TAUNTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE) --Harpak-ULMA today announced the North American release of the ULMA TFX thermoformer, a next‑generation smart platform engineered to help food, medical and consumer packaged goods producers achieve higher throughput, enhanced package quality, and stronger sustainability performance. The TFX boasts multiple performance-enhancing innovations designed to reduce cycle time, stabilize process variation, and support the use of recyclable packaging materials.

ULMA designed its new range of high-performance TFX thermoformers to tackle some of today’s most demanding food and medical packaging challenges — including production efficiency, sustainability, digitalization, and process repeatability. The TFX delivers synchronized high-speed performance, superior packaging quality, rapid error-proofed changeovers, intuitive operation, sustainable film, optimized materials usage, and smart, data-driven production management. It was engineered from the ground up to maximize efficiency, uptime, and environmental responsibility across modern packaging lines.

The TFX line leverages optimized motion coordination and a redesigned vacuum system that shortens evacuation time — enabling faster, more predictable cycles for high-volume applications that can accelerate vacuum performance by up to 20 percent. These improvements are especially significant for producers packaging standardized “Brick-Packs,” a format rapidly expanding across major retailers. Packaged meat bricks require precise forming, rapid evacuation, and repeatable sealing to maintain their rigid geometry and minimize purge — making cycle-time stability and vacuum efficiency critical drivers of throughput and package integrity.

The TFX also integrates ULMA’s advanced forming (Better Form X^TM) and sealing (Better Seal X^TM) technologies, making it capable of running thinner base films without sacrificing package strength or integrity. This is particularly valuable for meat-brick applications, which rely on deep, dimensionally consistent forming and robust seals to maintain shape. Running thinner, recyclable materials without compromising rigidity allows processors to reduce plastic consumption while maintaining the visual appeal and durability expected by retailers and club store shoppers. This capability supports processors seeking reductions in plastic consumption and improved sustainability metrics.

Other advanced capabilities include automated film alignment, zone-specific heating, and constant-atmosphere sealing controls — features designed to improve first-pass yield and reduce rework. In meat-brick production, even minor film wander, uneven heating, or seal variation can result in notable deformation or purge leakage. Automated alignment and precision heating help ensure every brick maintains its crisp, consistent profile — essential for stacking, case packing, and warehouse-club merchandising. On-board tools such as RFID format verification, and recipe-driven digital control accelerate changeovers while reducing operator error.

Centralized recipe control allows operators to auto-adjust settings based on production orders, while built-in monitoring tools track usage of film, electricity, air, and gas by shift or batch. At the end of each run, the system generates a detailed PDF report, giving manufacturers a comprehensive view of production performance. This enables producers to pinpoint waste, validate sustainability improvements, and support continuous improvement initiatives. For meat-brick processors running extremely high volumes with tight retail cost-to-produce pressures, such insights help quantify the financial benefits of precision forming, reduced vacuum times, and lower material use — giving operations teams clear visibility into the true cost of each packaged unit. These digital records also support documentation requirements common in medical manufacturing, providing traceable, repeatable production data that can be leveraged during process validation and audit. This unique combination of innovative technologies delivers a thermoforming platform engineered for a new era of packaging automation and performance — one that helps processors unlock hidden line capacity, enhance product quality, and achieve more sustainable operations.

For more information, https://www.harpak-ulma.com/equipment/tfx-thermoformer/ or call (508) 884-2500. Experience a live demonstration at one of Harpak-ULMA's Customer Experience Centers in Boston, Atlanta, or Costa Mesa, Calif. Call (508) 884-2500 to make arrangements.

Spoiler Alert Food Safety Summit
March 5, 2026
Caboto Centre
1055 Wilkes Avenue

Spoiler Alert Food Safety Summit is a one-day, in-person event bringing together food processors, regulators, suppliers, and consultants to explore the latest food safety requirements, technologies, and best practices. Designed for processors, QA/QC professionals, and food safety and operations leaders, the summit features expert keynote presentations, in-depth technical sessions, and a closing fireside chat panel. Attendees will gain practical insights into HACCP, preventive controls, sanitation, traceability, allergen management, and emerging trends—along with valuable opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, case study discussions, and industry networking.

