Half a century of packaging machines “Made in Germany”
Amerang, October 2024 – Die SOMIC Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. What began in 1974 as a small engineering workshop in Vogtareuth has developed into a globally leading company in the field of end-of-line packaging. With customers in 45 countries and a team of 560 employees across its various sites, SOMIC today sets standards in packaging technology for the food and non-food industries. An anniversary that provides an opportunity to look back on an impressive success story, technological milestones and forward-looking developments.
The beginnings: From cheese molds to complex packaging systems
In 1974, Manfred and Hildegard Bonetsmüller founded SOMIC with the aim of automating individual production steps in dairy operations. The first machines supported the manufacturing process by stacking cheese molds. Later, machines for many further production stages were added, eventually leading to complete lines being manufactured. A decisive step came in 1988, when SOMIC shifted its focus toward packaging technology with the first carton erector, the KA-20.
It was soon recognized that the cartoning machines could also be used in other industries. In the years that followed, packaging machines for peanut tins and for bags of baked peas were designed and manufactured. A significant turning point in the company’s history was the exclusive focus on secondary packaging for a wide range of food and non-food products in the 1990s.
A consistent characteristic throughout SOMIC's history is its innovative drive, which has enabled continuous improvements and further developments of the packaging machines. The modular construction of the machines still provides flexible solutions that adapt to customer requirements. Performance and efficiency always remain the top priorities.
Milestones in machine development:
- SOMIC 404 (from 1996): The SOMIC 404 machine generation was developed with a modular design and already encompassed all the fundamental functions of today's machines.
- SOMIC 414 (from 2001): The 414 machine generation built on the success of the 404. A catalyst for further progress was the integration of servo drive technology into the machine assemblies, resulting in a significant increase in speed and precision in the packaging process.
- SOMIC 424 (from 2009): This machine generation impressed with even greater flexibility and customization to meet customers' requirements. Through the development of autonomous, modular functional assemblies, SOMIC combined mechanics, electrical engineering and software to deliver improved performance, usability and accessibility. In addition, the Quick-Change-System made tool-free format change possible for the first time.
- SOMIC 434 (since 2023): The latest machine generation elevates packaging technology to a new level. The platform concept of the SOMIC 434 offers a narrow, linear footprint and integrates seamlessly into customers' production lines. The automated, electronically controlled format change and the extremely high processing capacities – up to 500 chocolate bars or 360 pouches of beverage powder per minute – mark another milestone in the development.
The optimal packaging machine for every challenge
The success of SOMIC is based not only on technical innovation but also on close cooperation with customers. From the outset, a trusting relationship with users has been a decisive factor in developing optimal packaging solutions. This philosophy remains today: already in the project planning phase the best solution is developed together with the customer. Product grouping, material selection and carton blanks are carefully coordinated to maximize efficiency and cost savings.
Since 2016 an in-house plotter has enabled the production of prototype packaging blanks, allowing customers to see directly with a practical example how their products could be packaged. This approach creates transparency and trust and provides solutions that are precisely tailored to the individual needs of the customers.
From the drawing board to a high-tech factory
SOMIC's technological journey began at the drawing board. Until the 1990s, machines were still designed manually. The use of 2D and later 3D CAD programs ushered in a new era in machine engineering. Another major leap occurred in 2012 with the "SOMIC RealSource" simulation: this software links the original machine software with a 3D simulation, allowing the packaging process to be visualized before the machine is built. The customer can already see during the planning phase how their products will be packaged – a significant benefit for safety and planning.
Putting people at the center: Modern Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Operation of the machines has also changed dramatically. While simple switches and buttons still dominated in the 1980s, current SOMIC machines rely on state-of-the-art Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI). These enable the packaging machine to be comfortably controlled via a touch panel, languages to be switched and extensive production statistics to be accessed. As a result, the machines are not only easier to operate but also significantly more efficient and productive. If necessary, machine settings can be corrected or adjusted via remote access to the HMI. This often makes rapid assistance possible - without the need for an on-site technician visit.
Internationally successful: From Upper Bavaria to the world
As early as the 1990s, the first packaging machines were sold abroad. Today the company has a strong international presence, with customers in 45 countries worldwide. The establishment of the US subsidiary SOMIC Packaging Inc. in 2014 and the opening of the office in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2023 are the major steps in expanding its international activities. In many other countries, sales partners ensure worldwide accessibility.
Success in the USA has already resulted in two relocations of SOMIC Packaging, Inc. since 2014. Most recently, we are pleased to move into our first owned company building in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, where, since October 2024, we can fully manufacture our packaging machines on approximately 4,600 m². This once again underscores our commitment to being close to our customers and delivering the highest quality worldwide.
50 years of SOMIC: The success story continues
In 2015, Patrick Bonetsmüller, the founder's son, took over management. The organisation as a family foundation provides the company with a solid base and continuity.
The secret of SOMIC's success lies in its clear vision and strong willingness to innovate. Manfred and Hildegard Bonetsmüller laid the foundation for a company that repeatedly views technological challenges as opportunities to develop customer-oriented solutions. Whether fully automatic end of line packaging technology or flexible grouping systems like the new CORAS-System - SOMIC repeatedly sets standards in the packaging industry.
"Our goal has always been to offer customers the best packaging solutions that are not only efficient but also sustainable, flexible and reliable. This philosophy still drives us today – and will continue to do so in the future," said Managing Director Patrick Bonetsmüller.
With a clear view of the coming years and a strong reputation in international markets, SOMIC looks forward to the next 50 years. One thing is certain: SOMIC's journey continues.
