Bradman Lake will showcase a range of integrated packaging automation technologies at Pack Expo International 2026 in Chicago, presenting a fully connected packaging line designed to improve productivity, flexibility and sustainability in manufacturing operations.
Exhibiting at booth S-1742 from 18–21 October, the company will build on the launch of its latest technologies at interpack 2026 by introducing several of its newest solutions to the North American market, including the regional debut of the FT-iFLEX Flow Wrapper.
The FT-iFLEX will be demonstrated as part of a complete packaging line and has been developed for high-mix production environments. The modular machine incorporates Rockwell Automation’s compact iTRAK intelligent track system, enabling zero-pressure product infeed, independent product movement and automatic pitch adjustment without mechanical changeovers.
According to Bradman Lake, the system synchronizes product spacing with film length in real time, helping manufacturers achieve accurate product positioning and consistent seal quality while reducing downtime, maintenance requirements and the need for change parts. The machine is suitable for food, pharmaceutical, medical and multipack applications and features push-button size changeovers and an open-frame hygienic design.
Products wrapped on the FT-iFLEX will transfer directly into the company’s Intelligent Motion Loader (IML), which uses a medium-frame iTRAK system to accept randomly spaced products, collate them and deliver synchronized loading into downstream equipment. Bradman Lake said the system provides high-speed performance while reducing wear and minimizing the need for format-specific components.
The demonstration line will be completed by the SL903 End Load Cartoner, a machine designed to handle a broad range of carton materials, including recyclable and lower-grade board grades. The company said the system supports both operational efficiency and sustainability objectives.
Bradman Lake will also present its HS Carton Former and IL120 Carton Closer as part of a top-load cartoning solution. The HS Carton Former is capable of running up to 180 cartons or trays per minute and will be configured at the show for three-flap carton lock-erection. The IL120 Carton Closer features flexible rubber finger technology designed to handle overfilled cartons and offers tool-less size changeovers.
Sustainability will be a key theme across the stand, with live demonstrations showing recyclable packaging materials running on the FT-iFLEX and SL903 systems. The company said the equipment supports the use of eco-friendly films and cartonboard while benefiting from energy-efficient drive technologies, including iTRAK and ArmorKinetix architectures.
All machines on display will operate using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 Logix Designer software, providing a unified control platform across the production line. Integrated safety systems and Rockwell Automation’s Optix interface will support diagnostics, machine visualization and connectivity.
In addition to the live machinery demonstrations, visitors will be able to view case studies and installation footage from operational sites covering applications including flow wrapping, cartoning, sleeving, tray packing, case packing, shrink wrapping, slicing, bagging and palletizing.
The equipment on display will include the FT-iFLEX Flow Wrapper, Intelligent Motion Loader, SL903 End Load Cartoner, HS Carton Former, IL120 Carton Closer and IB30 Bagger.
Founded in 1948, Bradman Lake designs and manufactures packaging machinery and turnkey systems for sectors including bakery, confectionery, dry foods, chilled and frozen foods, consumer products, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The company operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and the United States and is part of Langley Holdings plc.