Tickets available now:
$100 - FABMb members
$125 - non-members
$50 - Post-secondary students 

Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 brings the future of packaging to life with new zones, breakthrough technologies, and expert-led experiences designed to inspire, inform, and connect every stage of the supply chain.

What’s next for the packaging industry? Every year, businesses from across the world gather under one roof at the Birmingham NEC to get answers to this question. As we tick over into the latter half of the 2020s, all eyes are firmly fixed on what the future will bring - particularly as suppliers and brands prepare for a number of key regulatory deadlines. Renowned for keeping its finger on the pulse of this fast-paced industry,  promises to be the most forward-thinking show yet. While it continues to represent every stage of the packaging journey, from design to fulfilment, the 2026 edition introduces  designed to deliver even more value to attendees and exhibitors.

Discover Tomorrow’s Materials: Material ConneXion

Material ConneXion’s curated showcase highlights the materials transforming the products of tomorrow. From breakthrough textiles and sustainable composites to advanced polymers, its interactive display demonstrates how smart material choices drive innovation. Visitors can explore how performance, sustainability, and context combine to create smarter, more resilient packaging solutions. (Stand A15 - Hall 2)

Learn from Failure: Museum of Failure (MoF)

Innovation often starts with mistakes - and the Museum of Failure turns missteps into lessons for the future. From Kodak’s digital camera to modern AI errors, visitors explore decades of corporate misjudgements, uncovering recurring traps that can undermine even the best ideas. The workshop offers practical insight for designing next-generation materials, packaging solutions, automation, and sustainable innovations, showing how learning from failure can accelerate progress. (Stand A11 - Hall 2)

Machinery in Action: Guided Empack Tours

Designed for those responsible for keeping production efficient, competitive, and moving, the Empack Machinery & Processing Tours cut through the noise of the show floor. Join a guided session that brings you directly to the machinery, automation, and processing solutions transforming packaging and production operations.

See live demonstrations, gain practical insights, and leave with a clear understanding of how today’s technology can improve efficiency, reduce risk, and unlock capacity in your operation. Curated for speed and relevance, each tour is a focused, one-hour experience (1pm–2pm) with limited places available on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll be in good company with representatives from companies such as Prims E-Logistics, BW Packaging, Sealed Air already booked to attend. (Meeting point is located at Hall 3a entrance)

Spotlight on Emerging Ideas: Discovery Theatre

Start-ups, SMEs, and suppliers take centre stage at the Discovery Theatre, presenting breakthrough technologies such as AI and smart packaging. This platform sparks new thinking and offers a rare glimpse of what’s on the horizon, giving attendees inspiration for their own innovation strategies. (Stand Q160 - Hall 3a)

Innovation Under Pressure: Pitch the Co-Packers Competition

In partnership with the BCMPA, start-ups and challenger brands have the chance to pitch their ideas to industry experts in a fast-paced, Dragon’s Den-style contest. With networking, funding, and visibility on offer, the competition reveals innovation under pressure and highlights the collaborative spirit driving the packaging sector forward. (12 Feb, 11:30–12:30, Supply Chain Stage W160 - Hall 3a)

Advance Your Skills: CPD-Accredited Sessions

Across two days, the CPD-accredited programme delivers practical insights on automation, robotics, AI, compliance, and sustainability. Operations, engineering, and supply chain professionals gain immediately actionable strategies to improve packaging lines, efficiency, and operational resilience. (Supply Chain Stage W160 - Hall 3a)

Start-Up Zone & 1-2-1 Expert Trail

The Start-Up Zone shines a spotlight on emerging businesses, while the 1-2-1 Expert Trail connects attendees with specialists across policy, sustainability, and supply chain strategy. From Smithers and BCMPA to PackUK and the UK Midlands Packaging Society, each stop provides authoritative guidance, helping businesses navigate regulation, reduce waste, and future-proof their packaging operations. (Hall 3a)

