The UK’s leading supplier of automated end-of-line packing solutions will launch a new rental service at this year’s PPMA Show.

Over recent months, PACE Mechanical Handling has responded to several enquiries from companies looking to overcome short-term challenges such as recruitment difficulties and seasonal increases in volumes.

The rental option applies to all of PACE’s product line, which includes the Gemini twin-head weigher, Orion Weigher, Orion Weigher and sack placer, CBC sack placer and stitcher line, and the new PacePal collaborative robot.

“There are many benefits to renting rather than buying,” says Nick Cesare, managing director at PACE. “Most significantly, the upfront cost is a lot lower than buying, which allows people to access automated and robotic solutions without needing a lot of capital. With just a three-month minimum term, people can overcome seasonal increases in demand or short-term contracts that temporarily increase their throughput requirements.

“We are offering the same exceptional level of customer support to rental clients that we deliver to people who buy our solutions, including operator training, software updates and servicing throughout the term of the agreement.

“Over the last 12 months in particular, we have seen a significant increase in enquiries from people who are desperate to automate their packing lines but are financially restricted due to the rapid rise of input costs, such as energy and wages. That’s why, as well as our rental offer, we introduced our lowest-priced robot, the PacePal, which has proven very popular.”

Collaborative robots (or CoBots) such as the PacePal are specifically designed to work in close proximity to people and do not need to be placed within a cage or behind a guard.

PACE’s new PacePal model is designed to handle cartons and cardboard boxes, making it ideal for a range of produce and products.

Thanks to PACE’s industry contacts, the new CoBot is competitively priced, with models available for £78,000 – more competitively priced than other manufacturers’ entry-level robots.

The PacePal CoBot has a 20kg load capacity and 1300mm reach, and it can pack up to 15 cartons per minute.

To learn more about PACE Mechanical Handling, its automated solutions, the PacePal and its new rental service, visit stand G14 at the PPMA Total Show