Viking Masek Blog

How Good Automation Goes Bad When You Skip the Planning Phase

Jordan Miller — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:37:00 GMT

It’s all too common in modern manufacturing: A packaging line is installed, expectations are high … and then things don’t go quite as planned. Downtime creeps in. Deadlines are missed. The automation brought in to improve production efficiencies is suddenly an obstacle.

In this type of scenario, blame usually rests on “faulty” equipment. More often than not, however, automation failures aren’t about the machines; they stem from poor planning that happens well before machinery ever arrives on site.

That’s not to say people don’t care. Rather, automation is complex. In the rush to find a solution that corrects shortcomings and helps achieve operational goals, cutting corners during the planning stage is common. Skipping what appear to be “optional” steps can ultimately cost time and money — the two things you’re turning to automation to help save.

Let’s take a real-world look at what causes some automation projects to go sideways, and the planning stage fixes you may need to implement to avoid trouble.

Future-Proofing Should As Part of Every Automation Plan

Nick Knapp — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:24:08 GMT

Future-proofing isn't a buzzword. It's a strategy manufacturers are using to reduce risk, improve ROI, and ensure packaging lines scale with their business.

In Episode 6 of Wrapping Things Up, Director of Sales Nick Knapp unpacks what future-proofing actually looks like on the plant floor and why it goes far beyond machine speed.

The Real Cost of Packaging Automation

Mike Scritchfield — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:14:00 GMT

When manufacturers begin exploring packaging automation, the first question asked is typically: "How much does it cost?" It’s a fair but complicated question.

The truth is, the cost of automation goes far beyond the price of the equipment. It’s a full-scope investment that, if not carefully considered, can lead to frustration, project delays, or underwhelming return on investment (ROI).

“A common misconception is thinking about how expensive packaging automation is up front versus how much it actually saves you down the road. How do you put a price tag on reducing stress and unreliability, or increasing confidence in knowing you’ll consistently meet production demand?”
- Mike Scritchfield, Viking Masek Regional Sales Manager.

That’s why at Viking Masek, we work to demystify automation. We help customers understand everything that factors into the cost of packaging automation and, ultimately, their long-term success.

Adapting to a Changing Industry

Lucas Daane — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:32:58 GMT

The packaging world is changing fast. Automation is advancing, labor is scarce, sustainability expectations are mounting, and packaging formats are getting more complex.

For packaging engineers, that means less time designing from scratch and more time managing projects, building business cases for automation, and ensuring operations keep running smoothly.

That’s the perspective Viking Masek’s Lucas Daane shared in Episode 5 of the Wrapping Things Up podcast. As Applications Engineering Manager, Lucas sees firsthand how engineers are evolving and the practical ways they can stay ahead.

Viking Masek Announces Appointment of New CEO and President to Lead New Chapter

alexandria.sielaff@vikingmasek.com (Alexandria Sielaff) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:45:00 GMT

Oostburg, WI — Viking Masek, a packaging machinery company specializing in vertical, horizontal, and secondary packaging automation, announced today the appointment of Matt Miller as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 27, 2025. The company also announced that Bryan Lacy, currently serving as Chief Revenue Officer, will be promoted to President & CRO, reporting to Miller.

How Long Does It Take to See ROI on Packaging Automation?

Andrew Bayliss — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:31:00 GMT

For manufacturers evaluating packaging automation, one of the most pressing questions is: “When will this investment pay off?” Decision-makers want more than a general promise of efficiency gains — they want to know how quickly automation will deliver measurable returns.

Viking Masek has worked with hundreds of companies to implement packaging automation solutions that not only streamline production but also achieve a clear return on investment (ROI). Here are our insights on how long it typically takes to see ROI, what factors influence that timeline, and how to calculate it for your unique operation.

Packaging Trends Accelerating Innovation & Growth

AJ Nelson — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:40:00 GMT

As sustainability regulations tighten, costs rise, and automation becomes non-negotiable, packaging engineers are called upon to meet the moment. Format, materials, and supplier decisions are no longer separate conversations; they’re a deeply interconnected strategy that combines adaptable choices with packaging trends to reach business goals.

We took the Wrapping Things Up podcast on the road, broadcast from PACK EXPO Las Vegas. PCKG Founder and CEO AJ Nelson stopped by for a chat about the packaging trends he sees as engineering essentials for innovation and growth.

The True Cost of Downtime

Nate Farvour — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:17:00 GMT

In manufacturing, every minute counts. When production lines stop unexpectedly, it’s not just product that’s lost; downtime disrupts labor schedules, order fulfillment, and customer relationships. Even a short delay can trigger ripple effects that reach far beyond the plant floor.

But here’s the good news: Downtime is preventable. With proactive strategies and the right automation partner, you can minimize disruptions, extend equipment life, and protect your bottom line. In this article, we’ll break down the true cost of downtime – and what operations leaders can do to avoid it.

See How Packaging Automation Extends ROI Beyond the Payback Period

Robert Barkley — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:24:41 GMT

In 2025, manufacturers are navigating one of the most complex decision-making landscapes in decades. Interest rates remain high. Tariffs are adding pressure to margins. And the post-COVID purchasing shift has moved from “buy now, figure it out later” to deliberate, data-backed investments.

In this environment, return on investment (ROI) isn’t just a financial metric. It’s a strategic tool for determining how well your operation can adapt, compete, and thrive.

That’s the perspective Viking Masek National Sales Manager - Flow Wrapping Division, Robert Barkley, brought to the conversation during our latest episode of the Wrapping Things Up podcast. After more than a decade in packaging automation, he’s learned that true ROI goes beyond quick paybacks to strategies that strengthen a manufacturer’s position for years.

Why “It Won't Work For Us” Is Often Wrong

Jordan Miller — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:02:00 GMT

“We’ve always done it this way” might be the costliest phrase in manufacturing today. While one company’s dusty, labor-intensive packaging line limps along, competitors are cutting labor costs, reducing errors, and scaling production without adding headcount. Yet many operations leaders still believe their products are “too sensitive” or “too difficult” for automation.

The resistance isn’t irrational. It's rooted in real concerns about investment risk, implementation headaches, and the horror stories that travel quickly through industry networks.

As GM of Customer Care at Viking Masek, Jordan Miller, shared on our Wrapping Things Up podcast, he’s seen it time and again:

A plant manager assumes automating packaging means sacrificing flexibility
An engineer worries their crumbly or dusty product won’t run cleanly
An operations leader fears their team won’t be able to handle the new tech

These obstacles can stall innovation, create decision paralysis, and ultimately cost more than a smart investment in automation ever would.

So here’s an unpacking of the biggest misconceptions we see — and how the right approach can turn hesitation into high-performing, high-confidence packaging operations.