, sensors, HMIs, and communication, work together. All of these systems must be reliably connected, often in tight spaces such as control cabinets and in moving mechanical applications. This is why Lantech utilizes a wide variety of cables.

In addition, the company delivers its machines worldwide. Depending on the destination, machines must meet different standards and requirements, such as CE/UKCA in Europe or UL/CSA in North America. "One key to efficient manufacturing is, of course, using standardised products, but it cannot come at the cost of conformity with legal requirements," emphasises Jansen. "Instead, we need solutions that meet not only our functional requirements, but also those set forth by prevailing standards."

International Approvals for Global Machine Deployment

To support its global operations, Lantech’s factory in the Netherlands has relied exclusively on HELU for its machine cabling for 20 years. As a connection technology specialist, HELU offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality cables required for these complex systems.

With HELU as a single-source supplier, Lantech can support its operations across diverse global markets. For the European market, Lantech relies on HELU’s proven JZ-500 control cable with VDE and UKCA approvals, while in North America, it uses the UL/CSA-certified equivalent, JZ-602.

FIVENORM: Simplifying Control Cabinet Cabling

For control cabinet cabling, Lantech’s systems engineers rely on FIVENORM-series single-conductor cables. As the name suggests, these cables are certified according to five different international standards and can be used in applications around the globe. The advantages are clear: “We are able to streamline our parts lists and do not need to keep so many different cables in stock. This saves us space in our warehouses and reduces the workload in purchasing,” explains Ron Jansen.

To safely guide cables in moving applications, Lantech uses HELUCHAIN PLASTIC LINK 2-KL drag chains that are specifically designed for light-duty machine applications.

Kanban Supply for Reliable Supply and Manufacturing

Lantech sources the cables for its Kanban system from the Dutch wholesaler itsme. All parts regularly required for manufacturing are automatically restocked by its retail partner on a weekly basis. "For us, this simultaneously means minimal internal effort in keeping items in stock and highly reliable supply," according to Jansen.

The recommendation to use HELU originally came from itsme. "There were three important deciding factors: local availability, quick delivery, and simple communication. This includes direct contacts and technical support," the engineer remembers.

For Lantech, reliable delivery is essential because even one missing cable can disrupt an entire manufacturing line. To prevent this, HELU maintains an additional stock buffer at its Dutch subsidiary in the nearby town of Budel.

For the rest of the world, HELU supports customers through its network of local subsidiaries. "This means that we can supply our international customers with replacement parts more quickly and reduce expensive downtimes caused by maintenance and servicing. This is an important component of our service concept," outlines Jansen.

20 Years of Partnership Between Lantech and HELU

For Lantech, its partnership with HELU provides reliable delivery and machine availability. "The ease and reliability of procurement makes our work in production and logistics a breeze, and the high quality of the cables contributes to the safe and lasting operation of our machines," summarises Ron Jansen.

"Thanks to the different standards and approvals, we have access to the right solution for every corner of the world. This is something that we want to take better advantage of in the future, especially with the FIVENORM single cores." For Jansen, one thing is clear: "We absolutely want to maintain this successful collaboration and continue to strengthen it."

The advantages for Lantech at a glance

Reliable system operation even under demanding conditions
Compliance with international standards and approvals for a variety of target markets
Fewer cable types and a more streamlined parts list thanks to FIVENORM
Reduced warehouse space requirements and simplified procurement
Reliable supply thanks to Kanban and local stock buffers
Quick delivery of replacement parts worldwide thanks to HELU’s international locations

About Lantech

Founded in 1972, Lantech specializes in the manufacturing of industrial packaging systems. The company supplies automated systems and solutions for a variety of industries that minimize damage and loss incurred during transport. Lantech has production sites in the USA and the Netherlands, as well as a global sales and service network.

Learn more at lantech.com

Cables for Packaging Machines: Lantech Relies on HELU