“It also means customers benefit from proven Rockwell technology, strong local support, and a platform that can scale with their future automation needs.”
HMPS is an Australian OEM specializing in the design, development and manufacture of high-quality packaging machinery. Serving global food and consumer goods manufacturers, HMPS delivers innovative, reliable and flexible automation solutions focused on performance, efficiency and usability.
- Packaging machinery operators needed faster, clearer access to machine data and controls
- High-speed food and consumer goods environments required reduced downtime and quicker changeovers
- Existing interfaces had limited flexibility, usability, and real-time decision-making
- FactoryTalk Optix™ software platform
- OptixPanel™ graphic terminals
- Collaboration through Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork™ as a Gold OEM Partner
- Faster changeovers and improved operator guidance
- Real-time production data visibility for quicker decisions on the plant floor
- Reduced downtime and improved productivity
- Easier troubleshooting, onboarding, and lower support requirements
- More scalable, consistent machine platform for global customers
Challenge
Australian manufacturers in packaging environments require machinery that can operate at high speed while maintaining reliability, ease of use, and minimal downtime.
For OEMs like HMPS, this creates several key challenges:
- Operators need faster, clearer access to machine data and controls to make quick decisions on the plant floor
- High-throughput environments such as food and consumer goods manufacturing demand reduced downtime and faster changeovers
- Traditional interfaces can limit flexibility, usability, and real-time visibility of production data
- Supporting global customers requires consistent, scalable machine platforms that are easy to operate, maintain, and support across regions
Solution
To address these challenges, HMPS integrated FactoryTalk® Optix™ platform by Rockwell Automation across its machinery portfolio.
Key elements of the solution include:
- Deployment of OptixPanel™ HMIs across HMPS machines, including its latest Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machines
- Use of Rockwell Automation’s modern HMI platform to enable a more intuitive, data-rich operator experience
- Close collaboration with Rockwell Automation as a Gold OEM Partner in the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork™ program
- Application of the platform across machines to improve usability, flexibility, and operational insight
As a result, operators can:
- View real-time production data directly on the machine
- Make adjustments quickly and efficiently
- Switch recipes in just a few clicks
- Plan maintenance more effectively
Result
The integration of FactoryTalk Optix delivers measurable operational and customer benefits for HMPS machines. These include:
Improved operator performance and usability
- Faster changeovers and clearer operator guidance
- Simplified troubleshooting through guided alarms and visual prompts
- Built-in training content and on-screen documentation reduce reliance on external support
Reduced downtime and increased productivity
- Real-time access to production data enables faster decision-making
- Easier issue identification and resolution on the plant floor
- Reduced downtime and improved overall throughput in high-speed environments
Greater flexibility and scalability
- Machines are easier to operate, maintain, and optimize
- Lower support costs and faster onboarding for End Users
- A scalable platform that supports future automation needs and global deployment
“The latest OptixPanel platform allows HMPS to offer faster changeovers, clearer operator guidance, and smoother day-to-day operations,” said Adrian Giecco, Rockwell Automation regional vice president, South Pacific.
“Operators can view real-time production data, make adjustments quickly, switch recipes in just a few clicks, and plan maintenance more effectively – helping reduce downtime and improve overall productivity,” he added.
For end users, this translates into:
- Less downtime
- Faster changeovers
- Easier day-to-day operation
“With the latest Rockwell HMI, HMPS is well positioned to support customers across the globe, where consistency, scalability, and ease of support are critical,” said Giecco.
Glen Foreman, national sales manager, HMPS, adds, “We’re focused on making our machines easier to operate, maintain, and optimize.”
“With the new interface, operators can troubleshoot issues more quickly, access the information they need directly on the machine, and complete changeovers with minimal effort. That translates to less downtime, faster onboarding, and lower support costs for our customers.”
Showcase
HMPS’ latest Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machine will be showcased at ROKLive in Adelaide from June 23–25, 2026.
The machine demonstrates:
- Modern HMI-driven machine design
- Improved usability, productivity, and data visibility
- Real-world application of FactoryTalk Optix in packaging automation
“ROKLive is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how modern machine design can improve productivity, usability, and data visibility for manufacturers,” said Foreman.
“We’re looking forward to showing how our latest VFFS solution, powered by Rockwell technology, can help customers package smarter and operate more efficiently.”
Published June 9, 2026
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