Sheard Packaging Innovation Showcase

Sheard Packaging’s Mobile Innovation Centre (MiC) brings design, testing, and problem-solving straight to the show floor. With a high-spec design studio, live sampling, onboard lab, and collaboration tools, MiC enables real-time innovation, faster decision-making, and smarter packaging solutions. (Stand A80 - Hall 2)

Automation & Robotics Zone

Explore the latest robotics and automation innovations designed to streamline operations and boost efficiency. Visitors can see live demonstrations, experience the technologies in action, and gain insight into how these solutions are shaping the future of packaging. Discover practical applications and consider how robotics and automation could transform your business. (Hall 3a)

Celebrating Talent and Creativity

The Future Trailblazers Awards, in partnership with IOM3, recognises rising stars driving innovation across packaging. Alongside, the Exhibitor Innovation Gallery highlights ten standout breakthroughs in design, materials, and functionality, providing inspiration for every visitor looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Relax, Connect, and Celebrate

Networking is key to innovation. From the Beer Bar and Cocktail Bar to the VIP and Exhibitor Lounges, attendees can recharge, spark conversations, and celebrate creativity — proving that inspiration often comes as much from connections as from technology.

A Platform for Every Professional

With over 450 suppliers, 7,500 visitors, and 80+ expert speakers, Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 has something for everyone. Whether exploring materials, learning from failure, experiencing automation first-hand, or pitching the next big idea, this showcase delivers clarity, insight, and opportunity in an ever-evolving industry.

Don’t miss out.  and be part of the conversations, technologies, and insights defining the future of packaging.

Montvale, NJ — January 9, 2026 — SeaCube Cold Solutions, backed by SeaCube Container Leasing, the leading investor in refrigerated equipment, has acquired Martin Container, the long-standing and well-established portable cold storage container company serving the West Coast. This strategic alignment brings together SeaCube’s expanding national infrastructure with Martin’s trusted regional expertise, creating a more connected and responsive cold storage network for customers across the United States.

Since launching in 2025, SeaCube Cold Solutions has focused exclusively on portable cold storage, providing dedicated, reliable refrigeration solutions to grocery retailers, food distributors, agriculture, festivals, restaurants, pharmaceuticals, and logistics operators as well as other industries. Martin Container further strengthens that commitment, adding nearly 50 years of customer relationships and service excellence throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada.

“This acquisition enhances both scale and regional strength,” said James Armstrong, SVP of SeaCube Cold Solutions. “Martin’s long-standing reputation and operational depth complement our growing national platform, allowing us to deliver faster, more flexible cold storage solutions where customers need them most.”

Bringing Together Two Leaders for a Stronger West Coast Presence

Demand for portable cold storage continues to rise across the Southwest and Pacific regions. With Martin Container’s strategically located operations near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach now integrated into SeaCube’s depot and transportation network, customers will benefit from:

• Faster delivery and improved regional coverage
• Increased service capacity backed by SeaCube’s national fleet
• Expanded access to energy-efficient refrigeration technology
• Enhanced reliability supported by digital monitoring systems

The result is a more resilient, more responsive service model for industries that depend on portable cold storage to protect product quality and reduce waste.

A Smooth, Stable Transition with Stronger Customer Benefits

Customers of both companies can expect a smooth, stable transition with full continuity of day-to-day operations, supported by new advantages. The Martin Container team will continue delivering the same reliable service they’ve provided for decades, now backed by SeaCube’s national resources, technology, and expertise. With an expanded distribution network, customers will also benefit from faster delivery and improved regional coverage across California, Arizona, and Nevada.

“This partnership is an evolution of who we are,” said Charlie Martin, CFO of Martin Container. “We’re building on our legacy by joining a company that shares our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service.”

The combination of SeaCube Cold Solutions and Martin Container strengthens the cold storage landscape across the country, uniting national capability with established regional expertise. This acquisition preserves Martin’s trusted local presence while accelerating SeaCube’s ability to deliver reliable, scalable, and sustainable portable cold storage nationwide.

Sapling Financial Consultants Inc. served as financial advisor to SeaCube in connection with the acquisition.