October-November 2026 latam | Manufacturing Technology Insights

Manufacturing Technology Insights: Specials Magazine

STAUBLI ROBOTICS

Attaining Technological Leadership In Robotic Automation

Stäubli Robotics, one of four major divisions of the Swiss-based Stäubli Group, is a leading player in robotic automation, recognized for its efficiency in engineering and technical support. The company takes a tailored approach to product development, co-developing each robot series with leading industry partners to solve specific production challenges. Stäubli Robotics is currently executing a growth strategy designed to position itself as a technology leader in robotic automation. Stäubli Robotics’ Executive President of Robotics, Christophe Coulongeat presented the company’s growth strategy at Automatica 2022, a major event for smart automation and robotics. The growth strategy focuses on three main areas. The first is building leadership in four specific industries: pharmaceuticals, food, medical robotics, and photovoltaics. “We want to sustainably outperform the industrial robotics market and be recognised as the undisputed leader in these areas. Our technologies are continuously evolving to support the changing needs of a wider variety of customers,” says Coulongeat. Unveiling the Stericlean + Series All four industries - pharmaceuticals, food, medical robotics, and photovoltaics - impose rigorous demands in terms of the work environment, which happens to be a specialty of Stäubli Robotics. Its robots are widely used in industries with strict hygienic requirements. The robots’ encapsulated, washdown compatible design makes them the benchmark in sensitive production areas. As stricter regulations take effect and more processing tasks shift from humans to robots, robots engineered to higher hygienic standards and superior cleanability offer proactive solutions.

Industrial Printing and Packaging Solution

Printopac

Empowering Brands through Complete Packaging Services

Pablo Mella Misle, Deputy General Manage

Printopacis a one-stop shop for packaging solutions that helps clients elevate their brand presence. A leader in the manufacturing of polypropylene plastic containers and covers, it uses FDAapproved raw materials and leverages best-in-class technology to provide high-quality products for its food and industrial sector clients. Blending its knowledge in artistic decoration with the technical know-how required for diverse packaging needs, it ensures clients receive holistic services under one roof. Its free technical and design consultations eliminate the need to reach out to multiple vendors, making it easier for small businesses to access services that complement each other. Establishing a brand name can be a daunting task for small-scale businesses entering a new product segment. Often, they lack the experience to create a design that appeals to their target audience and improves their brand value. Leveraging the services of a professional design team can prove to be expensive. With Printopac as their partner, clients are guaranteed a seamless experience. The team begins by scheduling an appointment with the in-house design team to create a brand image that makes the product stand out in the market. From designing the packaging to manufacturing, all steps are taken care of. “We help customers start their businesses from the ground up and provide them with a product that propels them to become market leaders,” says Pablo Mella Misle, deputy general manager of Printopac. Its portfolio of products includes thermoformed and injection molded containers, cups, and lids. Made solely out of polypropylene, they are reusable, enhance sustainability, and allow for high-quality prints and intricate designs.

Packaging Manufacturer

Plásticos Generales, S.A. (PGSA)

Manufacturing Robust Plastic Packaging Solutions at Scale

Arturo Siu, Director

From a small family business conceived forty years ago, Plásticos Generales, S.A. (PGSA) has grown into one of the most successful flexible film packaging manufacturers in Central America. It is known for its extensive range of products and fast shipping capabilities facilitated by its easy access to the Panama Canal. PGSA provides plastic packaging solutions tailored to a wide range of applications in the industrial, food and retail sectors. While most manufacturing companies specialize in a specific type of product, PGSA stands out due to its versatility. From simple trash liners, wicket bags, and drawstring bags to more complex printed lamination films, stand-up pouches, and barrier packaging; it offers a wide selection of products, with all its manufacturing capabilities powered by industry-leading European extrusion, printing and converting lines. With decades of expertise, PGSA is aware of the challenges that customers face and addresses them proactively. The pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, and extended lead time is a sore point for many clients. It currently takes at least 60 and up to 90 days for clients to import merchandise from Asia. PGSA ensures shorter lead times, getting products to major ports anywhere in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean within a week, saving them significant time whilst avoiding operational downtime. Clients are provided with realistic ETAs to set clear expectations. For instance, the transit time to either the East Coast or West Coast in North America and to major Caribbean countries is about seven days from port to port, with weekly departures from both Pacific and Atlantic ports. This unmatched shipping flexibility allows the company to outpace its competitors and emerge on top. One of the most distinguishing attributes of PGSA is that it is not only a manufacturing partner but also a logistical partner.

IN MY OPINION

Prototype Engineering

What is behind the Advanced Manufacturing?

Douglas Pedro de Alcantara, Chief Technology Officer, ROMI S.A: [BVMF: ROMI3]

LAST WORD

Corrosion

Results Driven Continuous Improvement

Tim Blubaugh, Director, Operational Excellence, USG Corporation

IN FOCUS

The Benefits of Automated Modular Assembly Lines in Latin America

Automated modular assembly lines offer Latin America enhanced flexibility, cost efficiency, quality, and speed for customizable production, driving competitiveness through Industry 4.0 adoption and nearshoring opportunities.

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Innovations in Sustainable Paper Manufacturing in Latin America

Latin America's paper industry is growing sustainably, leveraging alternative fibers, advanced technologies, and circular practices to reduce waste and environmental impact. This positions the region as a key player in eco-friendly paper production.

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EDITORIAL

Driving Innovation in Plastic Manufacturing, Automation, and Packaging

Across the plastic manufacturing industry, companies are achieving significant progress through smarter, more connected operations. Efficiency is increasing, downtime is reducing, and sustainability goals are becoming more attainable. Driving this transformation are solution providers who understand the challenges of modern production and deliver automation that works in real time and at scale.

Today, advancements in industrial IoT, machine learning, and advanced process control enable manufacturers to operate with unmatched precision and responsiveness. Predictive maintenance helps prevent unplanned downtime, while digital twins and real-time analytics provide complete visibility across production lines. Integrated automation platforms now allow seamless coordination between equipment, systems, and teams.

A major trend shaping the sector is edge computing, which processes data closer to its source—right on the plant floor. This capability allows companies to respond instantly to real-time conditions, improving decision-making in areas like quality control and equipment monitoring, while reducing reliance on centralized networks for better reliability.

Similar innovations are transforming Plastic Manufacturing, Industrial Printing and Packaging Solutions, Packaging Manufacturing, and Industrial Robotics. These advancements are helping businesses optimize production, enhance flexibility, and meet sustainability targets across the industrial landscape.

This edition of Manufacturing Technology Insights Latin America explores the latest developments in plastic manufacturing, automation, and packaging technology. It features insights from industry leaders such as Douglas Pedro de Alcantara, Chief Technology Officer at ROMI S.A., who shares perspectives on leveraging advanced technologies for smarter manufacturing, and Joe Panebianco, Director of Manufacturing Engineering at Tekni-Plex, Inc., who discusses innovative strategies to enhance efficiency and maintain high standards in production environments.

We hope this edition featuring the Plastic Manufacturing, and leading innovators in Industrial Printing and Packaging Manufacturing, and Industrial Robotics, helps you connect with the right partners to achieve higher efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.